Best DPS class in the game?

[Kitfox]

2. MNK seems to sneak in the #1 spot on single-target DPS fights (especially bosses). The class has no AoE, the fastest GCD in the game, and the second highest base STR in the game, right behind DRG. They're designed to be at the top of the DPS meter since that's all they can do well: continuous single-target DPS on rather long fights.

MNK has plenty of AoE with Arm of Destroyer (PBAoE), Rockbreaker (Cone) and Howling Fist (Line).

[Eckoh]

Someone post the parsing numbers link, please.


1. Right now, BRD are nowhere near the top of the DPS meter. The fact that they're pigeon-holed into this weird DPS/support role mix simply means that they'll never be top DPS as the class isn't designed to be that way -- it'd way be too overpowered otherwise.

i would not count out bard. In OB archers could pull threat easily off of anyone. Bards are simply archers powered up. Yeah bards can reduce their damage to act as barrteries but that is a situational thing. Also with the removal of CNJ abilities and the addition of PUG abilities that will only increase their damage potential. They are also the most moble class currently in game which will help DPS more then most realize in a raid encounter. Remember melee can only do damage when they are next to the target and Black mages can only do damage while standing still, bards are not limited by wither stipulation.

[LucidDreams]

A top DPS class will and always will be heavily reliant on situational fight mechanics. Unless a company just has absolutely no idea on balancing (which honestly its 2013 and it shouldn't really be an issue being this far progressed into our gaming technology). A BLM/SMN will edge out in fights that require a lot of melee adjustments and a stable ranged still rate. Your MNK/DRG will edge out in tank and spanks with ranged having to be mobile. Of course this is assuming that your character's are knowledgeable in their class and geared accordingly. With the way most games are set up, you will have an equalish mix of both kinds of mechanics so as far as a choice in picking a top DPS, it's really a matter of your enjoyment of the playstyle. You will win some lose some no matter which way you go.

[hamsteak]

i'd say a skilled player will always do better with the weakest class than a novice player with the strongest class... but then there's archer

[BK-201]

I'm having a tough time deciding which job I want 50 1st. It's between DRG and SMN. I love both of them a lot. but can't decide between the 2. I was 75 SMN in FF11. but never got DRG up in FF11. so something new would be nice. However, I found both to be equally fun for me. This is killing me. -_-

[Reiterpallasch]

I hate when people answer questions like this with "i'd say a skilled player will always do better with the weakest class than a novice player with the strongest class" and "There is no "Best DPS".... All classes/jobs have their pro's and cons", because they have nothing to do with the question.

When measuring which class is the best dps, you need to assume equal gear + skill, plus remove any other variables such as movement interrupting spell casts, melee needing to move out of range for boss abilities, etc.

Sorry if it's not what people want to hear, but no game is truly balanced, ever. In a standstill, whack the mob in the face until it dies scenario, there will always be a dps class that is better than all of the others, and one that is at the bottom.

Obviously people should play what they want and have fun with it. Nobody is saying you shouldn't. But for the question "What do you guys think is the top DPS class in ARR?" that is the wrong answer.

[Swick]

Sorry if it's not what people want to hear, but no game is truly balanced, ever.

I beg to differ, Pong was balanced as hell :P

[Azzaare]

I beg to differ, Pong was balanced as hell :P

I beg to differ too. First player in a Pong game has an advantage

That being said, this topic has no true answer. Too many variables are included. For example, length of the fight.
Short fight, tp users will not run out of resources so they can burst like hell. Of course, it is not true for long fight. BLM is unaffected by this length.
So which are the best? BLM or tp users? Answer is definitively none.

Have a nice launch and keep in mind that you can level up all dps classes and jobs on the same character anyway …

[Solfleur]

Meh... it doesn't matter what the stats are right now. If anything gets too powerful SE will just nerf it anyway; they always do. So just play what you like and try to play it as well as you can and remember it's a GAME. That said, if ONE MORE PERSON CALLS MY CHARACTER A TOON MY HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODE! ^.~

[Mizuharu]

Everyone's talking about DRG like it has a TP problem... Two words for ya...

Enhanced Invigorate.

>_>

No, but let's also look at all the damage+ buffs Dragoon can have up.
Blood for Blood for 30% damage increase. (20sec duration 80sec recast)
Raging Strikes for 20% damage increase. (20sec duration 180sec recast)
Heavy Thrust for 10% damage increase (Weapon Skill; duration 15secs with class trait)
Life Surge grants an auto-crit and restores HP by 10% of the max HP.

As far as mage DPS, I'd have to go with Black Mage. At least til we see what numbers Summoner can pump out.