As a new player to FFXIV, whats the deal with the incredibly long GCD?

It seems (for me at least being level 27) the GCD seems incredibly long (sitting at roughly 2.5 sec) compared to other MMO combat systems (typically 1-1.5 sec) I have experienced. It seems to make the combat system rather clunky or slow in the way it flows when initiating my shots. I was curious if this is intentional and may be reduced with increased attack speeds? Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Note: 1 sec is a long time when referring to GCD's in my eyes.

Perhaps I should clarify instances in which a 2.5 sec GCD would be frustrating. I think that one of the easiest situations to experience even at lower levels would be "Multi-DoTing." Note that I am operating under the assumption that your DoT ability is on the GCD (similarly to an Archer's VB.) Waiting 2.5 sec in between each application of ones DoT will either force an individual to solely focus on keeping a single DoT rolling on all targets (as by the time the last application goes out on a multi-target fight, it will be time to refresh your initial DoTs) or eliminate DoTing multiple targets completely based on the comparative damage differences between them. This problem is further intensified with increased numbers of DoTs a class needs to apply.

First, the combat in this game isn't supposed to be action-oriented. It's strategy oriented. Combat in ARR is all about knowing what ability to use when, how to position yourself, and how to maximize your effectiveness through buffs, procs, skill sequences, etc. If you're only using one attack because it seems like it's the most powerful, you're doing it wrong. (Not saying you are...I was just illustrating a point) Once you really understand how the combat works, you'll find you don't even notice the GCD. You'll be too busy paying attention to your buffs and debuffs, dodging enemy attacks, and watching for procs. Also, there are many abilities that aren't tied to the GCD and are meant to be used in between other attacks.

it's to foster enough time for you to think about your next move, to employ some strategy in how you utilise your abilities through the GCD.

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Originally Posted by Kiwies

intentional and may be reduced with increased attack speeds

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You already had the answer.

One reason FFXI/FFXIV are a joy to play after WOW and Rift .. combat is not a key-mashing mindless 'rotation' based affair.

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Originally Posted by burchdc

First, the combat in this game isn't supposed to be action-oriented. It's strategy oriented. Combat in ARR is all about knowing what ability to use when, how to position yourself, and how to maximize your effectiveness through buffs, procs, skill sequences, etc. If you're only using one attack because it seems like it's the most powerful, you're doing it wrong. (Not saying you are...I was just illustrating a point) Once you really understand how the combat works, you'll find you don't even notice the GCD. You'll be too busy paying attention to your buffs and debuffs, dodging enemy attacks, and watching for procs. Also, there are many abilities that aren't tied to the GCD and are meant to be used in between other attacks.

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I am very very familiar with PvE situations (atleast in several other MMO's) which involve a high degree of coordination, buff/proc management and overall class (Job?) situational awareness. 2.5 Sec is still a very long time.

If the GCD was 1second you'd have no TP left at all in the higher levels.

Wait till your 50 then judge it.

if its too long for you than you are doing it wrong. im 41 now and im busy like hell timing and chaining all skills. ( bard ).

@OP
This game requires you to think, not mindlessly spam the ever-same "rotations".

i think 2.5s base gcd is a little long too. but i'll check again at max level.

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Originally Posted by Rinsui

@OP
This game requires you to think, not mindlessly spam the ever-same "rotations".

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Priorities will still exist.

Perhaps I should clarify instances in which a 2.5 sec GCD would be frustrating. I think that one of the easiest situations to experience even at lower levels would be "Multi-DoTing." Note that I am operating under the assumption that your DoT ability is on the GCD (similarly to an Archer's VB.) Waiting 2.5 sec in between each application of ones DoT will either force an individual to solely focus on keeping a single DoT rolling on all targets (as by the time the last application goes out on a multi-target fight, it will be time to refresh your initial DoTs) or eliminate DoTing multiple targets completely based on the comparative damage differences between them.


This daily post limit based on level is almost as frustrating as the 2.5 GCD, in any case I will just reply in this post.

@Vod, Threat generation is a great example.

@Thanor, you are not frustrated in any way that it takes you close to 10 seconds to apply your initial DoTs? I use to play an Affliction Lock as an Alternate toon and that would drive me insane. 10 Seconds, especially in a dungeon is ridiculous,

Only thing that annoys me about the 2.5 GCD, is that sometimes DPS goes balls to the wall against a target that I have not gotten to in my tank target rotation. Then they get to tank it for the next two seconds, or so.

As a DoT class player, Arcanist, at lvl 30 you get a skill that spreads your 3 DoTs to nearby targets, reducing the need to apply DoTs on every single enemy. It's bound to Aetherflow which gives you after lvl 22, I think, 2 shots. So twice/1 min you can apply DoTs to all enemies nearby your target. Bio II having 30 sec effect time, you can apply it to most of the enemies for a whole cycle of 60s.

Fates are really annoying for my dot class the cast times and cool downs make it almost impossible to get any credit for fates when everyone is doing instant attacks/aoes it just annoying getting to a fate but everyone kills the target before you can even get your cast bar half way i really hope they fix this by increasing the cast speed in fates.

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Originally Posted by Adva

Fates are really annoying for my dot class the cast times and cool downs make it almost impossible to get any credit for fates when everyone is doing instant attacks/aoes it just annoying getting to a fate but everyone kills the target before you can even get your cast bar half way i really hope they fix this by increasing the cast speed in fates.

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Bio I > Ruin, keep SSJ carby out for hate. You get credit based on enmity.

Edit: Bio I to claim, and claim everything you see. Trust me, those fate mobs are going down faster than a drunk chick on prom night. You'll live through it. (Also, carby can take those hits very nicely)