Welcome, Warrior of Light! The year is 2025, and Final Fantasy XIV has grown more expansive than ever. With the Dawntrail expansion behind us and the Futures Rewritten patch now in full swing, the DPS meta has once again shifted. Whether you’re a hardcore raider chasing savage clears or a casual player looking for a fun, high-damage class, this guide will walk you through each job’s strengths, weaknesses, community insights, and how they stack up in the new endgame.
We’ll cover 13 DPS jobs, including the brand-new Pictomancer and the fresh melee addition, Viper. Using data from FFLogs, community feedback from Reddit and Discord, and real-world raid experiences, we’ve constructed a thorough tier list. Let’s dive in!
Introduction to the Futures Rewritten Patch
Dawntrail gave us tropical zones, dramatic storyline twists, and introduced two new DPS jobs: Pictomancer and Viper. Then came Futures Rewritten, a significant patch that rebalanced existing classes, tweaked encounter designs, and introduced new savage/ultimate raids focusing on more dynamic movement. If you’ve felt your old job rotations shift or your favorite skill’s potency adjusted, you’re not alone.
What’s New in Futures Rewritten?
- Raid-Wide Mechanic Overhauls: More fights incorporate multi-phase transitions requiring constant repositioning. Jobs with strong mobility or flexible rotation benefit.
- Buff Adjustments: Some party buffs (like Trick Attack equivalents) have changed potency or cooldown, affecting synergy jobs (e.g., Ninja, Bard).
- New Gear Tier: Endgame gear is more accessible, letting mid-tier players reach top item levels quickly (ideal for faster savage progress or ultimate attempts).
- Community Hype: Subreddits like /r/ffxiv are buzzing with “Who’s top dog in the new raids?” threads and “Is Summoner still stuck in C-tier?” memes. Let’s see if they’re right!
Methodology & Tier Definitions
To make sense of everyone’s experiences, we combined:
- FFLogs Data: Parsing top-tier savage and ultimate clears to see who’s actually performing best in “real” settings.
- Reddit & Discord Feedback: Gathering personal opinions from players of all skill levels, from casual crafters to world-first raiders.
- Hands-On Raid Tests: Our team tested each job in the new savage fights to verify synergy, burst potential, and consistency under pressure.
Tier Definitions
| Tier | Meaning |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Game-defining or top-of-the-charts DPS jobs. They bring unmatched damage, synergy, or utility that shapes the meta in high-end content. |
| A-Tier | Highly competitive and versatile jobs. They might not always break logs, but they offer great damage and utility, never feeling like a drag. |
| B-Tier | Solid picks that can clear all content effectively, though they may be overshadowed by S- or A-tier jobs in min-max scenarios. |
| C-Tier | Niche or underperforming jobs in the current meta. Still playable, but they require extra effort or synergy to match higher-tier DPS. |
Remember: A skillful player can make even a C-tier job shine. Tier lists are guidelines, not absolutes.
High-Level Tier Overview
Here’s a quick look at the Futures Rewritten DPS standings:
| Rank | Job | Tier | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 1 | Pictomancer | S-Tier | Highest raw DPS; new caster meta |
| 🏆 2 | Dragoon | S-Tier | Strong burst & high raid synergy |
| 🥇 3 | Monk | S-Tier | Best sustained melee DPS in many fights |
| 🥇 4 | Black Mage | A-Tier | Top caster damage, but limited mobility |
| 🥈 5 | Reaper | A-Tier | High damage with lifesteal mechanics |
| 🥈 6 | Ninja | A-Tier | Strong party buffs & fast-paced gameplay |
| 🥉 7 | Samurai | B-Tier | Powerful self-sustain damage, no real party buffs |
| 🥉 8 | Viper | B-Tier | New melee DPS, solid but still untested in ultimate |
| 🎖 9 | Red Mage | B-Tier | Balanced caster with essential utility (raise, heals) |
| 🎖 10 | Bard | B-Tier | Great support synergy, moderate DPS |
| 🎖 11 | Dancer | C-Tier | Strong party buffs, weakest personal DPS |
| ⚠ 12 | Summoner | C-Tier | Easy to learn, but overshadowed in raw output |
| ⚠ 13 | Machinist | C-Tier | Ranged burst DPS, struggles in the current meta |
Now let’s break down each job with a deeper analysis.
