In the sprawling world of Eorzea, where warriors and mages clash beneath the shadows of titanic primals, there exists a class of swordsmen whose elegance in battle is matched only by their ferocity—the Samurai. This guide descends deep-seated into the heart of what it means to pick up the katana, to don the mantle of these fearsome fighters in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV). Whether you’re a beginner adventurer eager to research the ways of Hingashi, or a battle-hardened veteran looking to refine your edge, let us embark on this journey through the secrets of the Samurai.

Becoming a Samurai#

The path of the Samurai is not for the faint of heart. It’s a profession unlocked not at the dawn of your adventure, but as you reach the shores of maturity in your journey, available to those who have attained the venerable level of 50 in any other combat class. Unlike traditional job quests in FFXIV, the Samurai has its roots in the far-off eastern lands of Hingashi, yet its quest begins in the bustling city of Ul’dah. The quest “The Way of the Samurai” is your initiation, a legend-driven experience that does more than grant you a new title—it introduces you to the philosophy of the katana.

Samurai Sen#

The core of a Samurai’s power lies in their ability to generate and expend Sen—symbols of the moon, the flower, and the snow, each representing a fundamental aspect of the Samurai’s technique. The intricacies of managing your Sen are pivotal to mastering the Samurai’s combat style.

• Setsu (Snow): A symbol of precision and clarity, achieved through the execution of certain katana skills.
• Getsu (Moon): Emblematic of the Samurai’s adaptability and flow, also gained through specific abilities.
• Ka (Flower): Reflecting the Samurai’s potential for explosive force, this is acquired similarly through particular moves.

Learning to balance these three forces, to weave them seamlessly into your rotation, is key to unlocking the devastating potential of your katana techniques, culminating in the powerful Iaijutsu moves—Higanbana, Tenka Goken, and Midare Setsugekka.

Samurai Rotation#

A Samurai’s combat style is a delicate dance, a balance of building and releasing tension in the form of Sen and Kenki, the latter being a resource used to embellish abilities or execute special moves. Your foundational rotation is a cyclical cadence of Gekko, Kasha, and Yukikaze combos, each aligning with one of the three Sen and interspersed with the filler skill, Shifu, to maintain your speed buff.

The Ideal Flow#

1. Opening with Yukikaze: Slice into battle with Yukikaze to secure the Setsu Sen and a slashing resistance debuff on your foe.
2. Flow into Gekko and Kasha: These moves will not only net you Getsu and Ka but propel your Kenki gauge forward.
3. Unleash Iaijutsu: Depending on the state of combat, choose between the single-target Midare Setsugekka or the AOE Tenka Goken, burning your Sen in a display of raw power.
4. Kenki Management: Weave in Kenki-powered abilities like Hissatsu: Shinten for damage, or Hissatsu: Gyoten for mobility, ensuring not a moment of potency is wasted.

This rotation thrives on adaptability; it’s a scheme rather than a strict sequence, urging you to respond with fluidity to the ebb and flow of battle.

Samurai Gear#

Gear is the lifeline of every adventurer in Eorzea, and for the Samurai, it’s no different. Focusing on pieces that augment your Dexterity is paramount, as it directly affects your damage output. However, let us not forget the importance of Critical Hit Rate and Direct Hit Rate, two secondary attributes that significantly amplify your damage potential.

Prioritizing Gear#

• Weapon: The might of your katana is unmatched. Seek out the highest item level weapon available to you, as it dramatically influences your damage.
• Armor: While armor pieces focus on defensive attributes, do not underestimate their contribution to your overall item level and the bonuses they provide to your offensive capabilities.
• Accessories: These trinkets can offer substantial boosts to Crit and Direct Hit, exquisite for honing your edge on the battlefield.

Endgame gear often comes from a mixture of raid completions, tomestone currency, and, for those with a knack for the forge and anvil, high-level crafting.

Samurai Quests#

The anecdote odyssey of the Samurai is one of personal growth and confrontation. Through the Job Quests, not only will you unravel the storied history of these enigmatic swordsmen, but you’ll also unlock essential techniques and abilities that are core to your combat repertoire.

• Levels 50-60: Your early quests across Eorzea and into the Far East lay the groundwork, introducing foundational techniques and your first encounters with the philosophy behind the blade.
• Levels 60-70: As the chronicle intensifies, you’ll dive deeper into the heart of Samurai lore, facing challenges that test the very limits of your resolve and skill.
• Levels 70-80: The culmination of your journey thus far, these quests do not merely end your initiation but propel you into the echelons of true masters, where the lessons learned are as much about life as they are about combat.

Every quest is an opportunity—seize them not just for the power they bestow, but for the stories they tell and the truths they unveil about the world of FFXIV and yourself.