The best Final Fantasy XIV classes for new players

1) Arcanist.

Arcanist takes the number one spot as an excellent starting class because of its range of DPS, healing, and tanking abilities. As a magical ranged DPS, Arcanist does damage with a variety of DoT attacks as well as has the ability to summon battle pets to inflict damage, but it also has quite a few useful healing spells.

Arcanists can use the basic healing spell, Physick, at level 4 and unlocks Resurrection at level 12, both of which come in handy supporting your team’s healer when they’re in a pinch.

2) Gladiator.

This Final Fantasy 14 class offers a great combination of attack power and tank abilities. The Gladiator is not as strong as specialized DPS classes, but its sturdiness is very helpful on your first Final Fantasy XIV adventures. Naturally, the Gladiator has a high HP and plenty of shield abilities, making him a popular party member. On top of that, the Gladiator transitions to Paladin at level 30, which is generally considered to be one of the best jobs in Final Fantasy XIV.

3) Archer.

Second best of the starting classes and a fan favorite, Archer is a physical ranged DPS class that relies on damage buffs and damage over time (DoT) attacks to destroy enemies. While it doesn’t use combo attacks like other DPS classes, the DoT attacks are a useful skill to learn. Archer unlocks Bard at level 30 as well as the ability to play instruments which, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to hold a miniature concert in Limsa Lominsa? Overall, Archer's attack and abilities are straightforward and easy to pick up.

4)Conjurer.

This support class is the best choice if you’re already set on being a healer. As the Arcanist is a hybrid, the Conjurer is the only base class in Final Fantasy 14 fully focused on healing. It’s upgrade, the White Mage, is an equally straightforward and relatively easy job to play. It has some amazing area-of-effect skills and healing over time. As a bonus, the Conjurer’s healing powers are always high in demand, so you won’t have any trouble finding a party. It can be a less attractive first FF14 class if you’re planning on playing mostly solo though.

5)Samurai.

To fit with the eastern flair of Stormblood, Samurai was added into the expansion as a new and improved combat job. Available upon reaching level 50, the Samurai boasts very high DPS... but not much else. After all, what sort of DPS needs situational buffs and debuffs when the best way to dispatch enemies is to overkill them? In this way, Samurai is best compared to a melee Black Mage in its usefulness in party compositions.

Unlike Black Mage, however, Samurai has a very low skill floor. The job is easy to pick up and the rotations are pretty self-explanatory. It's a fairly forgiving melee DPS as well, since positional attacks are not entirely necessary for those unconcerned with maxing out DPS. Just keep in mind the job has a high skill ceiling, with a lot of room for optimization. With enough practice, the job can put out serious numbers. It's a safe job to pick up and one that looks cool as well.

6)Dancer.

The Dancer is a well-balanced DPS and support role. If dancing around the field and supporting your allies sounds appealing to you, we have a full FFXIV Dancer job guide to give you some more information.

There is no base class for the Dancer, but you must reach level 60 as a Disciple of War or Magic before you can try the job out. To become a Dancer, head to Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X 9.8 Y 12.0) and speak to the Eager Lominsan to get started.

So, will it be the Conjurer? Or are you going for the Arcanist job? Let’s pick a Final Fantasy XIV class and start FFXIV leveling towards that dream career!