Help me pick a DPS!

Hello! I need your help to pick a DPS.

First, let me explain a little about myself: I'm playing FFXIV since about 1 year ago (a little less, maybe?). I'm healing since I began in this game, and my main is WHM (though I have all healers leveled). I picked up healing because it seemed less scripted than other jobs, and I was right, healing is completely intuitive in this game. I could say I play with "my heart" when I'm healing: the ability to predict damage, feel the synergy of the party to know how and when I should DPS or if I should focus on MP management etc.

Long story short: I don't have a script. I predict and react to damage and situations when playing my main class. That's where my problem comes down to: all DPS seem extremely scripted or based on timers. I leveled BLM and tried to play SMN, but it's completely unbearable for me to keep up with the BLMs timers and all the micromanaging/CD timer on SMN. I can do it, sure, but it's far from my idea of having fun playing a class.

That being said, what DPS class should I level to be my "DPS main" on this game and have fun without being a detriment to my party (like some BLMs that do the 2.0 rotations on Void Ark).

TL;DR
I'm a main healer who like intuitive gameplay instead of scripted rotations and timers. What DPS should I pick?

Thank you in advance!

you should play monk o.o/

SCH is always the best choice for dps.

But let me see, if you want something reactive how about a proc based class, BRD or maybe MCH? MCH does take planning out cool down usage though but then most if not all dos I can think of will have that to varying degrees. MNK's basic rotation seems simple enough to not be too distracting that you'll be reacting to mechanics and spinning top tanks ;)

I don't really play a lot of dps classes and really only one at 60. I hated SMN for the reasons you mention. I enjoy MCH more but it's not for everyone. I am going to try MNK next as so far it seems less tedious but a lvl 60 should comment on that.

Ugh...that's a toughie. Melee DPS is definitely out considering how scripted their rotations are and with SMN and BLM gone as well, there's only MCH and BRD left as possible candidates.

Now, I can't speak for BRD (yet), but MCH has a very scripted burst phase, so that might be a turn-off. Otherwise, you can watch the mana/tp bars of your party and react to your shot proccs/ammo CDs.

Uhm...yeah.

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Originally Posted by Tint

you should play monk o.o/

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I second this answer. I have been told by many that Monk is a exciting, skillbased class.

If you don't like playing classes with a rotation that's set in stone, I'd recommend machinist. They're a range dps class that works primarily from prioritizing certain skills above others. Their rotation changes a lot, mainly due to the nature of their main damage abilities being RNG based. It does require a lot of focus, as you have similar supportive capabilities to that of a Bard and your burst requires a lot of preparation as well as thinking a head constantly. It's very rewarding to play.

In all honesty, it's not a bad idea to try out all of the dps classes to get a feel for them and see which one you'd enjoy playing the most. Wouldn't recommend monk though. Or dragoon.

If you don't like following a script, that excludes all three melee (and double excludes drg because of blood of the dragon). You already shot down SMN and BLM. MCH has a pretty involved opener like SMN, but a little less micromanging involved...but it can be hectic making everything flow for wildfires and keeping track of the off-gcd skills. Pretty much the only thing I think would work for you based on your post is BRD. The opener is fairly simple, and after that you just follow a priority system rather than a set rotation.

After that, if you don't mind positionals I think you would probably enjoy monk. It has a rotation, but it's a lot less involved than ninja or dragoon once you adjust to the positionals. You don't have to keep track of huton or mudras like ninja or worry about blood of the dragon. Also, missing a positional is a lot less unforgiving on monk.

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Originally Posted by Laerune

I second this answer. I have been told by many that Monk is a exciting, skillbased class.

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Monk is actually quite scripted. Probably the most scripted actually. Once you have monk muscle memorized, playing it is pretty much like autopilot.

The only real variance in monk rotations is in openers, after that everyone is guided strongly by the form system and rotations end up being pretty much identical as it all becomes about maintaining GL3, DK, and DoTs while using the other skills when refreshing DK and DoTs isn't needed. During downtime you have a choice between form shifting to try to keep GL up or building chakra, that's about it.

