Job Breakdown

Please note all DPS ranks are based on the potential of each job
It is up to the player to reach the full potential of DPS/Utility of each job. The number one rule is ABC (Always Be Casting). Never let your GCD stop rolling if you can help it
While the opener is critical to achieving the most out of a job, keeping a solid rotation and utilizing skills during party buffs is essential to doing more damage. For most jobs, there is a 1 minute window and a 2 minute window of what skills are to be held and utilized during those windows
Each fight is different, knowing when to hold oGCDs, buffs and DoTs due to upcoming downtime is essential to maximizing damage. Understanding the Standard Openers and Rotations is good, but optimizing for each fight is the end goal
All neutral (meaning no buffs from outside party members) DPS numbers are pulled from the DPS rate required to clear striking dummies from the Stone, Sea and Sky by SquareEnix. – Information provided are truncated and are from my own observations, The Balance, Icy Veins and Akh Morning. All Openers are from The Balance
If there are multiple SkS/SpS, that means there are other viable builds that work for that class that can translate to other content than endgame. I have omitted speedkill sets as they are unviable with unoptimized parties and can lead to a severe play issue at critical times. Remember to always SpS/SkS to the tier you desire
All information is accurate and tested as of 6.11a

Paladin

FC Mentor: Misuno
DPS Rank: 15th Optimal
SkS: 2.40, 2.42, 2.44, 2.45
Optimal Food: Pumpkin Potage
Meld Priority: CH>DH>=DET>TEN
Pros: Able to keep party members alive and even be able to “cheese” mechanics through certain enemy attacks
Cons: Not as many self mits as the other classes as they are traded out for utility and keeping others alive
Best Used by: Players looking for a steady learning curve in their job and generous defensive capability due to the extra Block stat
Special Notes: Extra consideration should be used when planning out Passage of Arms (channeled ability) and Divine Veil (only protects the party and not the PLD). While Clemency is a heal, it should only be used to heal the Main Tank or a healer that is dangerously low in HP. This Class excels at Off-Tanking, but can Main Tank

FC Mentors: Rinz and Misuno
DPS Rank: 14th
Optimal SkS: 2.40, 2.45, 2.46, 2.50
Optimal Food: Pumpkin Potage, Pumpkin Ratatouille
Meld Priority: CH>DET>TEN
Pros: Able to survive even the most punishing of battles. Rotation is very simple allowing a lot of freedom
Cons: Can get boring quick as their rotation isn’t as challenging. When going for BiS, this class will not gain any benefits from SkS and DH therefore making them the odd tank out
Best Used by: Players who needs flexibility in their rotations and don’t want to overthink their rotations
Special Notes:
- Holmgang is iffy (The ability will fall off if the target dies or will not go off unless there is a target). The best way to mitigate that is to create a macro for Holmgang with the target to yourself. E.g.:
- /ac Holmgang <me>
- Also, save as much Beast Gauge for Party buffs (but do not overcap) to deal extra damage

DPS Rank: 13th
Optimal SkS: 2.40, 2.43, 2.45, 2.50
Optimal Food: Pumpkin Potage, Pumpkin Ratatouille
Meld Priority: CH>DH>=DET>TEN
Pros: Absolute Stunner when it comes to their opener and more mits than any other tank
Cons: Strict MP management and damage mitigation knowledge is vital to play. Huge suite of skills can be dizzying for newer players. Learning curve spikes at later levels
Best Used by: Players great with weaving and utilizing a vast array of skills. Pre-planning is a must for this class as mistakes can be costly
Special Notes:
- Since there are no oGCD Damage buffs, Plunge should be held for 1 minute marks and Shadowbringer held until the 2 minute marks to take advantage of party buffs
- The Blackest Night is your best Defensive and Offensive mitigation and so at minimum 3K MP should be held as often as feasibly possible