I would like to see Classes treated as proper, separate "Jobs"

[Terin]

Right now, most Classes are basically just "low-level Jobs". However, I think there is room to make the Core Classes into proper Jobs.

WHY:

Thematically, core classes are very different from their later Jobs. Despite sharing skills, Paladins are nothing like Gladiators; one prides itself on protecting people, while the other fights for fame and fortune. Marauders are supposed to be pirates, while Warriors are primal, tribal warriors harnessing their inner beast. Many of the Disciples of Magic could return to their 1.0 incarnations, with Conjurers using more nature-oriented spells, while the White Mage would use more "holy" spells. Core Classes are generally a little more "grounded", but still fill some really cool fantasies.

The real benefit, however, is that is changes a Class's given role. Gladiator and Marauder would become DPS, Conjurer might become support-damage, Lancer becoming a Tank, etc.

HOW:

At level 35+, you get one additional quest to "Master" your Class, providing it with its own Job Crystal. Equipping it might remove or replace certain abilities.

The idea is to completely change the class role, or at the very least, modify it. Gladiator would lose its ability to equip a shield, but instead dual-wield (like our man Raubahn... used to). Shield abilities would be replaced entirely, as well as losing Flash. Marauder would retain use of its two-hand axe, but it's abilities would change to have DPS-oriented functions and new visuals (ie. Overpower is replaced with pure damage, and a sea-spray instead of flames), and overall more nautical abilities (maybe throwing out an anchor instead of Tomahawk?).

In the case of a Lancer, I would personally make them into tanks, being grounded fighters. I might even suggest letting them equip a shield, wielding their lance with one hand to jab at enemies, almost like Spartans. Archers would remain DPS, but perhaps made more focused on pure damage, whereas Thaumaturge might become more support-oriented damage (ie. AoE that both heals and damages those within range).

SUMMARY:

Classes would essentially become "Alternate Jobs", using similar abilities to fill different roles in groups. As well, they would cater to different player fantasies, as opposed to ONLY the classic Final Fantasy jobs.

[SigmaOZ]

As things stand now Classes are just necessary while leveling up and all the fun is left for Jobs after hitting max level, I do think that Classes should be given more importance because they are a lot of fun to play with as they can use up to ten cross-skills amongst all of the ones available!...

I suppose it's up each one to use Classes the way they want because there aren't any escuses to not play with them given Classes and Jobs share most of the gear save some Job exclusive ones!...

[MagiusNecros]

If you are suggesting a branched skill tree of sorts by introducing a different job class or even an advanced version of the base class to offer new exclusive playstyle options then I would welcome it.

[Terin]

If you are suggesting a branched skill tree of sorts by introducing a different job class or even an advanced version of the base class to offer new exclusive playstyle options then I would welcome it.

Exactly what I'm thinking! Only real difference, beyond being different "specs" of the same core class, is that they would use different fantasy themes (ie. Paladins being more holy knights versus Roman-styled Gladiators).

[TankHunter678]

Sounds like an idea to me, it would at least provide alternative routes for a couple of the existing tank classes. Though I think the "class mastery" should start at level 30. Its going to function like Arcanist and its 2 jobs already no point delaying it.

[MagiusNecros]

Sounds like an idea to me, it would at least provide alternative routes for a couple of the existing tank classes. Though I think the "class mastery" should start at level 30. Its going to function like Arcanist and its 2 jobs already no point delaying it.

Didn't they say they would never pull the SMN/SCH branch off of Arcanist again?

[TankHunter678]

Didn't they say they would never pull the SMN/SCH branch off of Arcanist again?

If they said that it was before I joined the game, but that branch off is essentially exactly what the OPs idea is in essence.

Extend the base class with its own job crystal, operating as a different branch of teh class. Just like SCH/SMN is from Arcanist.

[Zari]

If they said that it was before I joined the game, but that branch off is essentially exactly what the OPs idea is in essence.

Extend the base class with its own job crystal, operating as a different branch of teh class. Just like SCH/SMN is from Arcanist.

Yeah they did say they are never doing that again. They didn't like how it turned out and don't want to do such a thing again. It was an experiment that they deemed failed

[Terin]

I think the problem with the current iteration, is that Classes are basically "Jobs, but worse", with the only exception being cross-class skills.

Personally, using think cross-class skills are the real failure here.

What I'm suggesting is restructuring things, and treating them as alternate playfulness for the same set of skills, with just a few changes here and there.

[Zari]

They are trying to get rid of the class system moving forward as much as they can. They want to make classes LESS relevant, not MORE, so this wouldn't happen