Samurai Job Guide for FFXIV — Dawntrail 7.1
Samurai is a melee DPS job in Final Fantasy XIV that uses their katana to build Sen and Kenki, unleashing both in the form of hard-hitting combo attacks. They can only be played after completing a quest in Ul'dah, after reaching Level 50, and have no base class.
What is Samurai's Playstyle?
Samurai is a high-damage, no-utility melee job with a semi-flexible burst window. They wield a katana and share Striking gear with Monk, with a main stat of Strength.
Samurai offers no raid buffs or party utility of its own. Instead, it excels at exploiting the buffs provided by the other members of the party, putting an unmatched amount of potency into each burst window. The core gameplay revolves around rotating through three basic combos to upkeep a pair of buffs and gather resources in the form of Sen and Kenki. Every 120 seconds, Samurai unleashes a massive burst of heavy-hitting abilities, with a slightly lower burst every 60 seconds. As these burst windows require a setup that is primarily GCD-based, moving or holding them is a bit difficult. A large portion of Samurai's optimization therefore comes from extending, shortening, or rearranging your rotation on a per-fight or even per-mechanic basis. The job has a low barrier to entry but a high skill ceiling in knowing how to rearrange your rotation in various ways to work around mechanics and continue taking advantage of your party's raid buffs.
Samurai Strengths and Weaknesses
- Low skill floor, high skill ceiling.
- Powerful 2 minute burst windows.
- Variety of options to spend resources on.
- High mobility in Hissatsu: Yaten and Hissatsu: Gyoten
- Easy upkeep on self-buffs.
- No party utility besides damage, job usefulness heavily dependent on player skill.
- Burst windows require some preparation, making deaths or long downtime difficult to recover from.
- Variety comes at the price of having many separate abilities, leading to bloated hotbars.
How do you Unlock Samurai?
Samurai was added to FFXIV through the Stormblood expansion, and starts at level 50 instead of level 1 like the game's base jobs. As such, the prerequisites to unlocking Samurai are to be at least Level 50 on one Discipline of War or Magic job and own the Stormblood expansion.
Once you meet both requirements, head to Ul'dah, Steps of Nald (x9.2, y9.1) and speak to the Ul'dahn Citizen to start the quest "The Way of the Samurai." Upon completion, you will be rewarded with the Samurai job stone and some basic left side gear.
Samurai Gauges
The Sen Gauge displays which Sen have currently been accumulated. Each Sen can be gained through different combos — Setsu (top), from Yukikaze; Getsu (left), from Gekko or Mangetsu; and Ka (right), from Kasha or Oka.
Sen is spent on Iaijutsu, a weaponskill that executes a different attack depending how many Sen have been accumulated when used. Which combination of Sen does not matter, only how many. At one Sen, it will execute Higanbana, a 60s DoT. At two Sen, Tenka Goken, a frontal cone AoE. Finally, at three Sen, the single target nuke Midare Setsugekka.
The Kenki Gauge is unlocked at Level 52 via the trait Kenki Mastery. At this level, Kenki is only gained through combo finishers or a successful Third Eye, but upon reaching Level 62, the trait Kenki Mastery II expands this to all of Samurai's Weaponskills, aside from Iaijutsu. Kenki is spent on Hissatsu oGCD abilities which offer mobility or damage, such as Hissatsu: Gyoten, Hissatsu: Shinten, and Hissatsu: Senei.
The Meditation Gauge is added at Level 80 upon unlocking the ability Shoha. Stacks of Meditation are gained through use of Iaijutsu, Meditate, and Ogi Namikiri, up to a maximum of three. Once full, you may spend all three stacks on Shoha for a powerful oGCD attack.
Samurai Video Resources
If you would prefer to watch a video that provides an overview of Samurai, feel free to give the video below a watch. The video was provided by Julia Care, a member of the community on The Balance Discord server.
