Made a Bard. Now what?

[Cibbal]

Hello. I just opened up Bard job but I don't understand its purpose. Am I better off leveling Bard or Archer? It seems the only difference is a song to regenerate mp? Am i missing something? Thanks.

[Urthdigger]

It's generally better to level as the job, for all jobs. They also come with stat modifications, and some gear is job only.

[Reiterpallasch]

Now you demand that there is a COR or 2nd BRD before you'll join a merit party, and only if you're not the puller.

[Naberrie]

Now you demand that there is a COR or 2nd BRD before you'll join a merit party, and only if you're not the puller.

Oh, the memories.

[Ryihito]

Hello. I just opened up Bard job but I don't understand its purpose. Am I better off leveling Bard or Archer? It seems the only difference is a song to regenerate mp? Am i missing something? Thanks.

Bard.

And that's not the only difference, you get a boost in stats and job specific gear.

[Anova]

Early on, it is generally easier to level as the class as you may be reliant on certain skills such as Protect and Bloodbath/cure still. Eventually though, you will notice significant benefits from both stats and equipment that is specific to bard. After that, it's just tweaking your playstyle to something comfortable.

The bard skillset is most useful in parties and quite marginal elsewhere. If you are solo-ing, you will probably play as an archer (early on when you don't have equipment). However, if you are fate grinding, doing dungeons, or grinding mobs for the xp chain bonus, your mp and tp regen skills will be in very high demand. Generally, party as your job. Your class will fade over time.

[Cibbal]

Ok, that makes sense. Thank you for the guidance and explanations.

[Bloopan]

Bards are quite in demand with parties at the moment especially when your hoping to get them relic weapons, I highly suggest you to change into a bard since people need them for Chimera/Hydra Runs

Mage's Ballad and Army's Paeon (with some hint of Battle Voice) are your best friend when it comes to this