Best DPS class in the game?

[Leigaon]

I'm not sure any will excel. Like someone said it's a matter of them doing different kinds of damage. Spike (Drg / Blm), Damage over time whether it's through constant fist bashing (Mnk) or DoT's (SMN). Thent here's bard who has multiple things windbite / flame arrow / poison plus being able to toss some damage dealing shots in, a nice middle ground. I am personally interested in Bard / Dragoon and SMN at the moment. Blm is a non stop caster, but the damage should fall when they switch to Ice shouldn't it? Or have those who played around with it in phase 4 not really see that being a problem? Anyways, should be interesting to test them all soon!!

[roflcaust]

Someone post the parsing numbers link, please.

Anyways, I'd like to clear a few things up as there's way too much conflicting information as well:

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.
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.
3. After that (without taking into SMN consideration), it's a tight fight for the #2 and #3 spot between DRG and BLM. Depending on the fight (AoE-heavy; single-target centric), that's when these two classes will pull ahead of each other.

That's not to say that it's always going to be MNK > DRG/BLM > BRD but only in the scenario where everyone has BiS (Best-in-Slot) AF+1 gear. Depending on players' gear, skill, boss fight, and way too many other factors, this is a highly subjective topic.

Just play the class that makes you happy even if you might not be at the top of the DPS meter every time.

[DARKazen]

From what I've experienced at lower levels, it seems like Archer is consistently the highest dps, at least until 20. I have no first hand experience with anything above the level cap, but I know in P3 at level 26 my Pugilist didn't seem to be doing a whole lot of damage (and yes I know to move to back and side and keep twin snakes up) compared to archer. They just do a lot of damage early on, so if you're looking for an easy class for early game, definitely go with that, though honestly, it's not gonna affect your queue times.

From reading what the high level players have stated in this forum, I'm actually really excited to get Monk now, and it's given me a renewed spirit to actually level my Pugilist, which I had pretty much given up on (my MRD at level 15 is almost doing more damage.) Thanks for the info on level 50 fights guys! I really appreciate the insight.

[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. -_-

[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.

[Xianghua]

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.

Dragoon doesn't have Raging strikes anymore. Unless they changed it back.

And if you want to go on damage+ buffs brd shines.

20% from trait.
20% Raging strike
20% from blood for blood.
10% crit from straight shot
20% crit from Internal release.
15% dex from Hawk Eye (60Dex @ 400)

but in phase 3 it was mnk >drg >blm > brd.

Don't think anyone really got around to testing the changes in phase 4 though.