Welcome to another update on Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn — the biggest one so far. A lot of you have probably played the first beta phase from February 22nd to March 3rd — barely enough time to get your hands on one or two classes in a single city, right? Well then, let’s introduce you to the others!
You’re free to start in any of the three cities: Gridania, Ul’dah, or Limsa Lominsa. Most of you will want to get used to the game first, so you can play solo and get acquainted with everything. Up until level 15, you’ve got tons of local quests and adventures that await you — and from level 15 onwards, the whole world opens up to you as you get access to the airship and the other cities.
If you want to play with your friends, you simply have to choose classes with the same starting cities, and you can group up right away.
Once you’ve acquired a class, you can change to it at any given time (outside of combat and dungeons) by simply equipping the weapon associated with it. It’s that simple!
So, let’s get started, shall we?
Gridania lies in the heart of the Black Shroud, a huge, ancient forest. As you would guess, classes based in Gridania are in great parts based on natural harmony, hunting, and surviving. If you like to start your game in tranquillity and natural splendour, this is the way to go.
The classes you’ll find here are suited to this abundance of natural resources. It’s the starting city for…
Archers
Masters of the Hunt with Bow and Arrow
Archers are ranged damage dealers, specialists at keeping enemies at a distance while launching a hailstorm of arrows at them. Archers can later train to become Bards.
Lancers
Tackle the Mightiest Boar in Thick Armor
Lancers are melee combatants, able to inflict considerable damage to any enemy foolish enough to come into reach of their lance. Lancers can later on train to become Dragoons.
Conjurers
Calling Upon Nature’s Magic
Conjurers are well versed in powerful healing magic, preferably with a considerable distance between them and the enemy. Conjurers can later on train to become White Mages.
Of course, there’s also a rich industry based on the goods that the forest provides! As such, you can find the guilds for the following classes here:
- Leatherworkers, experts at making tanned hides into sturdy armour.
- Carpenters, masters at bending, twisting, and sawing wood to fit their needs.
- Botanists, which provide plenty of ingredients for all the other crafts.
Check out this video to hear the different background tunes for Gridania.
If trading’s your thing, then the city of Ul’dah is for you. The trading capital in the middle of a vast desert was built by busy Lalafell traders and is very proud of the riches it’s amassed over time. If you want to prove yourself in a harsh climate, this is the city for you.
The classes that call this bustling city their home are among the most fearsome of all of Eorzea.
Thaumaturges
Masters of Destructive Magic
Thaumaturges rain down havoc on their enemies in the form of fire, lightning, and ice from the side of the field, bringing a quick end to anyone standing in their way. They can train to become Black Mages.
Pugilists
Wreak Havoc with Powerful Fist Weapons
Pugilists are proud close combatants, pummelling their enemies and rivalling Thaumaturges in terms of inflicted damage. They can train to become Monks.
Gladiators
Skilful Adepts of Sword and Shield
Gladiators are front line fighters and always careful to not let their targets attack their friends. They can train to become Paladins.
Other guilds have also found the bustling markets and riches of this city very attractive.
- Goldsmiths, able to forge magically imbued jewellery out of gems and other precious materials.
- Alchemists, concocting powerful mixtures to fuel allies and weaken enemies.
- Miners, extracting plenty of precious materials from the earth and supplying the markets.
- Weavers, turning the world’s most exquisite fabrics into fancy costumes or armour for the magically gifted.
Listen to some of the background tunes of Ul’dah.
If you always like a fresh breeze and green, fertile land next to a gorgeous beach, and the idea of seafood makes your mouth water, then Limsa Lominsa is the place for you. What was once a safe haven for pirates has become one of the most beautiful cities in all of Eorzea!
If you’re into fighting, you better be in it for good, as Limsa Lominsa hosts two renowned guilds for those willing to brave the sea itself:
Arcanists
Masters of Magic Through Equations and Formulae
Arcanists calculate both attack and healing spells from their books — and to keep the enemies off them, summon magical beasts! They can train to become Summoners or Scholars.
Marauders
Masters of Destruction with a Trusty Greataxe
Front line fighters that every enemy should fear — and if not them, then their fearful, massive weapons that could probably sink a ship. They can train to become Warriors.
But no one would say that old pirates wouldn’t know how to earn some honest money as well! You’ll find plenty of guilds to make you some money.
- Armorers, wrestling iron and steel to host and protect the massive muscles necessary to swing big, destructive weaponry.
- Blacksmiths, supplying everything from culinary knives to hulking greataxes.
- Culinarians, able to turn almost anything edible into a healthy, invigorating, and delicious meal
- Fishers, supplying culinarians and alchemists with a smorgasbord of sea fruits and fishes.
And, last but not least, check out some of the background music that will await you as a visitor to Limsa Lominsa.
Wow, that article got a bit longer than I initially planned. Glad to see that you’re still reading! Do you think we should go into a bit more detail about the classes in a future update? If yes, please let us know in the comments!
And that’s it for this week!
