Dragoon or ninja help me decide please

Hey guys, Just got my WHM to 50 and although he is my main I am looking for a dps job to play. It is between Dragoon or Ninja and I have just a few questions.

1- Which of theses jobs has better survival?

2- How much more dps does ninja do then dragoon?

3- Which do you guys think is more fun ( although fun is subjective) would still like your opinion.

4- Which is easier to play? Thanks...

1. Survivability - DRG is overall more survivable by far, from a less self-damaging B4B, a stronger Keen Flurry (yes it is useful), and higher physical DEF and HP pool. That said, there are times where Perfect Dodge will let NIN do things DRG can't but generally DRG is the last melee to die these days. Survivability isn't too important and I wouldn't recommend picking a DPS based on their ability to live through mechanic or healer failure.

2. DPS - NIN does about 5% more I'd say in the same gear on a typical run. NIN's TA contribution to the raid is completely dependent on the group, it can be amazing or it can be pretty small. DRG's Disembowel contribution to BRD can likewise be in the 20s or it can be a bit higher but not by too terribly much. DPS wise I think most people agree NIN brings more than DRG to a raid.

3. I think DRG is more fun but it's because I hate Mudra lag and I feel NIN is more error prone than DRG, which for me personally messing up as a DPS is quite annoying.

4. DRG is easier to play IMO.

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Originally Posted by Artaniss

Hey guys, Just got my WHM to 50 and although he is my main I am looking for a dps job to play. It is between Dragoon or Ninja and I have just a few questions.

1- Which of theses jobs has better survival?

2- How much more dps does ninja do then dragoon?

3- Which do you guys think is more fun ( although fun is subjective) would still like your opinion.

4- Which is easier to play? Thanks...

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1) DRG has higher defensive stats, but NIN has actual defensive abilities (Perfect Dodge, mainly). I'd say that NIN wins, though in normal content this won't matter much.

2) Not as much as it used to, from what I hear about DRG buffs. It's still a little higher and I would say it provides more benefit to the group, especially with Trick Attack and Goad.

3) I personally don't like DRG for some reason. Nothing I can put a finger on, though, so take that with a grain of salt. I like NIN, but be warned that if you get used to NIN's speed, everything else starts feeling sssloooooow. Also, NIN requires a pretty stable connection to not have issues with ninjutsu. This can be a deal breaker.

4) DRG is less dependent on having a smooth connection. On the other hand, to get the most out of DRG, you need to be able to move to the flanks and backs of enemies. Some find that engaging, but in some fights it can be a nuisance. Basically, both have pro's and con's; it's just a matter of deciding which you want.

The real question is, what's your latency? If you're playing with below 100 ms, I might consider NIN. If not, DRG will probably cause less raging. I switched from NIN to DRG because I got too annoyed by Mudras. You'll also need a tank that times their pulls to your Ninjutsu timers if you want to make the most of your opener... which is rare and thus annoying. DRG is just much less of a headache for me.

1- Which of theses jobs has better survival?
Dragoon from my experience was way easier to level. Also I have only played it a select few times since the buffs.

2- How much more dps does ninja do then dragoon?
Depends on your skill level with each class. Ninja can technically do more but it is dependent on a lot of factors including lag and skill.

3- Which do you guys think is more fun ( although fun is subjective) would still like your opinion.
This is a tie. Ninja mudra's are cool but nothing beats jumping.

4- Which is easier to play? Thanks...
DRG is easier to play. No concern about mudra lag or trying to get 3 oGCD actions within a single GCD.

Really it's up to which you prefer based on your taste for the final fantasy franchise (afterall isn't that why we play??). It's easy to forever argue pros and cons of both from a gameplay/mechanics perspective. Ultimately the best dps is the one with the most experienced and vetted player at the reigns, so decide based of your taste, the rest will sort itself out.

perhaps the only thing worth taking into consideration is Nin's Slashing debuff VS Drg's 100% uptime Piercing debuff. This might persuade groups to prefer one melee dps over the other depeding on the setup of the rest of the party, but I wouldn't let this alter a decision personally.

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Originally Posted by Xenosan

perhaps the only thing worth taking into consideration is Nin's Slashing debuff VS Drg's 100% uptime Piercing debuff. This might persuade groups to prefer one melee dps over the other depeding on the setup of the rest of the party, but I wouldn't let this alter a decision personally.

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Forgot Trick Attack

Each has its own good things, you might try both and decide. I would do all DRG quests before the expansion, the DRG lore is a bit related to the one we will meet at the expansion.

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Originally Posted by Viridiana

1) DRG has higher defensive stats, but NIN has actual defensive abilities (Perfect Dodge, mainly)

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You're forgetting that Dragoons can cross class Foresight from Marauders. It's provides a 20% buff to defence for 20 seconds. Not to mention they also get access to Bloodbath for self healing. Dragoons definitely have more survivability than Ninja's.

Trick attack is pretty much like your entire party popped a 10% damage up cool down. That great for pushing dps to the absolute limit.