Why be a Bard over an Archer?

[Ironfistmonkey]

Bard is the new Red Mage people will want you endgame for refresh refresh refresh!

[Rosencranz]

Bard is the new Red Mage people will want you endgame for refresh refresh refresh!

"I need a bard here!"
"Coming!"
"Bard, mana!"
"Right on my way!"
"Bard LB3 Please"
"Omgomgomg!"

Always on the run, always on the spot, the fanciest job on FFXIV: The Bard, only for you <3


*Campaign for the safeguards of shiny Bards*

[Brattle]

Bard is the new Red Mage people will want you endgame for refresh refresh refresh!

You mean bard is going to be the new bard.

[Darkov]

1-45 = Archer
45-50 = Bard

Sure, some of the utility skills from cross class can be useful whilst levelling as an Archer, but at the end of the day, Bard is significantly better once you get AF armor and the AOE skills.

[Bardo]

Let's clarify a bit.

Solo 1-44 --> Archer - You'll get barely any use out of bard songs solo, and the difference in base stats is fairly low. You'll get far more use out of additional xCS.

Solo 45+ --> Bard - once you get AF gear, the stat difference will out-weigh the xCS you give up.

Light Party 1-29 --> Archer - Even if you're above 30, if you do a dungeon that level caps you below 30 then there is absolutely no advantage to Bard as you won't be able to sing.

Light Party 30-39 --> Situational. In quite a few mid level dungeons, MP still doesn't really become an issue. Use your judgement. If you have a Paladin tank and two mages, you're probably going to be more use to them as bard. If you've got a Warrior tank and another physical dps and a White Mage, then it's doubtful that you'll need Mage's Ballad and Foe Requiem won't do much either.

Light Party 40+ --> Pretty much Bard is going to be better for any situation.