Summoner vs. Black Mage in frontlines

[swordrain]

Sorry, I know this is my second thread in like two days, but I'm now trying to do some research for my partner who is currently at work and I'm trying to save him some time.

He usually plays summoner in everything, however I told him it's probably a good idea to roll another class in PvP due to the fact that he will likely want to redo all his stats and bars and won't want to have to constantly change it all. So the question we'd like to ask is if summoner or black mage is better for PvP in frontlines.

Thank you very much

[NorthernLadMSP]

I have both black mage and summoner, and in non-PVP I love playing both. However, in Frontlines, I much prefer summoner. For a few reasons . . .

Number one, black mages are generally the second target by your opponents (after the healers) due to their powerful attacks, Flare and multiple sleep abilities.

Number two, black mages only main instant-cast-while-moving (non-PVP) attack skill is Scathe. Summoners have Ruin II, Miasma II, Bio, Energy Drain, Fester and Bane. In addition, even if you're having to move fast, your pet keeps attacking. Plus, Miasma and Miasma II also reduce healing on the target.

Just my personal opinion.

[Abrar]

SMN is very mobile in pvp.. SMN has better chance to survive in 1 vs 1, but for BLM, it's a bit hard for BLM.. when u need to chase ur target or attacking without interuption while moving= bio, ruin 2, energy drain + plus ur pet attack.. but for BLM u only has Scathe..

[swordrain]

From what I've read here and on my own, summoner is the way to go due to having more meaningful instant casts.

Thanks everyone, that helps a whole lot.

[Necaust]

BLM also have Swiftcast FIII, Surecast FI, TB and Fire III procs, Nightwing, and Phantom Dart. Its harder to play vs a good opponent but nothing I'd turn my eyes from. If he's use to SMN though, prolly a good idea to stick with the muscle memory.

[SeraviEdalborez]

but for BLM u only has Scathe..

"Only Scathe" is better than you think. I have soloed a BRD by the skin of my teeth with nothing but Phantom Dart and Scathe spam.

[Atreus]

So much 1v1 perspective on this thread. BLMs who know how to Flare crowds are glorious.

[SeraviEdalborez]

So much 1v1 perspective on this thread. BLMs who know how to Flare crowds are glorious.

Crowds that cluster enough for a BLM to Flare (or aren't harassing the BLM in the first place) are glorious....ly bad.

[givemeraptors]

In Wolf's Den the kill priority was so much simpler as you would never face either a BLM or a SMN at the same time. People still prioritize BLMs just for sleep but in reality they should be going for SMNs first due to the massive damage they can pump out along with status afflictions. Healers either have to heal through the dots or esuna them off and both drains MP really quickly, especially if you've Bane'd and there are 4 people losing HP fast.

Anyway, just from my perspective I think SMNs are crazy good, especially with Eye for an Eye and Virus. I've killed people without my egi helping for goodness sake. But I don't mind that people ignore me while I wreck havoc among their team

[Geologo]

As said from other up to now (in my opinion) summoner are less targetted,
probably because their DoTs aren't so showy as a Flare or a Fire III.

Don't be attacked in Frontline is really gorgeous for caster because of interruptions,
but remember that BLM has Manawall and manaward, that can protect u,
and if someone is stalker u untill your death u can Sleep him or use Lethargy (even if it was nerfed ._.)

Anyway I play both when I'm not SCH
Both or them are funny and I don't think that one is better then other.

Ps. BLM can also distance bind with Freeze or Sleep + LB
SMN has Tridisaster but If i'm not wong it has a really little radious.