Detailed Job Analysis
Pictomancer (New Caster Extraordinaire)
Tier: S-Tier
Gameplay Style: An advanced caster that “paints” illusions or summons ephemeral art to deal AoE or single-target damage.
Key Points
- Highest Raw DPS: According to recent FFLogs data, Pictomancer leads in optimized runs if the player can maintain continuous uptime.
- Illusionary Buff: Some illusions can buff allies briefly, making it more flexible than pure turret-style DPS like Black Mage.
- Tricky Resource Management: You accumulate “Ink Charges” to unleash finishing moves. Losing track of these can severely drop your DPS.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible damage ceiling | Complex rotation with illusions and charges |
| Minor party utility (defensive illusions) | Punishing if you miss AoE illusions in big raid mechanics |
| Visually stunning animations | Gear can be pricey; everyone wants the new caster armor |
| Excels in both AoE and single-target fights | High learning curve for new players |
Reddit Wisdom:
“Pictomancer is that job you pick if you want to feel like you’re painting the battlefield with your enemies’ tears.” – /u/IllusionArtXIV
Dragoon (Polearm Classic)
Tier: S-Tier
Gameplay Style: The dragoon leaps high into the air for devastating polearm strikes, combining strong personal damage with potent party buffs.
Key Points
- Consistent Burst: Dragon Sight and Battle Litany are still crucial for raid synergy.
- Easy to Gear: Fending gear sets are more common now, and dragoons have balanced stat priorities.
- High Mobility?: Ironically yes and no. Jumps can punish you if you choose a bad moment.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong synergy with party members via Crit buffs | Jump lock animations can cause big trouble |
| Simple rotation that’s still engaging | Missed positionals reduce DPS significantly |
| Looks awesome: who doesn’t love mid-air flourishes? | Lacks personal defensive cooldowns |
| Steady presence in top FFLogs ranks | Must be mindful of fight mechanics mid-leap |
Expert Note:
In savage raids, Dragoons often rank among the top 2–3 DPS. Many static leaders still prefer a Dragoon due to its synergy with other DPS and the raw critical bonus.
Monk (Fists of Fury)
Tier: S-Tier
Gameplay Style: A lightning-fast melee that uses stances and chakra to chain combos, punishing bosses with relentless flurries of strikes.
Key Points
- Amazing Sustain: Over longer fights, Monk’s damage rarely dips, thanks to consistent combos.
- Stance Dancing: Requires more attention to rotation than a job like Samurai but is incredibly rewarding when mastered.
- Patch Buffs: In Futures Rewritten, Monk’s potency on certain moves was raised, reinforcing its position at the top.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Possibly the best sustained DPS in the game | High APM (actions per minute) can be tiring for some |
| Superb mobility & short GCD-based gameplay | Positionals remain crucial, especially for max damage |
| Synergizes well with raid buffs | No major group buff of its own |
| Satisfying to watch as you weave combos | Tricky to keep perfect rotation during boss transitions |
Community Voice:
Monk mains often rave about how it feels like a “dance of fists.” One user wrote on Reddit:
“Once you find that perfect flow, it feels unstoppable.”
Black Mage (Arcane Artillery)
Tier: A-Tier
Gameplay Style: The definitive turret caster. Deals monstrous damage but hates movement. If you memorize boss fights well, you can top logs.
Key Points
- Highest Caster Damage: Potency remains off the charts, as always.
- No Utility: Not for players who want to buff or heal teammates.
- Fight Knowledge is King: Stand in the right place at the right time, or lose your rotation and watch your DPS plummet.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Potentially unmatched raw damage for casters | Virtually zero party synergy |
| Clear rotation phases (Fire vs. Ice) | Movement-heavy fights hamper your damage |
| Rewarding for veterans who plan out fights | Requires memorizing boss timelines in detail |
| Great for fights with minimal forced movement | Very punishing if you move mid-cast |
Extra Insight:
Some savage fights in Futures Rewritten are more movement-heavy. That’s why BLM is only A-Tier. In stable fights, it can feel S-Tier.