Samurai Actions
Action Name |
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Effect |
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Hakaze Lv. 1 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 200. Additional Effect: Increases Kenki Gauge by 5 |
Jinpu Lv. 4 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 140. Combo Action: Gyofu Combo Potency: 300 Combo Bonus: Grants Fugetsu Fugetsu Effect: Increases damage dealt by 13% Duration: 40s Combo Bonus: Increases Kenki Gauge by 5 |
Third Eye Lv. 6 |
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Reduces the amount of damage taken by the next attack by 10%. Duration: 4s Additional Effect: Increases Kenki Gauge by 10 when hit |
Enpi Lv. 15 |
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Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 100. Enhanced Enpi Potency: 270 Additional Effect: Increases Kenki Gauge by 10 |
Shifu Lv. 18 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 140. Combo Action: Gyofu Combo Potency: 300 Combo Bonus: Grants Fuka Fuka Effect: Reduces weaponskill cast time and recast time, spell cast time and recast time, and auto-attack delay by 13% Duration: 40s Combo Bonus: Increases Kenki Gauge by 5 |
Fuga Lv. 26 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 90 to all enemies in a cone before you. Additional Effect: Increases Kenki Gauge by 5 |
Gekko Lv. 30 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 160. 210 when executed from a target's rear. Combo Action: Jinpu Combo Potency: 370 Rear Combo Potency: 420 Combo Bonus: Increases Kenki Gauge by 10 Combo Bonus: Grants Getsu |
Higanbana Lv. 30 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 200. Additional Effect: Damage over time Potency: 50 Duration: 60s Additional Effect: Grants a stack of Meditation, up to a maximum of 3 Can only be executed after accumulating 1 Sen. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Iaijutsu changes to Higanbana when requirements for execution are met. |
Iaijutsu Lv. 30 |
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Executes a weaponskill depending on current number of Sen stored in Sen Gauge. 1 Sen: Higanbana 2 Sen: Tenka Goken 3 Sen: Midare Setsugekka While under the effect of Tendo, Tenka Goken changes to Tendo Goken, and Midare Setsugekka changes to Tendo Setsugekka. |
Mangetsu Lv. 35 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to all nearby enemies. Combo Action: Fuko Combo Potency: 120 Combo Bonus: Grants Fugetsu Fugetsu Effect: Increases damage dealt by 13% Duration: 40s Combo Bonus: Increases Kenki Gauge by 10 Combo Bonus: Grants Getsu |
Kasha Lv. 40 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 160. 210 when executed from a target's flank. Combo Action: Shifu Combo Potency: 370 Flank Combo Potency: 420 Combo Bonus: Increases Kenki Gauge by 10 Combo Bonus: Grants Ka |
Tenka Goken Lv. 40 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 300 to all nearby enemies. Additional Effect: Grants Tsubame-gaeshi Ready Duration: 30s Additional Effect: Grants a stack of Meditation, up to a maximum of 3 Can only be executed after accumulating 2 Sen. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Iaijutsu changes to Tenka Goken when requirements for execution are met. |
Oka Lv. 45 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to all nearby enemies. Combo Action: Fuko Combo Potency: 120 Combo Bonus: Grants Fuka Fuka Effect: Reduces weaponskill cast time and recast time, spell cast time and recast time, and auto-attack delay by 13% Duration: 40s Combo Bonus: Increases Kenki Gauge by 10 Combo Bonus: Grants Ka |
Meikyo Shisui Lv. 50 |
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Execute up to 3 weaponskill combos without meeting combo prerequisites. Does not affect Iaijutsu or Ogi Namikiri. Duration: 20s Additional Effect: Successfully landing Gekko grants Fugetsu, and successfully landing Kasha grants Fuka Additional Effect: Grants Tendo Duration: 30s Maximum Charges: 2 |
Midare Setsugekka Lv. 50 |
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Delivers a critical hit with a potency of 640. Damage dealt is increased when under an effect that raises critical hit rate. Additional Effect: Grants Tsubame-gaeshi Ready Duration: 30s Additional Effect: Grants a stack of Meditation, up to a maximum of 3 Can only be executed after accumulating 3 Sen. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Iaijutsu changes to Midare Setsugekka when requirements for execution are met. |
Yukikaze Lv. 50 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 160. Combo Action: Gyofu Combo Potency: 340 Combo Bonus: Increases Kenki Gauge by 15 Combo Bonus: Grants Setsu |
Hissatsu: Shinten Lv. 52 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 250. Kenki Gauge Cost: 25 |
Hissatsu: Gyoten Lv. 54 |
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Rushes target and delivers an attack with a potency of 100. Kenki Gauge Cost: 10 Cannot be executed while bound. |
