Giving each job a second spec: would it work?

[Prestige]

Currently, each job has its single spec. PLD is a tank, WHM is a healer, etc. Right now, it doesn't feel like there is much personal customization per job with the lack of a talent tree system.

If a secondary specification was implemented that allowed each job to queue as a different role in dungeons/raids, it would allow those DPS-craving DRKs and WARs to fulfill that desire. It would allow WHMs and SCH to join in a group as a true DPS. The only part that might be difficult, is figuring out what second specification the pure DPS jobs could have.

This game isn't necessarily built around alternate playstyles per job, and that's where I run into a wall. I can't figure out exactly what these jobs would have if a second spec was introduced.

This is an entirely hypothetical situation I'm bringing up just for brainstorming and nothing more. I don't expect it to ever be implemented, but I'm wondering what you guys think about it and how it might work.

[Rafaelhades]

It would only work if you retooled all the classes and the DF system from the ground up. They wouldn't be specs, but different jobs (which is where Arcanist was headed until SE decided to scrap the idea until further notice). A PLD would be hard pressed to spec DPS when all of its traits are geared towards mitigation. A DRG would have to spec into another DPS, as all of its traits are focused on dealing dmg. If you just want to fool around and DPS on WHM or WAR or PLD, grab some friends and gear for dmg, hop into a dungeon and have fun. If you want to do it through DF...why? If you want to change how DF works into something that lets you queue as any role, well, good luck. When you get that party of 4 DPS because the WHM and PLD specced DPS and both refuse to respec because "I want to DPS" and you abandon duty, it's gonna suck.

If we're talking theoreticals, then I'd say just revisit the branching jobs system but change traits to a more general set. Or maybe lift the restrictions on classes a little bit more.

It would be interesting to see classes more after 30 and have players let go of the negative stigma.

[Assirra]

You basically have to remake every single class from the ground up to begin with. A conjurer that has way more heals than damage spells ain't going to become a master of dps suddenly.
Arcanist shows it is possible, however it is messy and SE said they didn't like it.

[Kelg]

Yes, it would, if they put some thought into it. Many people would love to be able to DPS as a Dark knight, Tank as a Dragoon, or play Paladin as a Support DPS. It would sure make the job system less stale.

[Assirra]

Yes, it would, if they put some thought into it. Many people would love to be able to DPS as a Dark knight, Tank as a Dragoon, or play Paladin as a Support DPS. It would sure make the job system less stale.

It would require reworking every job from the ground up. Not "put some thought into it".
How would a dragoon tank when he doesn't got ANY defense traits/abilities? Or a Paladin do dps when almost all his abilities/traits are build upon "keep stuff of friends and take less damage".

[Colorful]

It would require reworking every job from the ground up. Not "put some thought into it".
How would a dragoon tank when he doesn't got ANY defense traits/abilities? Or a Paladin do dps when almost all his abilities/traits are build upon "keep stuff of friends and take less damage".

Well they would have to put some thought into reworking them, no?

[Assirra]

Well they would have to put some thought into reworking them, no?

Yes, the words are the same, but the meaning is clearly different :P

[Drakeos]

I miss dual spec job's like FFXI (NIN/War or War/NIN)

[Kelg]

Well they would have to put some thought into reworking them, no?

Indeed, that is exactly what I meant. I don't see how that's hard to understand. lol

[KaedrianLiang]

it would allow those DPS-craving DRKs and WARs to fulfill that desire.

Then we would have 0 tanks for the DF and PF, thus all activity ingame grinding to a halt.

"Second specs" would have to come in the form of "same role different style." Drks could have the option to be more raw defense or more lifesteal, Plds could go more steel and shield or more holy capability, like adding damage to the flash effect etc.

If there's going to be alternative specs i would like to see something fresh for this game like along with alternative specs come alternative weaponry. For example, War specializing more on defense could have a shield and 1h axe, drks are granted access to weaponized scythes for a lifesteal alternative spec, for that "grim reaper" symbolism.