Reaper (Void Scythe DPS)
Tier: A-Tier
Gameplay Style: A melee scythe-wielder with a dark flair, featuring lifesteal combos and a short party buff. Introduced in Endwalker, refined in Dawntrail, remains strong in 2025.
Key Points
- Lifesteal Mechanic: Helps with personal survivability, which is unusual for a DPS.
- Arcane Circle: Team synergy buff, though shorter or weaker than some older buffs.
- Fluid Rotation: Balances building a gauge to unleash devastating finishers.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good blend of single-target and AoE potential | If your rotation alignment is off, you lose big damage |
| Lifesteal can save a healer’s GCD in emergencies | Competes with other top melee for party spots |
| Cool animations, big scythe vibes | Less max damage potential than a well-played Samurai/Dragoon |
| Steady presence in mid-level savage logs | Has to watch out for frequent boss movement, too |
Discord Commentary:
“Our Reaper often self-heals out of AoE chip damage, letting the healers focus on the tank. It’s a small difference but adds up.” – A raid leader from the Aether data center
Ninja (Nimble Assassin)
Tier: A-Tier
Gameplay Style: Fast-paced melee using mudras for ninjutsu spells. Renowned for party buffs that elevate the entire group’s DPS.
Key Points
- Trick Attack (or its updated 2025 version) helps the party deal more damage.
- High Mobility: Skills like Shukuchi let you zip around the field.
- Mudra Mastery: Requires memorizing combos to avoid “Bunny Fiascos.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic party contribution via damage buffs | Mudra mistakes cost precious time (and can produce a silly rabbit) |
| Excellent mobility to handle complicated mechanics | Lower personal DPS if you’re focusing more on buff windows |
| Quick animations feel satisfying | Beginners often misalign ninjutsu with raid buffs |
| Good synergy with Dragoons, Bards, etc. | Harder to pick up for brand-new players to FFXIV |
Why A-Tier?
Ninja’s synergy remains relevant. While not always topping personal DPS charts, its overall benefit can push the party’s total damage up. Perfect for tight enrage checks.
Samurai (Iaijutsu Master)
Tier: B-Tier
Gameplay Style: A melee DPS focusing on personal damage over synergy. Relies on Sen combos culminating in devastating Iaijutsu moves like Midare Setsugekka.
Key Points
- Self-Sufficient: Samurai doesn’t buff the party, but it also doesn’t need external synergy to excel.
- Big Hits: Known for massive single-attack bursts that look spectacular.
- No Safety Net: If you die mid-fight, you have no utility to help the team once you’re back up.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Straightforward but powerful rotation | No party buffs or synergy elements |
| Visual flair with cherry blossoms and sword draws | If you’re forced to move during your big attack, it’s wasted |
| Easy to gear if you just want raw potency | Lacks any form of support or defensive skills |
| Good for players who want “pure personal DPS” | Ranking in savage logs can be overshadowed by synergy-based jobs |
Community Note:
Samurai is beloved for its sense of personal glory. Some Reddit users jokingly call it the “Lone Wolf,” shining in pick-up groups but overshadowed in well-coordinated statics that prefer synergy buffs.
Viper (New Melee Challenger)
Tier: B-Tier
Gameplay Style: Another brand-new job introduced in Dawntrail, focusing on dual-wielded daggers or short blades. It’s about applying poisons and swift combos, a bit like a “second Ninja.”
Key Points
- Venom Gauge: Stacks poison counters for heavier burst attacks.
- Fast, Mobile: Good for fights with repeated AoE zone transitions.
