In the sprawling, graphic world of “Final Fantasy XIV” (FFXIV), the journey of a player from a newcomer adventurer to a seasoned warrior is one marked not just by the quests they complete or the monsters they vanquish, but also by the role they choose to embody within the assortment of its expansive yarn. One such noble calling is that of the Paladin, a beacon of righteousness and protector of the weak, armed with sword and shield, upholding justice across the lands of Eorzea and beyond. This guide seeks to illuminate the path of those who wish to pursue the valorous mantle of the Paladin, breaking down the intricacies of its mechanics, abilities, and equipment, ensuring that your journey is both efficacious and fulfilling.
Becoming a Paladin
Embarking on the path to becoming a Paladin commences with initially stepping into the role of a Gladiator in Ul’dah, the bustling mercantile city nestled in the heart of the Thanalan desert. It is through mastering the arts of the Gladiator, learning to balance offensive onslaughts with defensive fortitude, that one may eventually ascend to the esteemed ranks of a Paladin at level 30. This transition is marked by a series of quests beginning with “The Rematch,” a pivotal undertaking that not only tests your mettle but also introduces you to the ethical and moral compass that defines a Paladin’s journey.
Upon successfully maneuvering the intricacies of this transition, the newly anointed Paladin is bequeathed with the Soul of the Paladin, a talisman that embodies the essence of their calling, unlocking a new plethora of abilities that elevate their combat prowess to new heights.
Paladin Skills
Paladins are distinguished not just by their indomitable spirit but also by their versatile arsenal of skills, ranging from formidable offensive attacks to stalwart defenses that can shield themselves and their allies from harm.
Fast Blade and Riot Blade: These skills form the bedrock of a Paladin’s offensive scheme, a basic but effective combination that generates aggro and deals damage to foes.
Shield Lob: A quintessential engagement tool, allowing a Paladin to draw the ire of distant enemies, ensuring that the battle starts on their terms.
Rampart and Sentinel: The bulwarks against adversity, these defensive cooldowns mitigate incoming damage, preserving the Paladin’s longevity in the heat of battle.
Cover: Emblematic of the Paladin’s protective spirit, this ability allows them to shield an ally from harm, absorbing a portion of the damage directed at them.
Holy Spirit: A powerful burst attack that not only inflicts significant damage but also regenerates MP, illustrating the Paladin’s divine wrath and benevolence.
Paladin abilities flourish when utilized in a harmonious rotation, an orchestrated sequence of actions optimized for both defense and retribution.
Paladin Rotation
A Paladin’s rotation is an elegant dance between offense and defense, a calculated scheme that maximizes the efficiency of their skills. The fundament of this rotation is the balance between generating enmity to shield your comrades from harm while unleashing a punishing barrage upon your foes.
Opening Salvo: Initiating combat with Shield Lob, drawing the enemy’s attention while closing the distance.
Foundation Combo: Transitioning into the Fast Blade and Riot Blade combo, laying the groundwork for heavier assaults and maintaining enmity.
Divine Veil: A pre-emptive defensive measure, fortifying the Paladin and their allies against incoming attacks.
Goring Blade Combo: An advanced offensive sequence that inflicts a potent bleeding effect on the adversary, sapping their vitality over time.
Requiescat and Holy Spirit: Empowered by Requiescat, unleash a series of Holy Spirit attacks, leveraging the heightened potency and MP regeneration.
Interspersed Cooldowns: Weaving in defensive cooldowns like Rampart and Sentinel amidst the offensive onslaught ensures the Paladin remains a steadfast bulwark.
This rotation serves as a guideline, a foundation upon which to build and adapt based on the ebb and flow of battle, the specificities of the encounter, and the dynamics of your party.
Paladin Gear
Armaments and adornments are more than mere tools for a Paladin; they are extensions of their will, artifacts that amplify their abilities and manifest their inner strength. As such, selecting the right equipment is paramount to unlocking a Paladin’s full potential.
Sword and Shield: The hallmark of a Paladin, these should be prioritized for upgrades, as they directly influence your offensive and defensive capabilities.
Armor: Favor heavy armor that maximizes defense and vitality, ensuring your longevity in the face of adversity and enabling you to protect your allies effectively.
Accessories: Opt for accessories that elevate strength, vitality, and critical hit rate, reinforcing your damage output and resilience.
Gear progression is inherently intertwined with a Paladin’s journey, evolving through dungeons, trials, and raids. Prioritize equipment that embellishs your core attributes, and always be on the lookout for opportunities to augment your arsenal.
Paladin Quests
The Paladin’s odyssey is not solely waged on the battlefield; it is also a quest of self-discovery and moral fortitude, explored through a series of Job Quests that plunge into the heart of what it means to be a Paladin. These quests not only embellish the chronicle array of your adventure but also grant access to pivotal abilities and equipment.
Lv. 30-60 Quests: These early quests set the stage, introducing you to the principles of the Paladin and rewarding you with essential skills that define your combat repertoire.
Lv. 60-70 Quests: Here, the chronicle deepens, challenging you to embody the Paladin’s virtues amidst ethical dilemmas and providing you with potent abilities that enhance your martial prowess.
Lv. 70-80 Quests: The culmination of your journey, these quests test the very fiber of your resolve, rewarding you with the ultimate manifestation of your calling and the pinnacle of Paladin equipment.
Your journey as a Paladin is one of constant growth and introspection, a symphony of swordplay and shield work, woven together by a tale that challenges and elevates. Be steadfast in your pursuit of justice, and may your path be illuminated by the light of the righteous.
In the labyrinthine lore and expansive realms of “Final Fantasy XIV,” the Paladin stands as a paragon of virtue and protector of the realm, a lighthouse guiding the lost and defending the weak. Through mastering their skills, perfecting their rotations, strategically upgrading their gear, and traversing their quests with moral integrity, Paladins not only rise as champions of the people but also as central figures in the collage of this rich, intriguing world. Embrace the call, for the journey is arduous, but the reward is the legacy of a hero woven into the annals of Eorzea.