BRD End Game Gearing Question

[glen7187]

Hi all, I am new to the end game scene and have decided to do a damage class this time around as Bard (I'm always a tank or healer in every MMO I've ever played).

I am now at end game with my bard. I currently have all my AF and some accessory items from the MB that I was able to afford. I have an ilvl 55 bow as well. I wanted to put DEX materia in it but I guess I hit a dex cap or my Materia III is too low for the bow? Anyway, I bought my first DL piece as the body. My plan for DL is to buy the most expensive things first, so I'll be working for legs second.

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodest...racter/1453309

I haven't unlocked AK or WP yet. I was going to but I am wondering if I am geared enough for them because I know AK is a DPS check, not so sure about WP. Should I even worry about them? I haven't done Ifrit yet I actually wanted to have 2 pieces of DL before going to Ifrit.

[glen7187]

My other question is what is a good gear progression for me to take as I move through end game? Especially for bow because I'm thinking its going to be hard for me to get the Ifrit bow, would there be a good alternative? Can I skip Ifrit bow and go for something else? My goal is to have all DL AT LEAST but I'd like to see what kind of suggestions would be good for my BRD. Thank you all in advanced!

[Satsui]

WP was designed for fresh 50's to clear (not speed runs like people are running now though). I would unlock it and run it as it now drops 100 philo / 30 myth. It also drops Darklight weapons. You can also run Prae/CM for 100 philo to unlock for DL pieces (non speed run).

AK drops armor/accessories that are better than AF but I would at least get a few more DL pieces and the Ifrit Bow before running it unless the other DPS is carrying you.

Ifrit HM was also made to be completed shortly after leveling to 50 and it is definitely worth farming until your bow drops as you will most likely use the Ifrit Bow until you have your relic (unless you get lucky on Garuda/Titan drops). It's not a difficult fight at fresh 50 if you have a DPS caster to limit break the pikes.

[Satsui]

As far as gear progression, its something like this:

Weapons:
Crafted/GC Weapon
Darklight Weapon
Ifrit Bow
Garuda Bow (if your lucky as you will likely only clear this once until you get your relic although people do farm it for myth sometimes)
Titan Bow(if your more lucky as you will likely only clear this once until you get your relic)
Relic Bow
Relic +1 (or Allagan)

Armor/Accessories:
AF
AK drops
Darklight
AF2/Allagan

Additionally, some pieces of crafted gear are great but it is extremely expensive.

[Aeoliana]

My plan for DL is to buy the most expensive things first, so I'll be working for legs second.

Consider that the upgrade from your current legs to darklight legs might not be as big of an upgrade as say, a 375 philo accessory and a piece of 495 philo armor. But it all depends on what you are upgrading from. I'd recommend going for the biggest bang for your buck.

[glen7187]

Thanks guys, I will definitely unlock WP. I was thinking of trying to get that DL bow but it looks like it has the same stats as the bow I currently have (Longarm's Composite Bow) so I'll just try to get Ifrit bow.

[tOnni3]

HQ longarm bow is better than DL bow ( same watk but longarm bow got crit )
Suggest not to heavily farm Ifrit bow as it increase 1 watk only. Try to farm some DL armor and get Garuda bow or stright to Titan if you are carried by FC mates.