- Unproven in Ultimates: While it performs decently in savage raids, few top-tier groups have tested it extensively in ultimate raids yet.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High mobility, quick bursts | Lacks the synergy that Ninja or Dragoon provide |
| Poisons can add bonus DoT damage | Might feel overshadowed by Ninja’s iconic buffs |
| Visually unique animations for poison finishers | Less known among the community, so fewer resources or guides |
| Decent in normal and savage-level content | Player skill gap is huge: poorly timed venom stacks = low DPS |
Expert Feedback:
Many are excited about Viper’s potential. The job’s immediate acceptance is good, but it’s not shattering logs. “Great pick if you like agile DPS without overcomplicating your rotation,” says one user on Discord.
Red Mage (Balanced Spellblade)
Tier: B-Tier
Gameplay Style: The best “jack-of-all-trades” caster, weaving black and white magic before jumping into a brief melee combo. Known for Raise capabilities.
Key Points
- Utility King: In a pinch, Red Mage can rescue your party from near-wipes by chain-raising fallen players.
- Moderate DPS: Good, not great. If you want the highest numbers, look elsewhere.
- Painless to Learn: Its combo system is straightforward, making it newbie-friendly.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent utility (raises, minor heals) | Won’t top the meters if you’re chasing big parse numbers |
| Relatively easy rotation that’s fun for beginners | Mana balance can get sloppy if you’re not paying attention |
| Decent AoE for dungeon clearing | Boss phases demanding frequent movement can disrupt combos |
| Can clutch out savage runs by mass rezzing the party | Some players find it too simple compared to BLM or SMN |
Why B-Tier?
While Red Mage brings real value, it’s overshadowed by jobs that either do more damage (BLM, Pictomancer) or have more specialized synergy. Still, a staple in progression groups.
Bard (Melodic Support)
Tier: B-Tier
Gameplay Style: A ranged physical DPS that buffs allies through songs. You maintain DoTs and rely on proc-based shots. Great for synergy, moderate for personal DPS.
Key Points
- Song Buffs: Army’s Paeon, The Wanderer’s Minuet, etc. can help the team’s damage or resource management.
- High Mobility: You can run around while firing arrows, ideal for movement-heavy encounters.
- Proc Dependent: Could be exciting or frustrating, depending on your luck.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic synergy if your party times bursts | Lower personal DPS than Machinist or Dancer in bursts |
| Easy to maintain DoTs while running around | RNG-based procs can lead to damage variability |
| Good for puzzle-like fights with heavy movement | Rarely if ever tops FFLogs for personal damage |
| Often appreciated in progression due to buffs | Some find it repetitive after the initial novelty |
Community Tip:
Bard is a crowd favorite for bigger groups, especially savage fights with extended phases. “If you want to move freely and support your allies, Bard never goes out of style,” says a top parser on /r/ffxiv.
Dancer (Choreographed Buffs)
Tier: C-Tier
Gameplay Style: Another ranged physical DPS that pairs up with a “dance partner” to buff them. Focused on synergy, not personal dominance.
Key Points
- Weakest Personal DPS: The design emphasizes party support over individual output.
- Dance Steps: You complete short combos to power up finishing moves, then share the love with your chosen partner.
- High Mobility: Rarely forced to stand still.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong partner buffs (makes a top DPS even stronger) | If your partner dies or underperforms, you lose big value |
| Fluid, easy rotation with plenty of movement freedom | Lowest personal DPS, so you rely on synergy to matter |
| Encourages team-focused gameplay | Not the best pick for random groups or personal parse goals |
| Good for fights with frequent AoEs or forced repositioning | Some find the dance step system too simplistic or “clunky” |
Why C-Tier?
While Dancer can be invaluable in certain static groups (like boosting a monstrous Pictomancer or Samurai), it struggles in pugs or content where synergy is lacking.
Summoner (Egi Commander)
Tier: C-Tier
Gameplay Style: A caster that calls forth primal-themed creatures for both AoE and single-target damage. Known for consistent, moderate DPS and easy rotation.
Key Points
- Egi Summons: In Futures Rewritten, Summoner’s “Egi” rotations got streamlined, but the final potency is still on the lower side.
- Utility: Summoner can resurrect allies, though not as smoothly as Red Mage.