Hissatsu: Yaten Lv. 56 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 100. Additional Effect: 10-yalm backstep Additional Effect: Grants Enhanced Enpi Duration: 15s Kenki Gauge Cost: 10 Cannot be executed while bound. |
Meditate Lv. 60 |
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Gradually increases your Kenki Gauge. Duration: 15s Additional Effect: Grants stacks of Meditation when used in combat, up to a maximum of 3 Kenki Gauge not affected when used outside battle. Effect ends upon using another action or moving (including facing a different direction). Cancels auto-attack upon execution. Triggers the cooldown of weaponskills upon execution. Cannot be executed during the cooldown of weaponskills. |
Hissatsu: Kyuten Lv. 62 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 120 to all nearby enemies. Kenki Gauge Cost: 25 |
Hagakure Lv. 68 |
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Converts Setsu, Getsu, and Ka into Kenki. Each Sen converted increases your Kenki Gauge by 10. Can only be executed if under the effect of at least one of the three statuses. |
Ikishoten Lv. 68 |
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Increases Kenki Gauge by 50. Additional Effect: Grants Ogi Namikiri Ready Duration: 30s Additional Effect: Grants Zanshin Ready Duration: 30s Can only be executed while in combat. |
Hissatsu: Guren Lv. 70 |
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Delivers an attack to all enemies in a straight line before you with a potency of 500 for the first enemy, and 25% less for all remaining enemies. Kenki Gauge Cost: 25 Shares a recast timer with Hissatsu: Senei. |
Hissatsu: Senei Lv. 72 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 800. Kenki Gauge Cost: 25 Shares a recast timer with Hissatsu: Guren. |
Kaeshi: Goken Lv. 74 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 300 to all nearby enemies. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Tsubame-gaeshi changes to Kaeshi: Goken when requirements for execution are met. |
Kaeshi: Setsugekka Lv. 74 |
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Delivers a critical hit with a potency of 640. Damage dealt is increased when under an effect that raises critical hit rate. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Tsubame-gaeshi changes to Kaeshi: Setsugekka when requirements for execution are met. |
Tsubame-gaeshi Lv. 74 |
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Repeats the previously executed iaijutsu. Cannot be used to repeat Higanbana. Can only be executed while under the effect of Tsubame-gaeshi Ready. |
Shoha Lv. 80 |
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Delivers an attack to all enemies in a straight line before you with a potency of 640 for the first enemy, and 65% less for all remaining enemies. Can only be executed after accumulating three stacks of Meditation by executing Iaijutsu, Meditate, or Ogi Namikiri while in combat. Consumes all stacks of Meditation upon execution. |
Tengentsu Lv. 82 |
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Reduces the amount of damage taken by the next attack by 10%. Duration: 4s Additional Effect: Grants Tengentsu's Foresight and increases Kenki Gauge by 10 when hit Tengentsu's Foresight Effect: Gradually restores your HP and reduces damage taken by 10% Duration: 9s Cure Potency: 200 |
Fuko Lv. 86 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to all nearby enemies. Additional Effect: Increases Kenki Gauge by 10 |
Kaeshi: Namikiri Lv. 90 |
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Delivers a critical hit to all enemies in a cone before you with a potency of 900 for the first enemy, and 75% less for all remaining enemies. Damage dealt is increased when under an effect that raises critical hit rate. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Ogi Namikiri changes to Kaeshi: Namikiri when requirements for execution are met. |
Ogi Namikiri Lv. 90 |
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Delivers a critical hit to all enemies in a cone before you with a potency of 900 for the first enemy, and 75% less for all remaining enemies. Damage dealt is increased when under an effect that raises critical hit rate. Grants a stack of Meditation, up to a maximum of 3. Can only be executed while under the effect of Ogi Namikiri Ready. |
Gyofu Lv. 92 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 240. Additional Effect: Increases Kenki Gauge by 5 |
Zanshin Lv. 96 |
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Delivers an attack to all enemies in a cone before you with a potency of 900 for the first enemy, and 60% less for all remaining enemies. Kenki Gauge Cost: 50 Can only be executed while under the effect of Zanshin Ready. |
