FFXIV Job Tier List: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Jobs in 2023
Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) has long been a staple of the MMORPG genre, offering players a rich and immersive experience with its intricate gameplay, stunning visuals, and diverse range of playable jobs. For both new and veteran players, understanding the FFXIV job tier list is crucial to excelling in dungeons, raids, and PvP content. This guide will break down the current meta, helping you make informed decisions about which jobs to main in 2023.
What is a Job Tier List?
A job tier list ranks the effectiveness of each job in FFXIV based on their performance in endgame content. This includes factors like damage output, survivability, utility, and overall versatility. While tier lists can vary depending on the content and player skill, they provide a general idea of which jobs are currently strong or weak.
S-Tier Jobs: The Powerhouses of FFXIV
These jobs are considered the best in the game right now, excelling in nearly every aspect of gameplay. They are highly sought after in high-end content and often have minimal weaknesses.
Dark Knight: With its exceptional tanking capabilities and high damage output, Dark Knight remains a top-tier tank job. Its access to powerful cooldowns and self-healing makes it a favorite among raid teams.
Warrior: Another stellar tank job, Warrior offers unmatched survivability and a robust rotation. Its ability to manage enmity and protect the party makes it a cornerstone of any progression group.
Sage: As one of the strongest healers in the game, Sage combines high burst healing with excellent mobility. Its unique card system adds depth to its gameplay, making it a fan favorite.
Reaper: With its high damage potential and fluid rotation, Reaper is a top-tier DPS job. Its melee-based playstyle and access to strong buffs make it a staple in any DPS lineup.
A-Tier Jobs: Strong but Not Perfect
These jobs are still excellent choices but may lack some of the finesse or utility of S-Tier jobs. They are reliable in most situations and can shine with the right playstyle.
White Mage: A classic healer, White Mage offers consistent healing and a wide range of utility. While it may not have the burst potential of Sage, its reliability makes it a solid pick.
Black Mage: As one of the most iconic caster jobs, Black Mage deals high damage with its powerful mana-based rotation. However, its lack of mobility holds it back from reaching S-Tier status.
Summoner: With its pet-based gameplay and high AoE damage, Summoner is a versatile DPS job. Recent buffs have made it more competitive, but it still struggles in single-target situations.
B-Tier Jobs: Solid but Niche
These jobs are still viable but tend to excel in specific situations rather than being universally strong. They are great for players who enjoy their unique playstyles.
Paladin: While not as strong as other tank jobs, Paladin offers excellent utility and a unique playstyle. Its ability to provide shields and buffs makes it a valuable asset in certain content.
Bard: A support-focused DPS job, Bard provides powerful buffs and decent damage output. Its reliance on party composition holds it back from higher tiers.
Machinist: With its mix of ranged DPS and utility, Machinist is a fun and versatile job. However, its damage output lags behind other DPS jobs.
C-Tier Jobs: Needs Some Love
These jobs are still playable but struggle to compete with higher-tier jobs. They often lack the utility or damage output to be considered top-tier.
Rogue: While Rogue has seen some improvements, it still lags behind other melee DPS jobs in terms of damage and utility.
Lancer: As the base form of Dragoon, Lancer struggles to keep up with other DPS jobs. Its rotation feels clunky, and its damage output is subpar.
D-Tier Jobs: In Need of Buffs
These jobs are currently the weakest in the game and are not recommended for serious play. They often have outdated mechanics or lack the necessary tools to compete.
Archer: Despite its high mobility, Archer suffers from low damage output and a lackluster rotation. It is rarely seen in high-end content.
Gladiator: As the base form of Paladin, Gladiator lacks the utility and survivability of its upgraded counterpart. It is not recommended for tanking.