- Good for Leveling: Its simplicity is a plus if you’re starting out in endgame.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Straightforward rotation ideal for new players | Lower DPS than BLM, Pictomancer, or even Red Mage |
| Can handle AoE dungeons smoothly with primal swaps | Pet AI can bug out if the fight demands constant repositioning |
| Provides an emergency rez for wiped-out parties | Rarely top-tier in savage or ultimate raids |
| Flexible skill set that covers multiple scenarios | Outclassed by other casters that have higher skill ceilings |
Reddit Poll: A poll on r/ffxiv asked, “Which job feels the easiest in savage?” Summoner often ranks near the top in that category, but not for raw damage.
Machinist (Gadget Gunner)
Tier: C-Tier
Gameplay Style: Ranged DPS focusing on firearms, turrets, and mechanical bursts. Often overshadowed by synergy-based ranged classes.
Key Points
- Burst Windows: Overheat cycles and battery gauge usage can yield respectable bursts if timed perfectly.
- Minimal Utility: Not a buffer, not a healer—Machinist is about personal DPS only.
- Struggles in Movement: While you can maintain some mobility, you risk losing turret damage if you misplace it in boss transitions.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Straightforward rotation with less RNG than Bard | No party buffs or synergy outside personal DPS |
| Overdrive bursts can chunk boss HP if perfectly lined up | Tends to lag behind in multi-target or highly mobile fights |
| Offers a futuristic fantasy if you love guns & gadgets | Consistently overshadowed by synergy-based or higher DPS jobs |
| Great for quick content where synergy doesn’t matter much | Hard to find raid spots if your group min-maxes synergy |
Community Sentiment:
“Machinist is my comfort pick for casual content—point, shoot, done. But I wouldn’t bring it to an ultimate if we’re aiming for a top parse.” – /u/GunbreakerGang
FFLogs Data vs. Reddit Opinions
FFLogs Takeaway
In advanced savage logs, Pictomancer, Dragoon, and Monk top the charts. Samurai often appears high in personal damage but loses overall synergy points. Meanwhile, Machinist and Summoner underperform in 90th+ percentile logs.
Reddit/Discord Discussions
- Synergy vs. Solo: Many threads emphasize that synergy jobs (Ninja, Bard, Dancer) can outshine raw DPS classes if the group coordinates.
- “Play What You Love”: A vocal portion of the community still urges players to pick the job that resonates with them, ignoring the meta.
- Patch Hopes: Summoner loyalists anticipate a buff mid-patch to close the gap, while Machinist fans hope for synergy improvements.
Essential Tips: Gear, Gil, and Party Synergy
- Gear Up: The new savage gear often comes from drops in the top raids. If you’re short on time, crafted gear (HQ sets) is a quick fix—just be ready to spend Gil on the Market Board.
- Meld Properly: Crit and Direct Hit melds are still top picks for most DPS. Some jobs prefer Determination. Always check updated stat weight guides.
- Gil Farming: If you’re underfunded, consider focusing on a crafting or gathering class. Many raiders buy potions and food en masse, so you can profit from that.
- Party Composition: Balancing your synergy jobs with raw DPS can accelerate kills. For example, a Ninja+Dragoon pair often ensures the entire raid sees a DPS bump.
Pros & Cons Tables at a Glance
To give you a quick reference, here’s a condensed chart summarizing pros and cons for each job:
| Job | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pictomancer | Top-tier damage, illusions for minor party support | Complex rotation, illusions can be punishing |
| Dragoon | Strong burst, synergy buffs, fan-favorite polearm style | Jump lock risk, minimal self-survival tools |
| Monk | Best sustained DPS, mobile, fast GCD gameplay | High APM, demands positionals, no group buffs |
| Black Mage | Massive damage if stationary, simple but punishing rotation | No party utility, struggles in movement-heavy phases |
| Reaper | Good personal damage + short party buff, lifesteal | Gauges need careful alignment, overshadowed by top-tier synergy |
| Ninja | Great party buff, high mobility, fun mudra combos | Mudra mistakes are costly, personal DPS can be overshadowed |
| Samurai | High personal burst, easy gear focus, satisfying hits | Zero party synergy, can be overshadowed in group-based content |
| Viper | New melee job with agile combos, unique poison approach | Feels second to Ninja, less known among raid statics |
| Red Mage | Balanced DPS + raise utility, easy rotation | Low max damage, can get overshadowed by BLM or Summoner for pure DPS |
| Bard | Songs for party, mobile, decent synergy | RNG-based procs, rarely tops damage charts |
| Dancer | Extreme synergy if partner is strong, highly mobile | Weak personal DPS, reliant on your partner’s performance |
| Summoner | Straightforward, can resurrect, simple primal phases | Lower overall DPS, overshadowed by BLM or Pictomancer |
| Machinist | Personal burst windows, easy to learn rotation | No synergy or party buffs, underwhelming in top-tier raids |
Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right DPS
- Ask Yourself: Do you prefer a high-risk, high-reward style (Black Mage, Pictomancer) or a balanced approach (Red Mage, Reaper)?
