FFXIV: Which Magic Ranged DPS Class Should You Choose?

So you want to try out a magic DPS class in Final Fantasy XIV.  Currently, there are three, the Black Mage, Summoner, and Red Mage. All three have their own inherent pros and cons, as with any other class in the game. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will be able to better gauge both sides of the equation and be able to decide which one will work best for you.

FFXIV Gil costs can be mitigated by crafting equipment for the new classes. Since they are magic types, their armor is cloth. Black mages use staves, Summoners use books, and Red Mages use rapiers. Here are the pros and cons of each class.

Black Mage

The Black Mage has the highest DPS of the three, with the caveat of lowered mobility. It makes use of ‘Ley Lines' which lower cast and recast time, as well as auto-attack delay. A skill can let it teleport to either an ally's position or another Ley Line circle. Mana isn't a problem either as it technically has infinite mana.

It cycles through two phases, Astral Fire and Umbral Ice. The former is more DPS focused. The latter lets the mage regain mana and supports allies without sacrificing damage-dealing capabilities. Positioning Ley Lines as well as activating the unique class buff makes the Black Mage a veritable weapon of mass destruction.

However, since positioning is important in playing one, it's better for more experienced players. A beginner wouldn't exactly know the advantageous areas to place Ley Lines in. It also does not have raid utility, such as a team-wide buff. Some players call it a ‘selfish' class to play, as they can only deal damage to the enemy.

Summoner

Summoner's skills revolve around being supported by Egi, beast-like creatures that represent certain elements. Garuda-Egi is wind, Ifrit-Egiis fire, and Titan-Egi is earth. In order, they fill the caster, attacker, and tank roles respectively. As the Summoner gets stronger, they will be able to summon either the Demi-Bahamut or Demi-Phoenixwith time.

The Summoner has a high DPS but is a little less than Black Mages. Its skills apply damage over time, and can even make the DoT effect spread to other enemies. That makes it the strongest area-of-effect damager in the game. It doesn't have the Black Mage's immobility and doesn't rely on positioning as much. Lastly, it has ‘Devotion', a skill that will raise its (as well as its allies’) damage dealt by 5%.

As for disadvantages, filling the requirement to summon Demi-Bahamut or Demi-Phoenix takes quite some time. Some players don't like that. Controlling pets also feel clunky at times. Finally, the Summoner has a somewhat lackluster healing skill.

Red Mage

Red Mages use both Black and White Magic. Certain actions raise either color mana. Skill effects depend on how much there is and what type is favored. For example, Riposte will become Enhanced Riposte when both mana points are over 30. Favoring one mana type will allow the mage to cast either Verflareor Verholy.

Of the three DPS mage-classes, Red Mages are the most straightforward and beginner-friendly. This is a good class to start with, as it requires little research for a build. They're very mobile with good raid utility. Their healing skill is also top-notch as a targeted cure spell.

However, they have the lowest DPS of the three. As you play and learn the flow of fights, Verraise's value dips lower and lower. Embolden, their team-wide buff, has a very narrow use. It boosts their magic and the physical damage of their allies. To maximize it, Red Mages need to be close to their allies.

Playing Red Mage is a dance, and is pretty reliant on RNG. It's a very active class for a mage. That being said, if you'd rather wait for casts to finish, you're better off playing Black Mage.

And that's it for the three magic-slinging classes of Final Fantasy XIV. Any of them will guarantee success in your endeavors, whether FFXIV currency farming, raiding, or questing. Of course, the one that will be most effective for you depends on your preference.

Continue enjoying Final Fantasy XIV!