How's MNK

[Hinata_Kenpachi]

Hello all, Just some questions I'd like to ask before I level my MNK any further.

I gave up dpsing in this game due to not finding a dps class that I really liked, I hate casting so that's out the window, and NIN I couldn't stand the mundra's. I leveled BRD up to 50 and I liked it just didn't like the fact they gave up dps for support, when I'm with friends I like having little matchs with them to see who can top the dps charts, and I felt with BRD I had no shot (and I don't care if you say support makes up for it I leave that to someone else that enjoys that role cause I sure don't.) DRG I won't play cause well there's already plenty of them as is. which leaves me with MNK.

I just want to see if MNK will be fun, if it has a chance at topping the charts, and if it's actually viable in raids. I know it's one of the least played dps classes and I like that, just wondering what all it brings to the table and if it's dps is still decent? Thanks!

[Aeliott]

They're still one of the strongest (single target) DPS jobs, though Dragoons could well be giving us a run for our money now. Absolutely viable in raids, or at least the old ones as we don't know what's coming yet. But it was probably the most desirable melee job in the past for progression due to heal boosts, reducing enemy magic damage near permanently, and just generally being the best single target demolisher when played correctly.

I don't know what level you are yet, but it should be noted that their rotation between 50-60 barely changes, so if you're already 50 you've pretty much got the full gist of things. Apart from one cool looking off-gcd to weave everything we got in the expansion is rather situational, though the ability to change stances when not attacking is pretty great when you get a feel for it.

Anyway, people have different opinions of fun gameplay, some hate monk, and many love it too. As I'm sure you're aware, their play style revolves around almost constantly taking advantage of hitting certain enemy positions, so you'll be moving around very frequently. They also have to maintain Greased Lightning, a stacking buff which increases your damage and speed. All in all they're a very fast-paced melee that's always on the move. For some its a chore, others a joy. It's very intimidating until you get the rotations / priorities as second nature, then you realise their core rotations aren't too complex. Then the main focus becomes your buff timers. Greased Lightning is a huge priority, and you'll be changing stances during downtime and maybe even taking hits if you can get away with it just to preserve it. You also have 2 dots and 2 other important buffs to think about, and if all that's running fine and dandy - or you can't do anything about them at present - then you've got chakra stacks you can charge up to use later on a powerful burst move, or extra TP if you're suffering.

If all that is your idea of fun, then yes they are totally viable.

[monchkinz]

Monks are viable in raid. Dps wise i think the 3 melees are sort of doing the same dps in dummy where as before monks were king of single target. Player skill will separate you with drg and nin dps wise.

[Aerean]

I personally love playing MNK, and feel like I've got a real handle on the class. However, I also play casually and haven't been as adventurous as I should be.

Damage wise I find myself being able to handle solo pretty decently as long as my chocobo is there to back me up.

[Krocodile]

When I go into dungeons as my DRG and the other dps is a MNK, I know boss fights will be quite short.

I COULD say the same about NIN, but from my observations, it seems quite a few of them have yet to realize Aeolian Edge is now a positional.

But yeah, MNK rotation is pretty much identical to what it was before HW, or so I'm told.

[Aeliott]

When I go into dungeons as my DRG and the other dps is a MNK, I know boss fights will be quite short.

I COULD say the same about NIN, but from my observations, it seems quite a few of them have yet to realize Aeolian Edge is now a positional.

But yeah, MNK rotation is pretty much identical to what it was before HW, or so I'm told.

It is. It's literally the same just with one new off-GCD skill woven in. You can shift to Coeurl form before pulls, or during down time to conserve stacks easier, but beyond that it's all horribly situational stuff

[Chleobeth]

It is. It's literally the same just with one new off-GCD skill woven in. You can shift to Coeurl form before pulls, or during down time to conserve stacks easier, but beyond that it's all horribly situational stuff

Its actually 2 skills added in off gcd, The new aoe and the kick. The new AoE should be used in both st and Aoe rotations.