FFXI Dragoon Guide
Welcome, aspiring Dragoons! This comprehensive guide will lead you through mastering the Dragoon job in Final Fantasy XI. From leveling strategies to end-game gear setups, we’ll cover everything you need to dominate Vanadiel’s battlefields with your wyvern companion.
Dragoon (DRG), known as 竜騎士 (Ryuukishi) in Japanese, is a dynamic melee DPS job in Final Fantasy XI, renowned for its high damage output and fast-paced playstyle. This job is characterized by its unique ability to bond with a wyvern, a loyal companion that aids in battle, making Dragoon a compelling choice for players seeking both power and partnership.
The Dragoon’s arsenal includes a variety of low cooldown job abilities, allowing for frequent and impactful actions. One of the Dragoon’s most iconic abilities is the jump attack, enabling them to deal massive damage from above while evading enemy attacks. Effective wyvern management is crucial for maximizing the Dragoon’s potential, as the wyvern’s abilities and buffs can significantly enhance the Dragoon’s combat prowess. This guide will explore the nuances of playing Dragoon, covering everything from leveling gear to end-game strategies, ensuring you’re well-equipped to conquer Vanadiel.
Leveling Gear Guide
Equipping your Dragoon effectively while leveling is crucial for smooth progression. This section provides a comprehensive guide to gear choices from levels 1 to 99, catering towards new players on Eden and beyond. Focus on acquiring gear that boosts Strength (STR), Attack, Accuracy, and HP to enhance your damage output and survivability.
Prioritize readily available and affordable options, such as those obtainable through quests, early-game dungeons, and the Auction House. Don’t hesitate to use NQ (Normal Quality) versions of items if HQ (High Quality) versions are too expensive. Regularly compare item stats, even across level ranges, to identify the most beneficial upgrades. Remember that Grip items can be equipped in the Sub slot when wielding a spear, offering additional stat boosts. As you level, consider saving up for key pieces of gear that will significantly impact your performance.
Early Game Gear (Levels 1-30)
The early levels of Dragoon are about establishing a solid foundation. Your primary focus should be on acquiring basic gear that enhances your core stats. For weapons, start with the Harpoon at level 1, followed by the Obelisk at level 4. At level 7, the Bronze Spear is a decent option, upgrade to the Brass Spear or Spark Spear around level 14. At level 20, the Platoon Lance is a good pickup, and finally, at level 28, get a Military Spear.
Armor-wise, prioritize pieces that offer Strength, Attack, and HP bonuses. Completing early quests and exploring starting areas will provide access to suitable gear. The Auction House can also be a valuable resource for affordable upgrades. Remember to utilize Grip items to further enhance your stats. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different gear combinations to find what works best for your play style. Always compare stats before purchasing!
Mid Game Gear (Levels 30-75)
As you progress into the mid-game, start focusing on gear that provides a balance of offensive and defensive capabilities. Look for armor with Accuracy, Attack, and Defense stats. During this phase, job-specific armor begins to become more accessible. Completing Dragoon AF quests should be a priority, as these pieces offer unique bonuses tailored to the job.
Weapon choices should include spears that offer higher damage output and additional stats. Explore options from Abyssea and delve into merit point allocation to enhance your Dragoon’s abilities. Consider incorporating gear sets for specific situations, such as Jump attacks or general melee combat. Don’t be afraid to consult with other players and online resources to discover optimal gear combinations. Keep an eye on the Auction House for deals on valuable mid-game equipment. Remember to prioritize gear that complements your play style and party role.
Late Game Gear (Levels 75-99)
Reaching the late game demands a strategic approach to gear selection. At this stage, focus on optimizing your Dragoon’s damage output and survivability. Seek out equipment from Dynamis ─ Divergence, Escha, and Reisenjima areas. These zones offer armor and accessories with enhanced stats and unique properties. Prioritize gear that boosts Strength, Attack, Accuracy, and Critical Hit Rate.
Weapons such as the Lionheart spear become viable options, providing substantial damage upgrades. Explore the potential of reforged Artifact and Relic armor sets to further enhance your Dragoon’s capabilities. Seek advice from experienced players and delve into online forums to discover optimal gear combinations for different scenarios. Consider participating in endgame events to acquire rare and powerful equipment. Remember to balance offensive stats with defensive stats to ensure your Dragoon can withstand the challenges of late-game content.
Endgame Gear and Best-in-Slot (BIS) Setups
The pinnacle of Dragoon gearing lies in assembling the Best-in-Slot (BIS) setup. This involves acquiring the most powerful and synergistic equipment available. Seek gear from high-tier Ambuscades, Omen, Dyna-D, and other challenging content. Prioritize maximizing key stats like Attack, Accuracy, Critical Hit Rate, and Double Attack.
RMEA (Remake, Mythic, Empyrean, and Aeonic) weapons are highly sought after for their exceptional stats and unique properties. Coordinate with your linkshell to tackle difficult encounters and acquire the necessary components. Research different BIS setups for various scenarios, such as damage dealing, survivability, or hybrid roles. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle and party composition. Consult with experienced Dragoons and utilize online resources to stay up-to-date on the latest BIS gear options. Remember that BIS is constantly evolving as new content is released.
Weapons Guide
The Dragoon’s primary weapon is the spear, and selecting the right one is crucial for maximizing damage output. This guide will walk you through weapon choices at different stages. Understanding weapon skills is essential. As you level up your weapon skills, you’ll gain access to more powerful weapon skills.
Consider the weapon’s damage, delay, and any additional stats it provides. Don’t overlook the importance of weapon skills. High weapon skill levels unlock powerful weapon skills that are essential for dealing burst damage. As you progress, focus on obtaining weapons with high base damage and beneficial stats like Accuracy, Attack, or Critical Hit Rate. Explore different weapon options and experiment with various combinations to find what suits your playstyle.
Keep an eye on the auction house and participate in events to acquire rare and powerful weapons. Remember that weapon choice is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Adapt your weapon selection to the specific challenges you face.
Early Game Weapons
In the early stages of your Dragoon journey (levels 1-30), your weapon choices will be relatively limited, but making smart selections can still significantly impact your effectiveness. The Harpoon is a readily available option at level 1, providing a starting point for your spear skills. At level 4, consider the Obelisk, offering a slight upgrade in damage.
As you progress, the Bronze Spear at level 7 is a reliable choice, followed by the Brass Spear or Spark Spear around level 14. By level 20, the Platoon Lance becomes available, offering a notable damage increase. At level 28, the Military Spear provides a further upgrade. Don’t forget to level your weapon skills.
Focus on weapons that offer a balance of damage and affordability. Keep an eye on the auction house for deals.
Mid to Late Game Weapons
As you venture into the mid to late game (levels 75-99), your weapon choices become more diverse and impactful, requiring a more strategic approach. During this phase, focus on acquiring weapons that enhance your damage output and offer beneficial stats. Look out for spears with high attack power, accuracy, and potentially Double Attack or Triple Attack.
Consider weapons obtained from Abyssea, such as the powerful spears dropped from notorious monsters. These weapons often come with augmentable slots, allowing you to customize them to suit your specific needs and playstyle.
Don’t underestimate the importance of weapon skills; consistently leveling them up is crucial for maximizing your damage potential. As you approach level 99, start exploring endgame weapon options and begin planning your acquisition strategy. The right spear can make a significant difference in your Dragoon’s performance.
RMEA Weapons Considerations
Relic, Mythic, and Empyrean (RMEA) weapons represent the pinnacle of Dragoon weaponry in Final Fantasy XI. Acquiring and upgrading these weapons is a significant undertaking, requiring substantial time, resources, and dedication. However, the payoff is immense, as RMEA weapons offer unparalleled stats, unique weapon skills, and game-changing abilities.
Each RMEA weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different playstyles and content. Relic weapons are known for their consistent damage output. Mythic weapons boast powerful weapon skills. Empyrean weapons provide unique abilities that can significantly enhance your Dragoon’s capabilities.
Before embarking on the RMEA journey, carefully research each weapon’s properties and consider how it aligns with your goals. Factor in the cost of acquisition, the time investment required for upgrading, and the potential impact on your Dragoon’s overall performance.
Wyvern Management
A Dragoon’s wyvern is an integral part of their arsenal, providing valuable support and offensive capabilities. Effective wyvern management is crucial for maximizing your Dragoon’s potential. Understanding your wyvern’s strengths, weaknesses, and abilities is paramount.
Healing Breath is a key wyvern ability, restoring HP to the Dragoon. The threshold for Healing Breath activation is when the Dragoon’s HP drops below 25% (or 33% with Drachen Armet). Position your wyvern strategically to ensure it can effectively utilize its breath attacks and other abilities.
Consider using wyvern-specific gear and augments to enhance its stats and abilities. Experiment with different strategies and tactics to find what works best for your playstyle and the content you’re facing. A well-managed wyvern can significantly increase your Dragoon’s survivability and damage output. Remember to keep your wyvern healthy and engaged in combat to fully utilize its potential.
Solo/Duo Play Guide
The Dragoon’s versatility shines in solo and duo scenarios, offering a unique blend of damage and survivability. Mastering solo/duo play involves understanding your wyvern’s capabilities and utilizing them effectively. Focus on gear that enhances both your and your wyvern’s stats;
Strategic use of Healing Breath is crucial for survivability. Manage your HP to trigger Healing Breath when needed, maximizing its impact. Experiment with different gear sets to optimize damage output and sustain. Utilize buffs and consumables to enhance your capabilities.
Consider engaging enemies strategically, utilizing your wyvern to tank while you deal damage from a safe distance. Adapt your tactics based on the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses. Solo and duo play requires patience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of your Dragoon’s capabilities. Learning enemy attack patterns will improve your ability to avoid damage. Coordinate with your duo partner to maximize efficiency and overcome challenges.
Party Play Guide
In a party setting, the Dragoon excels as a consistent damage dealer, contributing significantly to overall DPS. Your role is to maintain a steady stream of damage while strategically utilizing your jump attacks and job abilities. Communication and coordination with your party are essential for success.
Prioritize gear that maximizes your attack power, accuracy, and critical hit rate. Work with your party to optimize buff rotations and ensure maximum damage output. Time your jump attacks to avoid enemy area-of-effect attacks and maximize damage windows. Be mindful of your wyvern’s positioning and adjust accordingly to avoid unnecessary damage.
Coordinate with your party’s tank to maintain proper hate control. Communicate your intentions clearly to avoid disrupting the party’s strategy. A well-geared and skilled Dragoon can significantly enhance a party’s overall effectiveness. Understanding your role and responsibilities within the party is crucial for success. Adapt to the party’s composition and adjust your play style accordingly. Effective party play requires teamwork, communication, and a shared understanding of the encounter.