Tendo Goken Lv. 100 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 410 to all nearby enemies. Additional Effect: Grants Tsubame-gaeshi Ready Duration: 30s Additional Effect: Grants a stack of Meditation, up to a maximum of 3 Can only be executed while under the effect of Tendo, and after accumulating 2 Sen. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Iaijutsu changes to Tendo Goken when requirements for execution are met. |
Tendo Kaeshi Goken Lv. 100 |
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Delivers an attack with a potency of 410 to all nearby enemies. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Tsubame-gaeshi changes to Tendo Kaeshi Goken when requirements for execution are met. |
Tendo Kaeshi Setsugekka Lv. 100 |
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Delivers a critical hit with a potency of 1,020. Damage dealt is increased when under an effect that raises critical hit rate. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Tsubame-gaeshi changes to Tendo Kaeshi Setsugekka when requirements for execution are met. |
Tendo Setsugekka Lv. 100 |
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Delivers a critical hit with a potency of 1,020. Damage dealt is increased when under an effect that raises critical hit rate. Additional Effect: Grants Tsubame-gaeshi Ready Duration: 30s Additional Effect: Grants a stack of Meditation, up to a maximum of 3 Can only be executed while under the effect of Tendo, and after accumulating 3 Sen. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Iaijutsu changes to Tendo Setsugekka when requirements for execution are met. |
Role Actions
Action Name |
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Effect |
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Second Wind Lv. 8 |
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Instantly restores own HP. Cure Potency: 800 |
Leg Sweep Lv. 10 |
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Stuns target. Duration: 3s |
Bloodbath Lv. 12 |
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Converts a portion of physical damage dealt into HP. Duration: 20s |
Feint Lv. 22 |
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Lowers target's physical damage dealt by 10% and magic damage dealt by 5%. Duration: 15s |
Arm's Length Lv. 32 |
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Nullifies most knockback and draw-in effects. Duration: 6s Additional Effect: When you are struck by a physical attack, the striker will be afflicted with Slow +20% Duration: 15s |
True North Lv. 50 |
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Nullifies all action direction requirements. Duration: 10s Maximum Charges: 2 |
Samurai Traits
Action Name | Acquired | Effect |
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Kenki Mastery | Lv. 52 |
Increases Kenki Gauge when landing select weaponskills or when taking damage while under the effect of Third Eye. |
Kenki Mastery II | Lv. 62 |
Increases Kenki Gauge when landing all weaponskills excluding Iaijutsu. |
Way of the Samurai | Lv. 66 |
Increases the potency of Hakaze to 200, Jinpu to 120, and Shifu to 120. |
Enhanced Iaijutsu | Lv. 74 |
Reduces Iaijutsu cast time to 1.3 seconds. Also grants Tsubame-gaeshi Ready after executing iaijutsu excluding Higanbana. Duration: 30s |
Enhanced Meikyo Shisui | Lv. 76 |
Allows the accumulation of charges for consecutive uses of Meikyo Shisui. Maximum Charges: 2 |
Enhanced Fugetsu and Fuka | Lv. 78 |
Improves Fugetsu's damage increase to 13% and Fuka's reduction to weaponskill cast time and recast time, spell cast time and recast time, and auto-attack delay to 13%. |
Third Eye Mastery | Lv. 82 |
Upgrades Third Eye to Tengentsu. |
Way of the Samurai II | Lv. 84 |
Increases the potency of Gekko, Kasha, and Yukikaze to 110. |
Fuga Mastery | Lv. 86 |
Upgrades Fuga to Fuko. |
Enhanced Ikishoten | Lv. 90 |
Grants Ogi Namikiri Ready upon execution of Ikishoten. Duration: 30s |
Hakaze Mastery | Lv. 92 |
Upgrades Hakaze to Gyofu. |
Enhanced Hissatsu | Lv. 94 |
Reduces Hissatsu: Guren and Hissatsu: Senei recast time to 60 seconds. |
Way of the Samurai III | Lv. 94 |
Increases the potency of Jinpu to 140, Shifu to 140, Enhanced Enpi to 270, Gekko to 160, Higanbana damage over time to 50, Kasha to 160, Yukikaze to 160, Midare Setsugekka to 640, Kaeshi: Setsugekka to 640, Shoha to 640, Ogi Namikiri to 900, and Kaeshi: Namikiri to 900. |
Enhanced Second Wind | Lv. 94 |
Increases the healing potency of Second Wind to 800. |
Enhanced Ikishoten II | Lv. 96 |
Grants Zanshin Ready upon executing Ikishoten. Duration: 30s |
Enhanced Feint | Lv. 98 |
Extends the duration of Feint to 15 seconds. |
Enhanced Meikyo Shisui II | Lv. 100 |
Grants Tendo upon executing Meikyo Shisui. Duration: 30s Tenka Goken changes to Tendo Goken and Midare Setsugekka changes to Tendo Setsugekka while under the effect of Tendo. |
Samurai Lore
Far across the rolling waves, towards the rising sun, there lies the island nation of Hingashi.
