Final Fantasy XIV Best starting class for new players 

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Knowing the best starting class for new players in an MMORPG like Final Fantasy XIV will affect how you see the game. Some of the classes are easy to learn and quickly show you the ropes of the game. However, others will give you a more challenging time but are incredibly rewarding if you know your way around the game. So, learn the best starting class for a new player in Final Fantasy XIV.

What are the best starting classes for new players in Final Fantasy XIV?

There are nine combat starting classes in the MMORPG Final Fantasy 16, and these are called Disciples of War or Disciples of Magic. Each combat class will have one of three roles: Tanks, Healers, and DPS (Damage Dealers).

Here are the best classes for players just starting, but we’ll go in more detail below:

Disciples of War 

• Gladiator
• Marauder
• Lancer 
• Archer 

Discples of Magic

•   Conjurer
• Thaumaturge 
• Arcanist

In addition, these DPS roles can be further divided into three categories. Melee DPS, these classes and jobs can perform close-range attacks and abilities. Physical Ranged DPS, this combat class will perform physical ranged attacks. Magical Ranged DPS will perform magical ranged attacks. 

Each class can unlock its respective job after reaching Lv 30 in that class. You can transition into this class after completing a quest from your Guild Leader. In these quests, you will receive a Soul Crystal; when you equip it, you will have access to new abilities.

Unfortunately, you cannot unlock the Rogue class unless you have completed the Lv 10 class quest for one of the War or Magic classes. 

Arcanist (Summoner and Scholar) starting class in Final Fantasy XIV

Arcanist is one of the best starting classes in FFXIV, as it allows you to deal powerful damage and give your the ability to summon Carbuncle as your companion. This class is a Magical Ranged DPS, and you will start your journey in the Limsa Lominsa Arcanist Guild. You can acquire the Summoner (DPS class) and Scholar (Healer) jobs. 

However, unlike traditional Healers, the Scholar’s job acts more like a barrier healer. Essentially, they reduce the incoming damage using shields and various mitigation abilities. A Summoner will summon books to use as weapons in addition to the different summons, such as Ifrit. Both of these jobs can use Resurrection. 

Conjurer (White mage) starting class in Final Fantasy XIV

Another excellent starting class is the Conjurer, which specializes in earth, wind, and healing abilities. You will start your journey in the Conjurers Guild in Gridania. You can learn the White mage job; the Conjurer is a Healing class. 

The White Mage is a valuable job and is considered a pure healer, along with the Astrologian job. This job will specialize in strong bursts of healing. So if you’re interested in playing the support role, this job will suit you best as it will keep you out of the line of fire while protecting your party. Though, you will have many quests in which you heal various NPCs. 

Gladiator (Paladin) starting class in Final Fantasy XIV

It’s understandable if many beginners flock to the Gladiator class, as it specializes in swords and shields. As it is the more traditional role of MMORPG, you will be correct in choosing this as your starting class. In this class, you will be a Tank in which you will draw the attention of your enemies and away from your allies. 

You will be starting in the desert city of Ul’dah, and you can acquire the Paladin job. In this starting class, you will have a flurry of actions that can reduce, deliver, and block damage.

Lancer (Dragoon) starting class in Final Fantasy XIV

If you’re interested in Melee combat, the Lancer will specialize in polearms and is a Melee DPS. You will enter the Lancer’s Guild in Gridania, and you can learn the Dragoon job.

As you can expect from a Melee class, the Lancer will have plenty of maiming and high-speed combat. A vast majority of its attacks will be jumping and thrusting attacks. Aside from being a great starter, the Lancer armor is one of the best in the game, taking inspiration from its Dragoon job.

Thaumaturge (Black Mage) starting class in Final Fantasy XIV

If you want the destructive magic power of Fire, Blizzards, and Thunder, you’ll enjoy the Thaumaturge class. Also situated in the desert city of Ul’dah, you can find the Thaumaturge’s Guild. You can acquire the Black Mage job and is a Magical Ranged DPS.

As one of the caster DPS jobs, you may have some trouble with it at the start. The downside of this class is the long recast time. However, once you have mastered this class, you will be one of the strongest DPS players in the game.

Archer (Bard) starting class in Final Fantasy XIV

If you plan on taking it easier while learning the game, it’s best to go for the Archer. It is a Physical Ranged DPS class that will use a bow and arrow, allowing you to deal damage from a distance. Your starting city for the Archer will be the city of Gridania. You can acquire the Bard job. 

In this job, if you don’t want to play the role of a Healer or Tank, you can safely get in your hit while still playing a support role. Once you learn the Bard job, your songs can increase damage, reduce cast time, and restore HP.

Marauder (Warrior) starting class in Final Fantasy XIV

Unlike the Gladiator, you will specialize in greataxes if you take this class. But similar to the Gladiator classes, the Marauder is a Tank DPS. You will join your Guild in Limsa Lominsa, and you can acquire the Warrior job. 

If you are interested in self-healing and being the defense of your party, this is the best starting class for you. Once you unlock your Beast Gauge, you will unleash powerful attacks while reducing the damage you take. 

So, as you can see, various classes handle combat differently. Some are easy to learn, in which you will take a safer role, and others will lead you headfirst into the fray. Based on this, you can choose the best starter depending on your playstyle.