In Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, players can choose to embark on their adventure as either a Disciple of War (DoW) or a Disciple of Magic (DoM). Each path offers unique gameplay mechanics, with DoW focusing on physical combat and DoM specializing in spellcasting for damage or healing.

Disciples of War (DoW)

The Disciples of War encompass a variety of physical combat classes, each with a distinct weapon specialization and playstyle. The starting physical combat classes include:

– Gladiator (GLA): A melee tank that wields a sword and a shield, adept at drawing enemy attacks and protecting allies.
– Marauder (MRD): A powerful melee tank who uses a greataxe, capable of dealing and absorbing considerable damage.
– Pugilist (PGL): A melee DPS that excels in quick, agile strikes, focusing on high mobility and combo attacks.
– Lancer (LNC): A melee DPS who fights with a polearm, benefiting from long reach and strong burst damage.
– Archer (ARC): A ranged physical DPS class using a bow to deliver damage from a distance while maintaining mobility.
– Rogue (ROG): A stealthy melee DPS that favors daggers, known for ambush tactics and high single-target damage.

As players progress, these classes can evolve into specialized Jobs that enhance their capabilities, defined as follows:

| Job | Role | Primary Class |
|——————-|——————|——————|
| Paladin (PLD) | Tank | Gladiator |
| Warrior (WAR) | Tank | Marauder |
| Dragoon (DRG) | Melee DPS | Lancer |
| Monk (MNK) | Melee DPS | Pugilist |
| Bard (BRD) | Physical Ranged DPS | Archer |
| Ninja (NIN) | Melee DPS | Rogue |
| Dark Knight (DRK) | Tank | No starting class|
| Machinist (MCH) | Physical Ranged DPS | No starting class|
| Samurai (SAM) | Melee DPS | No starting class|
| Gunbreaker (GNB) | Tank | No starting class|
| Dancer (DNC) | Physical Ranged DPS | No starting class|
| Reaper (RPR) | Melee DPS | No starting class|
| Vaporizer (VPR) | Melee DPS | No starting class|

The Jobs listed above, particularly those like Dark Knight and Samurai, were introduced in later expansions of the game, providing players with further options and complexity in gameplay.

Disciples of Magic (DoM)

Conversely, the Disciples of Magic focus on harnessing arcane powers to provide healing or damage through spellcasting. The foundational classes for this group are:

– Conjurer (CNJ): A dedicated healer that transitions to a White Mage (WHM) at level 30, capable of delivering potent healing spells and support magic for group utility.
– Thaumaturge (THM): A magical DPS who casts devastating spells, unlocking the Black Mage (BLM) job at level 30, known for high burst damage output.
– Arcanist (ACN): A versatile caster who can summon a companion (Carbuncle) and specialize in either damage as a Summoner (SMN) or healing as a Scholar (SCH).

Future expansions introduced additional classes like Astrologian (AST) and Sage (SGE), both furthering the healing archetype with distinct mechanics and abilities.

Summary

In conclusion, the structure of classes and Jobs in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn provides players with substantial depth and variety in gameplay. The Disciples of War focus on physical prowess in either melee or ranged combat, while the Disciples of Magic utilize spells for healing or striking at enemies with magical force. Each starting class allows for significant evolution into highly specialized Jobs, ensuring diverse playstyles to suit various preferences. This flexibility enhances the overall experience, catering to both novices and seasoned adventurers in Eorzea.