What are the best FF14 classes for beginners?

If you’re new to Final Fantasy 14, you may be overwhelmed by all the different classes laid out before you. There are a lot of pathways up for exploration, but where does one start? We’re taking the guesswork out of the equation and lining up the top three best starting classes for beginners!

3. Gladiator

This traditional looking adventurer wears the heaviest armor in the game, all while making it look easy and admirable. 

Disciple of War | Class Role: Tank
Wielding the classic swords and shields, the Gladiator class is a well-balanced introduction to tanking. Starting out in the Thanalan hub of Ul’dah, these skilled fighters work their way towards the job class of Paladin at level 30.

What makes this a great starting class?

• A simple, easy to follow combat and defense rotation
• More stable and reliable HP and defense compared to other tank classes
• Tanks receive the fastest queue times for guildhests and dungeons, making leveling much easier

Primary Stat Builds for Gladiators

VIT> STR > DEX

• Vitality increases your total HP.
• Strength increases attack power.
• Dexterity increases the likelihood of blocking or parrying enemy attacks.

Best in Slot Gear for Gladiators

• Best in slot for vitality.
• Best in slot for strength.

Check out the Gladiator class in action!

A look at leveling the Gladiator class.

2. Conjurer

Accompanied by a trusty staff and often times a shield, the Conjurer is a well-balanced class of healing and damage.

Disciple of Magic | Class Role: Healer

Wielding the power of nature’s elements is the Conjurer class, offering a straightforward entry into the world of healing. Hailing from Old Gridania, the Conjurer class leads towards the specialized job of White Mage at level 30.

What makes this a great starting class?

• No extra mechanics - the conjurer’s simple rotation focuses solely on heals and damage
• Reliable AoE healing balanced with best single-target DPS for a healing class
• Though not as fast as tanks, healers are also picked up very quickly for guildhests and dungeons

Primary Stat Builds for Conjurers

MND > PIE> VIT

• Mind increases your healing power.
• Piety increases your MP.
• Vitality increases your total HP.

Best in Slot Gear for Conjurers

• Best in slot for piety.
• Best in slot for spell speed.

Take a look at the conjurer at work.

A short look at leveling a Conjurer character. 

3. Archer

If you're feeling like channeling your inner Robin Hood, the arrow-slinging, woodland dwelling Archer class might be for you.

Disciple of War | Class Role: Ranged DPS

Light on their feet and firing out serious damage with their bows, the Archer class is a tried and true entry point to the world of ranged DPS. Beginning in New Gridania, the Archer class leads towards the specialized job class of Bard upon reaching level 30.

What makes this a great starting class?

• Simple and easily managed skill set rotation
• Ranged DPS means you can deal high damage while staying out of enemy reach
• While there will be longer queue times, the trade-off for playing DPS is lower responsibility in dungeons. Just keep your damage going, dodge AoEs, and you’re golden.

Primary Stat Builds for Archers

DEX > PIE > VIT

• Dexterity increased ranged damage output.
• Piety increases your MP, which becomes vital for the Bard specialization.
• Vitality increases your total HP.

Best in Slot Gear for Archers

• Best in slot for critical hit chance.
• Best in slot for dexterity.

Take a closer look at the Archer in action here!

A look into playing an Archer during a FFXIV Trial. 

You may also be interested in:

• FF14 Most Fun Class (Top 3)
• FF14 Best Way To Level Up Fast
• Final Fantasy 14: 5 Awesome Things You'll Love