In the realm of Eorzea, few classes capture the imagination quite like the Dragoon. These high-flying, lance-wielding warriors draw inspiration from the ancient dragons they once swore to defeat. With their ability to leap into the air and strike down with the fury of a wyrm, Dragoons are a spectacle on the battlefield. This detailed guide will dive into the sky-scraping depths of what it takes to master the Dragoon, from the initial steps of becoming one to the pinnacle of gearing up for endgame content.
Becoming a Dragoon
Every hero’s journey has its beginning, and for prospective Dragoons, that starting point is the humble role of a Lancer in Gridania. The path to becoming a Dragoon is not merely a change in title but an evolution in one’s combat arts, learned at the Lancers’ Guild under the watchful eye of the guildmaster.
Step into the Arena
Initially, your character must reach level 30 as a Lancer (LAN) and complete all class quests. These preliminary steps are crucial, laying the foundational skills and understanding of positionals ’ attacking from specific angles for added effects, a cornerstone in the Dragoon’s repertoire.
A Dragoon’s Heritage
After meeting the prerequisites, you’ll embark on the quest “Eye of the Dragon,” marking your transition from a Lancer to a Dragoon. This not only awards you the iconic Soul Crystal, which transforms your class but heralds the beginning of your journey to mastering dragon-enhanced combat.
Dragoon Skills
The arsenal at your disposal as a Dragoon is a blend of high-octane lance techniques and mystical dragon magic. Understanding these abilities and their synergies is key to mastering the job.
Aerial Acrobatics
Jump and Elusive Jump are quintessential Dragoon maneuvers that allow you to dive into and out of combat, granting not only a tactical advantage but also engaging in the thematic thrill of being a skybound warrior.
The Heart of the Dragon
Blood of the Dragon is a state you will strive to maintain at all times, as it empowers your most potent skills, including Geirskogul and Nastrond, dealing devastating damage while also bedazzling the battlefield with draconic energy.
Dragoon Rotation
Achieving peak performance as a Dragoon revolves around a rotation’a predetermined sequence of actions designed to maximize damage output. The Dragoon’s rotation can be categorized into two primary phases: the buildup and the burst phase.
Building Momentum
Your journey through a combat encounter begins with building up Blood of the Dragon stacks and aligning your cooldowns for the burst phase. True Thrust into Disembowel into Chaos Thrust sets the stage, weaving in Jump attacks when available.
The Storm Unleashed
Upon entering the burst phase, your focus shifts to utilizing Life Surge on Full Thrust, followed by a cascade of Geirskogul and Nastrond weaves, interspersed with your most potent Jump abilities. This phase is where the Dragoon’s damage soars, epitomizing the job’s dragon-enhanced prowess.
Dragoon Gear
As with any path, the gear you adorn not only defines your appearance but your effectiveness in battle. For Dragoons, selecting the right equipment is paramount to unleashing their full potential.
Prioritizing the Right Stats
Critical Hit and Direct Hit Rate are your guiding stars; these stats amplify your damage output significantly. Following these, Determination and Skill Speed are beneficial but to a lesser degree. Balancing these attributes to match your playstyle enhances your capabilities as a fearsome lancer.
Endgame Armor
Upon reaching the precipice of your power, aiming for the latest raid-tier or tomestone gear ensures your readiness to face the fiercest of adversaries. Augmenting this gear through various in-game activities will further your prowess, ensuring that you stand tall among fellow Eorzeans.
Dragoon Quests
Your journey as a Dragoon is punctuated by a series of quests, each unraveling more of the lore that surrounds these legendary dragon slayers. These quests are not only saga-driven adventures but also gateways to unlocking further power.
A Collage of War
Starting with “Eye of the Dragon” and concluding with the epic “Dragoon’s Fate,” each quest is a step towards not just understanding the historical significance of Dragoons but also mastering the various facets of their combat style. From facing down ghostly adversaries of your predecessors to preventing calamities alongside allies, these quests embody the essence of the Dragoon spirit.
Beyond the Azure
As your prowess grows, so too do the contests that await. Level 50, 60, 70, and the latest expansions’ quests each unveil new skills and further the chronicle of your character’s integration into the annals of Dragoon legend. These milestones are critical in shaping not only your arsenal but your identity in the realm.
Closing Thoughts
Mastering the Dragoon in Final Fantasy XIV is not just about executing a perfect rotation or wearing the finest gear; it’s embracing the ethos of those who came before. It’s about understanding the symbiotic relationship between lance and dragon, between sky and warrior. As you leap into the heavens, let this guide be the wind beneath your wings, propelling you toward the zenith of draconic might.
Becoming a Dragoon commands not only physical dexterity but an affinity for the lore and legend that underpins this iconic job. Through mastering your rotation, arming yourself with the appropriate gear, and examining unfathomable into the Dragoon’s quests, you transcend the battlefield’s limitations. You become a spectacle of power, a bringer of awe, and a true master of the skies.
Embrace your journey with heart and spear in hand. The path of the Dragoon is a calling, a challenge, and above all, an adventure. Now, go forth, young Dragoon, and let the skies be your battleground.