I'd really recommend continuing to practice BLM if you don't want a script. BLM by far requires the most quick thinking and on the fly judgement calls, as pretty much anything that causes variance in your rotation such as movement or downtime will require plans to change due to Enochian's very tight timer.

BLM's timers aren't really that difficult, no more so than maintaining DoTs/buffs/debuffs is for melee jobs in my opinion. The only timers you really have to worry about are enochian and fire/ice stacks. Keeping up thunder is just something you can do when you can spare the time to do it and find yourself just standing there, it's a low priority vs enochian. Even when it procs Thundercloud, you won't always have the opportunity to use it without sacrificing something.

Can't say much for BRD and MCH as they're my least played jobs.

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Originally Posted by Coyote_Red

If you don't like playing classes with a rotation that's set in stone, I'd recommend machinist. They're a range dps class that works primarily from prioritizing certain skills above others. Their rotation changes a lot, mainly due to the nature of their main damage abilities being RNG based. It does require a lot of focus, as you have similar supportive capabilities to that of a Bard and your burst requires a lot of preparation as well as thinking a head constantly. It's very rewarding to play.

In all honesty, it's not a bad idea to try out all of the dps classes to get a feel for them and see which one you'd enjoy playing the most. Wouldn't recommend monk though. Or dragoon.

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Yeah, I leveled them all to 30 to see what each class was about, but the gameplay changes a lot after some levels. I'll try Machinist and Bard now too. From the melee ones, I really liked Monk, but still not my piece of cake (better than all other though). I already have to continue my leveling on Bard to acquire Quelling Strikes (i forgot to get Quelling before leveling BLM and qent only with Raging Strikes, poor tanks) so I'll try it out until 60 and see if I like it better!

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Originally Posted by Coyote_Red

If you don't like playing classes with a rotation that's set in stone, I'd recommend machinist. They're a range dps class that works primarily from prioritizing certain skills above others.

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Just wanted to second this. My main dps class changed from being a dragoon in ARR to a machinist in Heavensward and I've really enjoyed the job because of its more loose gameplay. I feel there is more reaction and less memorization.

From what you described in your OP, I think machinist might be the job for you.

I'd suggest Bard. You have priorities, but there's less to check off your DPS list than when you're playing something like Dragoon. I haven't played Machinist though so I can't compare.

Some people dislike how Wanderer's Minuet adds a cast time down the road because it makes them less mobile. I'm lazy and didn't move much, anyway, so I don't care. YMMV.

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Originally Posted by Fevelle

Yeah, I leveled them all to 30 to see what each class was about, but the gameplay changes a lot after some levels. I'll try Machinist and Bard now too. From the melee ones, I really liked Monk, but still not my piece of cake (better than all other though). I already have to continue my leveling on Bard to acquire Quelling Strikes (i forgot to get Quelling before leveling BLM and qent only with Raging Strikes, poor tanks) so I'll try it out until 60 and see if I like it better!

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If you didn't like SMN, you might have issues with MCH. It has a lot of cooldowns for buffs and off-gcd attacks, and the timing for the accepted openers at 60 is pretty tight due to the nature of wildfire. I'm not saying you shouldn't try it, but it plays fairly similar to summoner except the cooldowns don't line up quite as well (though they're not terrible), and you don't have to worry as much about the turret (which is good and bad - it's easier to not notice it died or needs to be moved since you often just forget it's even there).

Every class has its own way of 'prediction', perhaps not with as much freedom as WTM. There are main rotations that your damage potency will rely heavily on sure, but this can be varied depending on the situation, as there are a lot of skills available to overcome limitations. Melee classes especially don't have the luxury of micromanaging skills since they're usually in the danger area and are constantly forced to move to avoid AOEs, or can only maximize their DPS by hitting in certain positions, which is a great deal of difference from playing a DoM class like BLM or SMN where you're safe in the background and just focus on your own skills.

But most importantly, DPS is usually a solo class and doesn't rely as heavily on the synergy of the group as say, a healer to a tank, so oft you're not going to have that thrill of 'prediction and reaction' that will be as significant to everyone but yourself. Support classes like BRD and MCH might be the best alternative.

I personally like bard. Our rotation changes a bit depending on procs and on how much we have to move. We also have a lot of utility, so I'm throwing up songs to help the rest of the group depending on the situation (foe requiem for mages, mage ballad for healers, army's if someone's out of tp, etc.).

