Monk Guide for Ifrit

[Relic]

If you have your chat log set to show your attack damage, it will tell you what side of the nail you are hitting when you use a WS (might also tell you on regular hits... not sure). If it doesn't work on regular hits use a quick-cooldown WS to test what side you are on (Fists of Wind helps out even more in this regard), it should only take 2 WS's to figure out its orientation.

It may feel like you wont have enough time if you do this but once you can combo it you can murder a nail really quickly all by yourself.

Darn...I was hoping there would be some visual indicator on the nail that would mean the front/back, but I guess it's random?

[Estellios]

Seems to be random, yes. There might be a way to tell if you analyze the model closely, I never actually took the time to analyze it.

[Karleguarth]

I prefer PUG over MNK

Before we have WHM, stoneskin is the spell you need in order to move in front of Ifrit, seeing it doing a move that's not targeting you and unleash a front combo, without the risk of taking away half of your hp.
(in case the rear is cooling down or you simply want to look cool)

Simian Thrash + Stoneskin cancel on 3rd hit, you don't need to worry about jump and crack.
Used to have the need to cancel by pressing the button again.. but now you just need to hold a direction.
(In case Stoneskin is cooling down.. there's always Cure)

The only drawback is lacking some TP when compared to using a MNK, but preparing yourself whatever throwing weapons will allow you to store some TP even when the healers are too busy to take care of you, or when your hp just doesn't allow you to take the risk. Addition bonus, if you can react fast enough, there's a free hit whenever Ifrit jumps, before the target cursor disappears, while allowing you to move to the tank safely.

Anyways.. if you're playing in a party with a trustworthy healer who can take care of you,
MNK is more stable to the party as the damage dealing combos from the rear is good enough.
In the above front combo example, if you misjudged a crack targeting you and run to the tank,
your party will thank you for the quick finish.

[NoctisUmbra]

I prefer PUG over MNK

Before we have WHM, stoneskin is the spell you need in order to move in front of Ifrit, seeing it doing a move that's not targeting you and unleash a front combo, without the risk of taking away half of your hp.
(in case the rear is cooling down or you simply want to look cool)

Simian Thrash + Stoneskin cancel on 3rd hit, you don't need to worry about jump and crack.
Used to have the need to cancel by pressing the button again.. but now you just need to hold a direction.
(In case Stoneskin is cooling down.. there's always Cure)

The only drawback is lacking some TP when compared to using a MNK, but preparing yourself whatever throwing weapons will allow you to store some TP even when the healers are too busy to take care of you, or when your hp just doesn't allow you to take the risk. Addition bonus, if you can react fast enough, there's a free hit whenever Ifrit jumps, before the target cursor disappears, while allowing you to move to the tank safely.

Anyways.. if you're playing in a party with a trustworthy healer who can take care of you,
MNK is more stable to the party as the damage dealing combos from the rear is good enough.
In the above front combo example, if you misjudged a crack targeting you and run to the tank,
your party will thank you for the quick finish.

lol Really?

It's called Fists of Wind. Everything about that buff makes MNK >>>>> PGL. All you need is a Regen on you from a WHM, which coupled with your Second Wind and the easy-dodging of Eruptions with the movement speed buff you have all the survivability you need.

I mean, you've got slower movement speed, no Wind to exploit his weakness, full cooldown of weaponskills versus 40% reduction, and no Shoulder Tackle for quick returns to Ifrit and the drawback you come up with is less TP generation?

[Phobos]

lol Really?

It's called Fists of Wind. Everything about that buff makes MNK >>>>> PGL. All you need is a Regen on you from a WHM, which coupled with your Second Wind and the easy-dodging of Eruptions with the movement speed buff you have all the survivability you need.

I mean, you've got slower movement speed, no Wind to exploit his weakness, full cooldown of weaponskills versus 40% reduction, and no Shoulder Tackle for quick returns to Ifrit and the drawback you come up with is less TP generation?

Don't forget the added TP generation using Spinning Heel. Dragon Kick is an amazing WS to use while Howling Fist is down, too. Also MNK looks way cooler than PGL which should be enough reason for everyone.