The Best Jobs in FFXIV Dawntrail: The Strongest & Weakest Ones

Every time a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) launches a new expansion, we can expect some balance changes in its classes. This is why everyone wants to know the best jobs in FFXIV Dawntrail or more specifically the strongest jobs that offer the most bang for the buck. Some jobs in this Final Fantasy game have become the strongest, while others aren’t exactly worth it. However, being weak doesn’t mean they are unplayable. It just means they are the weakest in their role but still usable in all types of content.

Without further ado, here are some of the best jobs in FFXIV Dawntrail.

Best Jobs in FFXIV Dawntrail

Every expansion has many adjustments, so if some jobs are weak in patch 7.0, they’ll likely get fixed from 7.1 onwards.

Paladin

Paladin has gone from being a top tank in Endwalker to one of the weakest in FFXIV Dawntrail. Although Paladins need a few buffs to certain actions, the job’s rotation is smooth, and new actions enhance existing skills. However, Paladins don’t hit as hard as other tanks, so Square Enix needs to tweak the numbers to make these knights in shining armor rise through the ranks.

Dark Knight

Dark Knight is often seen as the most neglected tank throughout FFXIV‘s expansions. Despite having some of the best-looking skills, Dark Knight lacks identity and proper sustain compared to other tanks. Its invulnerability ability is also difficult for many to use. This job needs a rework or several balance adjustments to improve.

Black Mage

Black Mage, Yoshi-P’s main job, is one of the weakest in FFXIV Dawntrail. The changes to this magic DPS class in Dawntrail have been divisive. Some players love them, while others hate them. The job’s rotation changes quickly between levels 90 and 100, making it hard to learn. Black Mages need another rework to be effective. Its AoE skills feel weak, and the leveling process is challenging due to the removal of certain abilities.

Dragoon

Dragoon, one of the most iconic jobs in the Final Fantasy series, received a rework in FFXIV Dawntrail, making it one of the weakest. While it still does good DPS in certain content, it doesn’t hit as hard as Reaper. The rework streamlined some aspects, but players feel Dragoons need buffs to become one of the best DPS jobs again.

Ninja

Ninja, my main job, is one of the weakest in FFXIV Dawntrail. While it doesn’t bring high DPS, it offers great buffs, like a 10% damage increase effect at level 92. Ninja is more about supporting others than standing out on its own. With some tweaks to its numbers, it could become a strong contender again.

Strongest Jobs in FFXIV Dawntrail

And these are some of the strongest jobs in Dawntrail

Pictomancer

Pictomancer, the new magical DPS job, is one of the best in the MMO, maybe even the best during patch 7.0. The rotation is smooth, it has a lot of mobility, and its casting times are short. Overall, it’s a well-rounded job that even offers healing options for other party members. If you’ve never played a magical ranged DPS, Pictomancer is a great starting point.

Reaper

Reaper continues to excel in FFXIV Dawntrail. Its rotation is smooth with little room for mistakes, and its skills hit hard. The new skills from level 90 to 100 fit well without complicating the rotation. Reaper remains at the top of the DPS charts, making it highly sought after in Extreme and Savage content.

Viper

Viper, the poster job of FFXIV Dawntrail, is one of the strongest DPS jobs in patch 7.0, rivaling Reaper in terms of damage. Viper has a busy rotation and many positional skills. Once you master it, you’ll be climbing the DPS ranks quickly. Developers have announced upcoming changes to the rotation, which makes some players nervous, but hopefully, the damage output will remain high.

Gunbreaker

Gunbreakers are among the strongest tank jobs in FFXIV Dawntrail. This job offers a DPS-like experience with a combo within a combo within another combo. While Gunbreakers don’t hit as hard as DPS jobs, they make you feel powerful. In Dawntrail, they remain heavy hitters with excellent sustain and a busy rotation. Their invulnerability skill is a bit punishing, but overall, this class is one anyone should consider trying.

Warrior

Warrior is the strongest job in FFXIV Dawntrail, just as it was in Endwalker. Warriors have so much sustain that some healers can focus on DPS instead of healing. While versatile, the Warriors might be taking healers’ jobs away. Some tweaking might be needed, but for now, Warrior is a true force to be reckoned with.

Even if your job is considered weak, it doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. Use them; everyone will invite you to a group because every job brings its strengths to a fight. We’re in Dawntrail’s first patch, and job tuning is on the way. The weaker jobs will likely improve, and the stronger ones will remain viable.