FF14 Best DPS Classes (Latest Patch 5.4)

Updated:

03 Aug 2021

With the very recent drop of the 5.4 patch, Final Fantasy 14 has seen the addition of new raids, emotes, and even full re-works of certain classes. These re-works have given DPS classes smoother combat rotations, better damage output, and overall, a better playing experience. With these changes, it’s time to take another look at the DPS classes in FF14 and rank the top seven according to the latest patch. Let’s get started!

7) Red Mage

A Hrothgar Red Mage

Long considered a weaker DPS class and probably the least popular of the magic based classes, Red Mage uses a range of elemental spells that boost either their white or black mana gauges, which, in turn, can be used to enchant melee actions into dealing more damage. Red Mage is typically used as a support based DPS since its damage output was low, but with the 5.4 patch, a handful of Red Mage’s spells were boosted to deal more damage. These changes have bumped Red Mage up onto the list, and while Red Mage still isn’t quite as powerful as other magic based classes, it’s fun mechanics make it worthwhile to pick back up again.

Why Red Mage is one of the best DPS:

Mix of melee and magic actions
Offers the most movement of the caster based classes
Balancing white and black mana is a unique mechanic
Rotation is more forgiving than other classes and slip ups or deaths won’t affect performance as dramatically
Duelcast and Swiftcast allows Red Mage to resurrect two fallen players one right after the other
Embolden is great for boosting team damage

DPS Rating: 79/100

6) Dragoon

A Dragoon in full gear

Dragoon continues to be a tried and true DPS class in FF14, and with its team-wide damage boosts, it has fairly decent team synergy. Not too much has changed with Dragoon in the newest patch, but a couple of its actions have had attack potency boosted by 10 points, now putting Dragoon on par with other melee DPS while also keeping its team synergy.

Why Dragoon is one of the best DPS:

Battle Litany and Dragon Sight boost damage output of the team
Positional attacks can award a higher damage output
Improved damage output with patch 5.4
One of the most entertaining and popular classes to play
Straight-forward rotation of skills

DPS Rating: 81/100

5) Summoner

A summoner summoning a garuda-egi

Summoner is typically considered a powerful DPS and an excellent team player. While its rotation can be lengthy, Summoner can deal a high amount of damage while also being able to jump into a back-up support role with its healing and resurrecting skills. No changes were made to Summoner in patch 5.4, displaying the versatility of this beloved DPS class.

Why Summoner is one of the best DPS:

High damage output with damage-over-time spells and regular spells
Bane allows Summoner to target multiple enemies with DoT spells at once
Devotion boosts party-wide damage
Raising and healing abilities allow Summoner to step in for support
Summons battle pet primals to fight by your side

DPS Rating: 83/100

4) Ninja

A mediatating Ninja

Ninja received a significant rework back with the 5.1 patch, making its convoluted rotation much easier to manage and boosting the class up into the rankings. Since then, little has changed with the Ninja class, and the 5.4 has bumped up the damage potency of only two of its skills. With a proficient player, Ninja can be a formidable foe, power rivaling even that of Samurai.

Why Ninja is one of the best DPS:

Improved skill rotation
Powerful damage output for a DPS class
Trick Attack increases enemy damage taken
When supported by other melee classes can deal even more damage
Combo bonuses for executing actions from the rear of enemies

DPS Rating: 85/100

3) Black Mage

A Black Mage casting a spell

Black Mage holds a reputation for being the most powerful of the casting classes as well as one of the heaviest hitting of the DPS classes. The one downside to Black Mage, like most magic classes, is has limited movement but with the addition of skills to boost movement, Black Mage becomes an excellent DPS choice.

Why Black Mage is one of the best DPS:

Deals the most amount of damage out of magical ranged DPS classes
Triplecast and Aetherial Manipulation boost mobility
Attacks can be boosted further by support classes
Fun and satisfying class to play overall
Rotation is straight-forward
Switching between Umbrel Ice and Astral fire is a fun challenge

DPS Rating: 88/100

2) Monk

A Monk training for battle

Patch 5.4 is really Monk’s time to shine. Previously known for its complicated set of actions and incredibly low damage output, Monk has rocketed through the ranks with the newest major update for the class. The tricky to master Greased Lightning was moved from an action to a trait, making it much easier to take advantage of its benefits. Additionally, the damage potency of nearly all of Monk’s skills were boosted drastically, finally allowing Monk to compete with its fellow melee DPS. Overall, it’s nice to see this once neglected and clunky class re-worked to have a smoother rotation and a better playing experience.

Why Monk is one of the best DPS:

Major reworking of actions has boosted damage output significantly
Greased lightning is now a trait
Smoother and faster rotation
No longer clunky or full of unnecessary actions
On par with other melee DPS
Overall, feels like a whole new class

DPS Rating: 90/100

1) Samurai

A Samurai draws their sword

There’s no doubt about it, Samurai is the golden child of the DPS classes. With its insanely high damage output, easy rotation, and mobility as a melee class, it’s hard to beat Samurai. While far from a team player, Samurai’s efficiency in dealing as much damage as possible in the shortest amount of time has landed it the number one spot.

Why Samurai is one of the best DPS: