FFXIV Job Tier List: Best Jobs for Patch 7.1

This article answers the question “Final Fantasy XIV job tier list?” directly: as of Patch 7.1, the highest-performing jobs for endgame raiding are Pictomancer, Viper, and Black Mage for DPS; Gunbreaker and Paladin for tanks; and Sage and White Mage for healers. However, FFXIV is exceptionally well-balanced, and the best job for you is the one you enjoy and can play consistently — the gap between the strongest and weakest jobs is usually only a few percentage points. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current meta, how tier lists are made, and how to choose a job that fits your goals.

Formula

The calculator above computes your average pace and speed for a given distance and finish time. The formulas are:

Pace (min/km) = Total time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)

Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Total time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where:

• Total time (t) – the time it takes you to complete the run, in minutes.
• Distance (d) – the length of the run, in kilometers.
• Pace – the number of minutes it takes to cover one kilometer (lower is faster).
• Speed – the average kilometers covered per hour (higher is faster).

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: you run 10 km in 50 minutes.

1. Pace = 50 min ÷ 10 km = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 km ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows a pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h, matching the steps above.

How to Read a Job Tier List

FFXIV job tier lists are usually based on speedrun data, log percentile rankings, and community consensus from high-end raiders. The most common sources are FFLogs (aggregates combat data) and The Balance Discord (theorycrafting community). Tiers are typically labeled S, A, B, C, or numbered 1–5, with S or 1 being the strongest.

Important caveats:

• Tier lists assume optimal play – perfect rotation, buff alignment, and fight knowledge. A job that is “S-tier” on paper will underperform if you play it poorly.
• They reflect specific fight types (e.g., single-target vs. multi-target). A job can be S-tier in one fight and A-tier in another.
• Patch changes can shift tiers dramatically. Always check the date of the tier list you’re reading.

Current Meta (Patch 7.1)

As of Patch 7.1, the general consensus for endgame raiding (Savage/Ultimate) is:

• S-tier DPS: Pictomancer, Viper, Black Mage
• A-tier DPS: Monk, Samurai, Reaper, Dragoon, Ninja, Machinist
• B-tier DPS: Bard, Dancer, Summoner, Red Mage
• Tanks: Gunbreaker and Paladin are slightly ahead, but all four are viable.
• Healers: Sage and White Mage are preferred for their raw output, but Scholar and Astrologian are still strong.

These rankings are based on rDPS (raid DPS contribution) and utility. For example, Pictomancer offers both high personal damage and a party damage buff, making it a top pick. Viper and Black Mage boast the highest raw damage numbers, but Black Mage requires heavy positional knowledge.

How to Choose Your Job

Instead of chasing the top tier, consider these factors:

• Playstyle: Do you prefer fast-paced melee (Viper), ranged casting (Black Mage), or support (Bard)? Try the job in Palace of the Dead or the training dummy.
• Role: Tanks and healers have shorter queue times and more responsibility. DPS jobs are more competitive but have longer queues.
• Raid utility: Jobs like Bard and Dancer provide party buffs, while others bring more personal damage. Group composition matters if you raid with a static.
• Leveling effort: All jobs start at level 1 (or 10 for some), but you can level them all on one character. The effort is the same for every job.

Remember: FFXIV’s balance is tight. The difference between the “worst” and “best” DPS is usually less than 5%, which is easily overcome by player skill.

Common Misconceptions

“Tier lists matter for casual content.” They don’t. In dungeons, normal raids, and even Extreme trials, any job is perfectly viable. The meta only matters for Savage/Ultimate speed kills or if you’re pushing enrage.

“The job I play is bad.” Unless you’re playing at the absolute highest level, job choice is not what’s holding you back. Rotation errors and fight knowledge have a far bigger impact.

“Tier lists are permanent.” They change every patch. A job that is C-tier today could be S-tier next patch after buffs.

Alternatives to Tier Lists

If you want to know what’s good without relying on tier lists:

• Check FFLogs: Look at the percentile rankings for your job in recent Savage fights. This shows actual performance data.
• Read The Balance: They provide detailed job guides and maintain up-to-date “job viability” discussions.
• Ask your static: If you raid with a group, ask what they need. A job that fills a missing buff or role is often more valuable than the “best” DPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best job for a beginner? For DPS, Arcanist (becomes Summoner) is the easiest to learn, with a simple rotation and the ability to heal (as Scholar) for faster queues. For tanks, Marauder (Warrior) is straightforward and self-sufficient. For healers, Conjurer (White Mage) has the most forgiving toolkit.

Does job choice matter for solo content? No. All jobs can clear all solo content, including the main scenario quests. Some jobs are faster at killing overworld mobs, but none is “unplayable.”

What is the highest DPS job in FFXIV? As of Patch 7.1, Pictomancer and Viper are at the top for rDPS, while Black Mage excels in raw personal DPS (aDPS). These rankings can change with each patch.

Are tanks and healers less important than DPS? No. Every role is essential. Tanks manage boss positioning and mitigation, healers keep the party alive, and DPS push damage to meet enrage timers. A tier list for one role doesn’t reflect the others.

How often do job balance patches come out? Major balance changes typically arrive with each odd-numbered patch (e.g., 7.1, 7.3) in the expansion cycle. Minor adjustments can happen in even-numbered patches.

Can I play all jobs on one character? Yes. Once you unlock a job, you can switch between them freely (outside of duties). Leveling multiple jobs is encouraged and costs no extra real money.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2