Knowing when to switch your main class?

[ToasterMan]

During endgame raids, I feel like I'm having a hard time mastering my main class (Which is BLM) I'm having a hard time maximizing my DPS with it and I personally don't think it'll work out. Should I just try a different job? If so, what would you recommend?

[RyuujinZERO]

The main question is are you having fun with your class.

Maining another class you play better mechanically, playing it for hundreds of hours purely for the sake of content progression IMO is unwise if you don't enjoy that class as much as you did your old one. It'd be better to put the time into master the class you enjoy, than picking up a new class you don't. With that said unless you try out the other classes you won't know what you like the most, and I have found rolling other classes to be highly educational, showing me new tricks and ways of thinking about encounters that can be used to play a better game in other class roles.

But if you really enjoy BLM, you just don't feel you're doing a good job of it, then it's probably best to worry less about immediate progress and focus more on mastering it.

But if you still want to try out other class, which to try depends on what you enjoy and what you want out of it. If you enjoy the lightning proc mechanic on BLM and ranged combat, then BRD's main attack priority has a similar set of mechanics. SMN shares gear with BLM, though IMO, SMN combat is a little dry, basically amounting to stacking/spreading DoTs, and dropping fester. All 3 of the melee DPS are pretty much equals for output these days - MNK is fast paced and demanding, but rewarding with it's adaptive skill chains. NIN I can't speak for, having not levelled it myself, but superficially shares some mechanical similarities with DRG. DRG is a more classical chain combatant that emphasises off-GCDs to double-up their strikes, hitting predictably but powerfully and surprisingly quickly.

[Cynfael]

If you stick with BLM for progression and want to try to maximize it, I'd suggest starting with the basics and working out from there:

1. Do you have a solid grasp of the standard "rotation," including your best opener?

2. Are you managing to spend the absolute minimum necessary time in UI (and using the correct UI filler rotation for your stat distribution as well as paying attention to the timing of your MP ticks)?

3. Do you know to avoid common pitfalls such as using Flare/Transpose on single targets?

4. Are you managing procs correctly and otherwise always casting?

5. Are you able to use Aetherial Manipulation to good advantage when you should?

6. Do you know how to equip your BLM for mininum necessary Accuracy and to increase Spell Speed for single-target attacks (i.e. most end-game encounters).

Naturally that's not an exhaustive, super-detailed list, but if you can manage all of the above while handling mechanics, you should be fine with BLM. Knowing the fight well REALLY helps you maximize DPS so that you can plan your positioning out ahead of time and be thinking a step ahead of the mechanics when it comes time for you to move.

[ToasterMan]

Thanks for the great answer. To answer the question you raised, I find that I get frustrated by the fact that I'm not as mobile as the others. I try to mitigate the movement as much as I can but I can't really see myself improving on it. I find myself getting really stressed out when I mess something up because you lose a lot of dps as a BLM if that happens. I've also come to realize that planning ahead is not something I'm good at and to be honest I'm not finding it that much fun.....

[Sleigh]

Thanks for the great answer. To answer the question you raised, I find that I get frustrated by the fact that I'm not as mobile as the others. I try to mitigate the movement as much as I can but I can't really see myself improving on it. I find myself getting really stressed out when I mess something up because you lose a lot of dps as a BLM if that happens. I've also come to realize that planning ahead is not something I'm good at and to be honest I'm not finding it that much fun.....

It sounds like BRD might be more up your alley. TBH though every job has to plan out their CDs and other elements of their job if you wanna play well per the encounter, including BRD, so keep that in mind.

[SpookyGhost]

What do you want out of a job? Are there any that catch your eye and seem fun? BLM has a very particular playstyle, its mechanic revolves around moving as little as possible, so pretty much every other job is going to be different from what you're experiencing now. You just have to decide what it is you think is most fun.

[Akiza]

Black Mages mechanics revolve around knowing when you have to avoid a mechanic and managing procs its the easier of the two caster to master. More people can master Black Mage than Summoner IMO.

[Skeith-Adeline]

I'd firstly suggest to seek out what is preventing you from maxing your Black Mage. If you're having issues with movement, run Titan Ex and measure your dps and aim to improve it through cast clipping. Check Puro's spreadsheet here for the basics and not-so basics of the Black Mage.

Black Mages mechanics revolve around knowing when you have to avoid a mechanic and managing procs its the easier of the two caster to master. More people can master Black Mage than Summoner IMO.

She didn't ask which caster was harder :P

[ROFL-kopter89]

If you'd prefer to move while attacking then BRD could be for you. I started maining as a BLM, switched to BRD cause I preferred the movements without losing DPS, then started levelling all classes and now kind of main SCH. Its all personal choice. You'd probably be best off picking a few classes, trying them out for a short while and seeing which one 'feels right'

[AboHitham]

Thanks for the great answer. To answer the question you raised, I find that I get frustrated by the fact that I'm not as mobile as the others. I try to mitigate the movement as much as I can but I can't really see myself improving on it. I find myself getting really stressed out when I mess something up because you lose a lot of dps as a BLM if that happens. I've also come to realize that planning ahead is not something I'm good at and to be honest I'm not finding it that much fun.....

I love BIG numbers and kill fast But I hate more boring rotation and slow movement, So that why I changed to SMN, I can move and dodge freely while doing dps via dot and pet.

Try SMN with same BLM gear u may like it like me.