Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), Square Enix’s MMORPG powerhouse, has captivated players worldwide with its enchanting storylines, breathtaking landscapes, and a robust class system that allows players to probe into various roles within the realm of Eorzea. The introduction of the Red Mage in the Stormblood expansion added a hybrid spell-slinging swordsman to the player’s arsenal, blending the arcane might of Black Mages with the healing touches of White Mages, all while enabling swift blade strikes up close. This guide is forged to traverse you through the arcane enigma that is the Red Mage, from inception to mastering the battlefield.
Becoming a Red Mage
The journey to becoming a Red Mage starts in Ul’dah, yet you’ll find the class is not restrained by the typical archetypes found in MMORPGs. To unlock the Red Mage, players must first reach level 50 with any disciple of war or magic and have purchased the Stormblood expansion. Upon meeting these prerequisites, adventurers are beckoned to Kugane, where an NPC offers the introductory quest titled “Taking the Red.” This not only bestows upon you the soul of the Red Mage but also equips you with the fundamentals of the class, setting you on a path of balance between devastation and restoration.
Red Mage Skills
The Dualcasting Mechanic
Integral to the Red Mage’s repertoire is the Dualcasting ability, which enables a swift cast of a spell after casting any spell with a cast time. This complex dance between casting spells and engaging in melee combat is the core of the Red Mage gameplay, balancing the scales of black and white mana to unleash powerful abilities.
Balancing Act
At the heart of the class is managing two types of mana: black and white. Skills like Jolt, Verthunder, and Veraero contribute to this delicate balance, with the ultimate goal of achieving equilibrium between the two mana pools. Achieving this unlocks the potent melee combo that defines the Red Mage’s unique playstyle.
Engagement and Displacement
Another unique aspect is the Red Mage’s ability to quickly move across the battlefield with skills like Corps-a-corps and Displacement, allowing them to dash into or out of combat, embodying the true essence of a spellsword.
Red Mage Rotation
The rotation of a Red Mage is a harmonious blend of casting, movement, and melee attacks, emphasizing the player’s agility and tactical acumen. A simplified rotation looks something like this:
- Opening with Dualcast: Start with casting Verthunder or Veraero to generate your first Dualcast.
- Generating Mana: Use your Dualcast on the opposing spell (Verthunder or Veraero) to balance your mana while accumulating Dualcast for your next spell.
- The Melee Dance: Once both mana pools are sufficiently charged, engage in melee combat with Corps-a-corps, followed by your enchanted melee combo, and retreat with Displacement or Engagement.
- Repeat and Rebalance: After disengaging, repeat the balance of generating mana and seizing opportunities to dive back into melee when your mana and cooldowns allow.
Mastering the Red Mage involves not just following this rotation but also adapting to the ebb and flow of battle, utilizing your entire toolkit to respond to the needs of your party and the demands of the fight.
Red Mage Gear
Gear up, for the attire of a Red Mage not only amplifies your magical and physical capabilities but also showcases your elegance on the battlefield. Starting at level 50, players should focus on acquiring gear that enhances Intelligence, as this attribute directly increases your spellcasting potency. Critical Hit and Direct Hit Rate are equally pivotal, elevating the destructive force of your spells and slashes.
As your journey progresses, gear obtainability branches out from dungeon loots to crafted items and rewards from endgame content like raids and trials. At level cap, players should aim for the latest tomestone gear available, supplementing with high-level raid gear to improve their performance. Remember, the Red Mage’s attire is not just a means to augment power but also an extension of their style and grace in combat.
Red Mage Quests
The Red Mage storyline is a captivating tale of redemption, mystique, and the pursuit of balance. Starting in Ul’dah with the quest “Taking the Red,” players are introduced to the enchanting world of red magic, its origins, and its crucial role in the battle against the Garlean empire. As you ascend in levels, every few thresholds will unlock new quests, offering insights into the Red Mage’s lore and granting new abilities.
The questline not only enriches the gameplay experience with poignant narratives and character development but also enlightens players on the essence of being a Red Mage - wielding power responsibly, balancing the scales of magic, and wielding one’s blade only in the pursuit of justice and equilibrium.
Eorzea is a land of endless adventures and mysteries, and the path of the Red Mage is a testament to the convoluted collage that is FFXIV’s world-building and character development. Whether you’re dissecting the nuances of the job’s rotation, fine-tuning your gear, or exploring cavernous into the lore through its quests, the Red Mage offers a unique blend of gameplay that is as rewarding as it is challenging. Through mastering the balance of black and white mana, engaging enemies up close and from afar, and upholding the virtues of the Red Mage, players will find themselves not just participants in the storied lands of Eorzea but as champions of balance and harbingers of hope.
In the end, the revelations of the Red Mage are manifold, teaching players about the importance of balance’both in magic and in life. As you embark on this journey, remember that the path of a Red Mage is paved with both challenges and triumphs, and it is through these experiences that the true essence of a hero is forged.