Picking a healer

[Angvir]

I realized recently that I really enjoy healing, and I enjoy a good amount of complexity in a class. So I've decided that I either want to pick up SCH or AST.

As of right now I'm leveling THM for Swiftcast and then CNJ or Stoneskin. So I have a little bit of time before I pick. (I realize I could just switch whenever but I'm stubborn)

I know that either is good for end game content, but which is more fun to play? I would like your opinions on the matter. So feel free to elaborate as much as you like on why you prefer one over the other.

[KDSilver]

The one who is funnier to play is the one you will like the most.

I can't argue on which job is the best for you.
The best advice should be to test them all and see which one you like.

Personally I love scholar because he's versatile. !Strong damages mitigation trought Virus, adlo, eye for and eye, deploiement tactic.
His instant cast healing through his aetherflow stack and his 'unlimited' mana (you have to work on this first to have a good mana management).
His fairy who is helping both him and the second healer.
His great dps. Long duration on his dot that allow him to make dps and healing (related to his great mana management, thanks to energy drain and aetherflow).

But that's my opinion and why I love my job.

[Ametrine]

I used to main SCH, and while I can't disagree with anything KDSilver has said, I must add that you will need to utilize slots on your hotbars for fairy positioning and commands. And that's a lot of buttons to work with, especially on a controller, especially since you will regularly use every skill at your disposal as a healer in this game since we need to aid DPS in most content.

Saying that, and despite my previous rages at frustrating content while handling the job, AST has it's merits, too.

The RNG card system can make or break you, and much of our skill set revolves around it and the buffs they bring. This includes enhancing them, spreading them, and lengthening their duration. All of the card related skills have the own cooldowns, so it requires extra attention to draw and delegate them as needed.

While we lack some of White Mage's burst heals, we do have moves such as Synastry, which links a portion of all heals to one member, and Lightspeed, which jacks our spellspeed to almost instant cast heights while lowering MP costs.

Then there are the two stances. Diurnal Sect buffs our attack gives a few heals a regen property that stacks with others. Nocturnal (which I actually prefer) buffs our healing while adding a sheild property akin to a Scholar's. The drawback to Noct is it DOESN'T stack, so you MUST go into Diurnal if you are paired with a Scholar.

Also, 2 Astrologians must go as each sect in parties verses both playing Diurnal or Noct, so you need to learn to work as both.




All this said, don't count out White Mage! They are the original healers of Final Fantasy, after all.

[Kibby]

If you like preventing damage (and dealing with a fairy), I would go with Scholar. If you like healing through damage, I would go with White Mage or Astrologian. AST can also support the party with buffs (which are random, but the fun is the surprise 8D).

I've got AST and WHM at 60 and I love them both, and I'm currently leveling SCH right now and I'm actually enjoying it quite a bit ("actually" because I usually don't like pet classes and I'm more of a reactive healer). I'd recommend AST just because I'm biased, but all of them are a lot of fun, really.

[Venjamin]

There's no doubt about it: AST is the most aesthetically pleasing class in the game. The first time you ever get to use their LB3, you will be in awe. ( It's a rarity, but sooooooo worth it when it happens. ) It's the 'weightiest' in my opinion, and just the most visually appealing. Tbh, AST is what sold me on FFXIV in the first place!

That being said!

It really will come down to what you're wanting to accomplish. If you want to maintain a high DPS presence while also keeping your team up and running, SCH is incredible. It also has the pet management system, which requires a decent amount of skill.

I'd recommend AST for visuals alone. The card buffs are brilliant and... okay I'm going to stop gushing. @_@

[mp-please]

I really enjoy healing

Then level them all. WHM, SCH and AST have their moments so if you really enjoy healing as you say, you'll level them all.

[Teraluna]

OP - I'd suggest going with whm at first.
It's a simple class to play as you start, with no pet management to think about, and has straightforward single and group healing to start you off.

Once you're on the road with this then try the others. Sch is great fun, and I find it easier overall despite the pet management, but that's probably due more to playing time more than anything.

[Nekotee]

I would follow tera Luna because it's true that whm is the most simpliest and boring heal
Best to start

Then since it's good to get some cross skill from arcanist go for scholar
Or try the AST which has a whm oriented leveling phase

Like mp-please said try all 3 and se which one you prefer
Ast biggest advantage is low level emergency healing (essential dignity)

[Seoulstar]

If you want just raw healing power, go for the WHM. If you want to nullify damage, go SCH. If you want a little bit of both with a little rng, go AST. Personally my favorite is AST. Mainly due to the cards and well..I like anything related to the stars and planets. Also a little note..be cautious of some people while being a healer. As apparently people will crucify you if you don't dps as one.

[Rennies]

If you want just raw healing power, go for the WHM. If you want to nullify damage, go SCH. If you want a little bit of both with a little rng, go AST. Personally my favorite is AST. Mainly due to the cards and well..I like anything related to the stars and planets. Also a little note..be cautious of some people while being a healer. As apparently people will crucify you if you don't dps as one.

As with every class, you'll be crucified if you choose to spend long periods of time afking while the 3 other players in your team are actually doing stuff.