What other healer class would I prefer?

[CryBloodwing]

So I main a WHM and I love this class, level 64 right now. Strong heals, not much DPS skills. More time to watch and think about what to do, etc.

I have AST and SCH at lvl 40, but I am unsure which one I would like more.

AST
-Weapon looks awesome
-Buffs are nice
-A little confusing
-Faster paced

SCH
-Pet that you have to control(which can be hard)
-Weaker heals
-More about shielding than strong heals
-Lots of DPS(DOT) to do
-Medium paced

I am of course going to level both to 70 eventually, and try to keep them around the same level, but overall, which one do you think I would enjoy more?

[SeeDirector]

So I've played whm since the beginning. Technically speaking it's probably still my main class as I've only recently been focused on using blm more and more. After I reached 70 with blm I started leveling ast again; left off at 36 and decided I need another healing class. .Anyway I've been hooked, just got to 61 the other day! I like being supportive and making sure no one dies lol.

[Risvertasashi]

If you like the idea of handing out buffs to your teammates (and it sounds like you like the look of weapons already), go for AST. It's much closer in playstyle to WHM than SCH is too.

SCH is a very technical job, and you have to be precise with it. If you, for example, mistime Indom, it's on CD and you can't just cast it again, not to mention things like ET which modify the next spell, instead of simply casting it with one button like WHM and AST. TBH I haven't felt that managing the fairy is that bad, but a lot of SCH, for example, don't place the fairy which makes me cringe (and means the fairy loses out on a lot of healing due to following you around as you dodge). It's not hard to do though...

From your own descriptions it sounds like you would like AST more. But, you know, this is Final Fantasy... you can try both at your leisure.

[MoroMurasaki]

Based on your enjoyment of WHM I would go for AST first. Under 70 there is very little need for Noct AST, even when paired with a WHM you can go Diurnal in non ex/savage situations most of the time.


Diurnal AST plays like a watered down WHM with cards basically. No Cure III, only one DoT. You can't put out quite the raw healing that a WHM can but you can come pretty damn close in most content.

SCH requires lots of forethought (more than just precasting a Cure Ii to land at the right time at least) because of it's shielding and CD/resource dependance. Sometimes you want to Lustrate someone back up to get on with DPSing but you have to think about whether or not you might need that Aetherflow charge for an Indom for a raidwide AoE coming up. I feel like the majority of SCH thought isn't even about the fairy as much as it is about using the very powerful (but gated) tools you have at the right times.

I think playing Diurnal AST for a bit then trying Noct might put you in a better place to enjoy SCH when you play it, kind of progressing from the most raw healing thoroughput to the most planned playstyle.

[Oohlalaheals]

Diurnal sect AST plays very similar to WHM. You have a bit less AOE healing and some different cooldowns but the basic heals will feel very familiar. Nocturnal sect gives you shielding capabilities and will change what you prioritize slightly, but it will feel similar to what you know as well. Scholar does not feel similar to WHM or AST in any way shape or form. SCH is no longer the "shielding healer" as much as it is the "instant cast and off global abilities healer, with shields." Scholar is very calculated, and if you calculate correctly it is extremely powerful. I have played all 3 extensively and while I like all 3, AST feels disjointed to me. It does not have the same smooth flow to play as the other 2. But that is again, my opinion, my playstyle. My co healer is an AST, she thinks WHM is okay and thinks SCH is a disaster lol. Its all up to your playstyle preference.

[Brandedblade]

The way I've always viewed the two is that AST utility is stronger, but SCH utility is consistent. So if you look at it from their utility its a matter of if you prefer power or consistency. But as far as gameplay goes it becomes a matter of familiarity (AST) and something new (SCH) i personally prefer SCH for how unique it plays but even i would recommend you try ast first for familiarity's sake

[Kacho_Nacho]

There is only one real answer to your question. It's the job you try and like. Nobody can tell you what you like except yourself.

It's easy enough to pick up the jobs then run over to Palace of the Dead for some quick leveling and test driving.

[Sebazy]

Also don't forget squad duties! Cranky tank AI be damned, it's a fun and entirely pressure free way to experience jobs in a more typical setting at lower levels.

[MoroMurasaki]

Also don't forget squad duties! Cranky tank AI be damned, it's a fun and entirely pressure free way to experience jobs in a more typical setting at lower levels.

I've used this to try my hand at tanking without embarassing myself in front of friends or making poor pugs sit through my tanking. Plus you avoid the funky tank AI.

Just wish they threw something above Wanderer's in there.

[EaMett]

AST feels disjointed to me. It does not have the same smooth flow to play as the other 2. But that is again, my opinion, my playstyle. My co healer is an AST, she thinks WHM is okay and thinks SCH is a disaster lol. Its all up to your playstyle preference.

This. I'm WHM main and for some reason I can't get into AST despite really wanting to, it just doesn't agree with me. Planning to move to SCH for the next omega tier.
Honestly I would keep pushing your WHM up to 70 and get a good grasp on the encounters, then try the others. I feel like SCH is the most dependent on gear and knowledge of encounters which makes it the hardest to enjoy while leveling. I've actually found it a little stressful at times. Once you get it to cap level, get some gear and some practice it's very rewarding though.