Hardships with same level questing as a Bard

Perhaps it’s just me, but I’m finding it kinda difficult to do same level solo questing with my bard. I find I’m not doing enough damage to the mob(s) by the time they close the distance and then start dealing damage to me. I usually come out with 1/3rd or 2/5ths of my health from a 1:1 encounter with a same level or slightly lower (1-2) level mob.

I’m wondering if anyone else had this issue with Bards? I’m in the process of leveling a Tank class from which I plan to do quest with and just save the Bard for raiding. But perhaps I’m totally missing something I should be doing that you all can point out.

P.S. – I really wish Bards had a snare of sorts. That would help immensely.

You're supposed to keep running around... but do it in a circle so they don't reset.
They will get less hits on you than if you stand still.

Kiting is what I did until Wanderer's Minuet, but I wan't too bothered by questing with Bard. Dragoon was a lot more comfortable, though.

Using buffs (including cross-class ones from Pugilist and Lancer), both Venomous Bite and Windbite (used while buffed), and Barrage + Empyreal Arrow or Heavy Shot killed mobs fast enough. If you're still taking too much damage to be comfortable, Second Wind (from Pugilist) can recover some HP.

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Originally Posted by FunkYeahDragons

Kiting is what I did until Wanderer's Minuet, but I wan't too bothered by questing with Bard. Dragoon was a lot more comfortable, though.

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Yea, I'm going to level my Dark Knight and quest as that class to see how much more (if any) the ease of life is with that class-type. Again, I still want to raid with my Bard, I'm just planning to use the DK for solo content.

It's going to be the case for any non-tank role.

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Originally Posted by RiceisNice

It's going to be the case for any non-tank role.

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Ah, ok... so is it a common practice that you have a class for doing solo quests (tank or melee) and whatever you preferred class/role to be for group play?

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Originally Posted by HeavenDenies

Ah, ok... so is it a common practice that you have a class for doing solo quests (tank or melee) and whatever you preferred class/role to be for group play?

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Not particularly, considering people (me included) leveled the likes of MCH first through 3.0, whom probably has the worse solo survivability beyond single mob pulls.

...and had no damage increase from their new skills throughout the entire journey.

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Originally Posted by RiceisNice

Not particularly, considering people (me included) leveled the likes of MCH first through 3.0, whom probably has the worse solo survivability beyond single mob pulls.

...and had no damage increase from their new skills throughout the entire journey.

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Ouch... that's rough. I don't remember mobs being this strong pre-expansion, however, before the expansion I was in mostly raid gear before going back and doing the Main Scenario quests.

I will say, thus far, it is therapeutic coming from a Bard to play a Marauder and just just smash things. And instance dungeon queues are ALWAYS welcomed.

They actually made it a point to make the mobs stronger. They stated that if you took on more than one at a time, chances are you're a goner.

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Originally Posted by PenelopeWinn

They actually made it a point to make the mobs stronger. They stated that if you took on more than one at a time, chances are you're a goner.

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I'm glad you mentioned that. That explains the beatings. I'll still try the tank though. I can't see it being squishier than a Bard by any means.

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Originally Posted by HeavenDenies

I'm glad you mentioned that. That explains the beatings. I'll still try the tank though. I can't see it being squishier than a Bard by any means.

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Tanks are essentially Dps that has higher armor and hp nowadays anyway, really shouldn't have much problem.

Don't get used to kiting. Get stocked on potions and get second wind, and maybe featherfoot. Having a healing chocobo will make your life infinitely better, as healing goes a very long way.
Aside from defenses, I say hit them harder.

EDIT: Run away if it gets really bad, but don't get used to kiting. If you LOVE doing that to then you're in for a very bad surprise at 52.

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Originally Posted by RiisWolf

Don't get used to running away. Get stocked on potions and get second wind, and maybe featherfoot. Having a healing chocobo will make your life infinitely better, as healing goes a very long way.
Aside from defenses, I say hit them harder.

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Pretty much the strategy is to kill everything before it has a chance to kill you.

Don't even ask if it's a friend or foe, just stick arrows in it.

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Originally Posted by FunkYeahDragons

Pretty much the strategy is to kill everything before it has a chance to kill you.

Don't even ask if it's a friend or foe, just stick arrows in it.

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Works for me most of the time. :D

I always do story quests as bard...at the very beginning it was pretty hard (that was, of course, before I knew about silly things like appropriate armor and good weapons. I'm assuming you know as much though so don't worry). But it can be a little difficult because bards are a bit squishier.
If you're having trouble with more than one mob go ahead and use Shadowbind (which is p much useless in all other cases except a few choice battles).

Even after you get WM, sometimes what you gotta do is just shoot n run. That's the bard way. Shoot first, ask later.

As a bard main and doing nearly everything on bard - you have a couple of tools to help you along as well - repelling shot and shadowbind - if you use them effectively it helps a lot - also keen flurry can help as well - ik parry is not that great but still works and don't forget about your trusty chocobo companion!