Thread: 2.4 SMN Class Issues

Originally Posted by Havenchild

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The OP did throw some numbers out there that favor BLM in single target. But honestly, unless Square decides to put some encounters in the game similar to T4 more often the utility a SMN offers alone I think is justifiable for a small damage advantage in Black Mage's favor, even if they are a little more durable through manawall/ward. If AOE does become more prevalent in the endgame then I could see the two becoming more equalized.

That said I feel like the biggest advantage a BLM has in single target right now isn't really from SMNs raw damage potential. Having tested both on a dummy myself under similar situations they both do close to the same with the BLM edging out a little more in general. The big problem is the SMNs lack of longevity in combat, which is what this forum post I feel is mostly about. I feel we need to adjust SMNs mana efficiency, not their damage. The way I see it, you fix SMNs mana efficiency, you fix the huge gap we're seeing right now between BLM and SMN in FCOB.

EDIT: This is assuming a BLM and SMN of equal skill/gear...Obviously a Black Mage who doens't even bother to bind AM to a key or has never heard of proc management will probably get blown out of the water by a SMN who at least knows to keep their dots up on the boss.