We do have a fair amount of buffs, and 2 dots+1 buff that you really want to have up all the time, but a bit more flexibility as well.

I mimic the sentiment of MCH being a good choice, though I find it has as many things to consider as you would on SMN so it might not be suitable. That leaves BRD as an alternative with a similar skill set.

My next vote in would be DRG. A four step rotation to maintain BotD while keeping up your debuffs on the target and buffs on yourself does require a bit of thought in your future planning and gives an interesting flow that can be hindered dramatically with the changes in the fight. I find it highly rewarding to play at high level and be able to consistently pull off good numbers. It doesn't really get too fun until the 40-50 range and then picks up even more in the 56-58 range, so that may be something that might turn you away thanks to the small grind associated with it.

MCH. While the burst rotation is more or less the same, for the most part the class is playing as how you decide skills are necessary and most beneficial based on the situation. Sometimes it's better to save certain skills for later, other times its better to go ahead and change turrets to preemptively prevent a MP problem, and sometimes it's best to just hit the enemies with everything you've got....

Also, I'm lonely as one of the only MCHs out there. I've still yet to see another MCH in Void Ark.....

Ninja! Now that mudras are fixed, its fun and feels fast-paced and who doesnt love their sexy combat animations! :3

DPS classes are the opposite of "intuitive". Pretty much all classes have an optimal rotation and how well you can stick to it dictates how well you do. At raid level, basically every single GCD you do is set from the get go, you don't react to anything (barring no "accidents") and just follow the optimal plan you set for yourself. Although, healers and tanks kind of become the same, their rotation is more based on what the mobs/bosses do. DPS classes pretty much roll the same, no matter what they fight.

TL;DR: Stick to tanks and healers if you want more reactive play. DPS classes are all about solid rotations, and repeating the same thing over and over again to utter perfection.

Pick Monk,its the strongest DPS in the entire universe.

Best pick would be MCH or BRD as most people have said. BRD probably moreso than MCH though since MCH does have a rather strict opener/wildfire rotation. BRD is mostly a reactive priority system

For the style you want BRD and to a lesser extent MCH. Bard is keep up 2 dots, 1 self buff(that for the most part you will always auto refresh anyway), pop cooldowns as and when they happen(or save them for burst if you know the fights), otherwise react to two RNG procs - one of which refreshes your self buff.

MCH is use ammo when available for the most part which forces combo procs so technically once you have ammo you have a set rotation, when you don't it's rng for one proc. One dot and one self buff to keep up as well.

Pick the want you like the most regardless of how high your dps can get.

If you want to obliterate stuff, pick up a NIN, fastest DPS in game. Also extremely easy to use.

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Originally Posted by Kitfox

DPS classes are the opposite of "intuitive". Pretty much all classes have an optimal rotation and how well you can stick to it dictates how well you do. At raid level, basically every single GCD you do is set from the get go, you don't react to anything (barring no "accidents") and just follow the optimal plan you set for yourself. Although, healers and tanks kind of become the same, their rotation is more based on what the mobs/bosses do. DPS classes pretty much roll the same, no matter what they fight.

TL;DR: Stick to tanks and healers if you want more reactive play. DPS classes are all about solid rotations, and repeating the same thing over and over again to utter perfection.

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I know, isn't it beautiful.

Should really give SMN a second chance. It isn't hard to keep track of everything once you play it for a bit and has a lot of ways to play optimally based on various situations due to Aetherflow and the Dreadwyrm Stance as well as swapping between single target, multitarget and AOE.

OP, it really depends on what you like to do, such as are you more of a ranged person, melee, or indifferent. To me, Ninja gives a good bit of versatility due to their movement speed being innately higher than the other melee plus they have ninjitsu that you can weave into your rotation to vary things up a bit versus spamming your combos.

I would promote a ranged melee DPS class in this situation. BRD/MCH have more of a priority based system than a rotational queue. This gives you the most ability to have some options to your fighting. MCH have good initial/steady DPS whereas BRD is more bursty. If you raid I would use BRD, if you are more casual I would use MCH.