- Consider Raid Environment: Are you in a static that coordinates bursts? If yes, synergy-based classes (Ninja, Bard) might shine. If no, pick a self-sufficient job like Samurai or Machinist.
- Look at Content: For savage or ultimate, you might want top-tier DPS or synergy. For casual/normal content, any job works fine—just pick what’s fun.
- Gear & Gil: If you plan to optimize, check the job’s favored stats. Start melding Crit or Direct Hit, and keep an eye on Market Board deals.
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Community Strategies & Extra Insights
Effective Communication
- Discord is your friend. If you’re running synergy-based setups, call out your buff windows (e.g., “Ninja Trick Attack in 5 seconds!”) so everyone lines up bursts.
Trials & FATEs
- Futures Rewritten introduced new trial events that can be a goldmine for practice. Jump in with your chosen job to get a feel for movement vs. damage.
Reddit’s Favorite Meme
- People love joking about how Summoner always “Summons the floor.” The moment you see a SMN ignoring AoE, you’ll get the reference. But jokes aside, Summoner can shine if well played, even if it’s labeled C-Tier.
Potential Future Buffs
- Many players believe Machinist is next in line for a rework. Keep an eye on patch notes—Square Enix is known for surprising us.
FAQ: Quick Questions, Fast Answers
Q1: “Which DPS Job Is Best for Beginners?”
A1: Red Mage or Summoner. Both are forgiving, with easy rotations and the ability to resurrect.
Q2: “Will Pictomancer Stay S-Tier?”
A2: Hard to say. If it continues dominating logs, the devs might tone it down. Follow patch notes and be ready to adapt.
Q3: “Is Samurai Really Only B-Tier?”
A3: Samurai’s personal DPS is enormous, but many groups prefer synergy-driven classes. In random parties, it’s still a top pick for carrying personal damage.
Q4: “What If I Love Machinist but Everyone Says It’s Weak?”
A4: If you’re having fun, don’t sweat the tier list. Many players do just fine clearing savage or ultimate with C-tier jobs. Skill and game knowledge matter more than raw theoretical numbers.
Q5: “Should I Bother with Food/Potions in Casual Content?”
A5: Always! Even casual content feels smoother with stat buffs. Potions and food can also help you learn a job’s rotation under mild pressure.
Conclusion:
Futures Rewritten has shaken up the meta in Final Fantasy XIV, bringing new life to older classes and fresh competition through Pictomancer and Viper. While S-tier stars like Dragoon and Monk continue to hold strong, mid-tier favorites like Samurai or Bard remain valuable in the right hands. Even C-tier jobs can be perfectly viable for clearing all content if you put in the effort.
The golden rule? Play what you love. If a particular job’s aesthetic or gameplay resonates with you, that passion typically translates into better performance. Tier lists guide you to the meta, but they shouldn’t dictate your fun. As always, watch for future patches—Square Enix might buff a job that’s struggling or tweak an overperformer, and the tier list will shift again.
In the meantime, grab your weapon (or paintbrush, scythe, or short sword), find a static or a pick-up group, and enjoy the ride. There’s never been a better time to showcase your DPS prowess in Eorzea. Good luck, and may your crits be high!