In the distant past, the realm's great lords vied for supremacy over its seagirt confines in a long and bloody conflict. And taking to battle in their lieges' names were noble swordsmen whose art was forged in the crucible of war: the samurai.
Eventually, the nation was unified under one banner, and these warriors came to wield their katana not upon fields as part of an army, but upon streets as protectors of the peace.
But as a neglected blade grows dull with rust, so too do men forget their purpose. Amidst waning memories of the old ways, a determined few hold fast to their convictions, hands by katana grips, awaiting the moment for steel to sing.
Changelog
- 13 Nov. 2024 (keybindings page): Updated for Patch 7.1.
- 13 Nov. 2024 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 7.1.
- 13 Nov. 2024 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 7.1.
- 13 Nov. 2024 (gear page): Updated for Patch 7.1.
- 13 Nov. 2024 (job changes): Updated for Patch 7.1.
- 13 Nov. 2024 (melding page): Updated for Patch 7.1.
- 13 Nov. 2024 (this page): Updated for Patch 7.1.
- 01 Aug. 2024 (keybindings page): Updated for Patch 7.05.
- 01 Aug. 2024 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 7.05.
- 01 Aug. 2024 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 7.05.
- 01 Aug. 2024 (gear page): Updated for Patch 7.05.
- 01 Aug. 2024 (job changes): Updated for Patch 7.05.
- 01 Aug. 2024 (melding page): Updated for Patch 7.05.
- 01 Aug. 2024 (this page): Updated for Patch 7.05.
- 16 Jul. 2024 (keybindings page): Updated for Patch 7.01.
- 16 Jul. 2024 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 7.01.
- 16 Jul. 2024 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 7.01.
- 16 Jul. 2024 (gear page): Updated for Patch 7.01.
- 16 Jul. 2024 (job changes): Updated for Patch 7.01.
- 16 Jul. 2024 (melding page): Updated for Patch 7.01.
- 16 Jul. 2024 (this page): Updated for Patch 7.01.
- 03 Jul. 2024 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 7.0.
- 30 Jun. 2024 (keybindings page): Updated for Patch 7.0.
- 30 Jun. 2024 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 7.0.
- 30 Jun. 2024 (gear page): Updated for Patch 7.0.
- 30 Jun. 2024 (melding page): Updated for Patch 7.0.
- 26 Jun. 2024 (this page): Updated for Patch 7.0.
- 06 Jun. 2024 (job changes): Media Tour information added.
- 16 May 2024 (job changes): Job Actions Trailer Added.
- 10 May 2024 (job changes): Updated through Patch 6.58.
- 23 Apr. 2024 (keybindings page): Guide added.
- 16 Jan. 2024 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.55.
- 16 Jan. 2024 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 6.55.
- 16 Jan. 2024 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.55.
- 16 Jan. 2024 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.55.
- 16 Jan. 2024 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.55.
- 15 Oct. 2023 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.5.
- 15 Oct. 2023 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 6.5.
- 15 Oct. 2023 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.5.
- 15 Oct. 2023 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.5.
- 15 Oct. 2023 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.5.
- 24 May 2023 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.4.
- 24 May 2023 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 6.4.
- 24 May 2023 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.4.
- 24 May 2023 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.4.
- 24 May 2023 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.4.
- 10 Jan. 2023 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.3.
- 10 Jan. 2023 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 6.3.
- 10 Jan. 2023 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.3.
- 10 Jan. 2023 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.3.
- 10 Jan. 2023 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.3.
- 24 Aug. 2022 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.2.
- 23 Aug. 2022 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.2.
- 23 Aug. 2022 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 6.2.
- 23 Aug. 2022 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.2.
- 23 Aug. 2022 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.2.
- 20 Apr. 2022 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.1.
- 20 Apr. 2022 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.1.
- 20 Apr. 2022 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.1.
- 20 Apr. 2022 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.1.
- 07 Mar. 2022 (Leveling page): Guide added.
- 28 Feb. 2022 (rotation page): Guide added.
- 13 Feb. 2022 (melding page): Guide added.
- 10 Feb. 2022 (gear page): Guide added.
- 10 Feb. 2022 (this page): Guide added.
- 19 Dec. 2021 (job changes): Page added.
Guides from Other Classes
This guide has been written by boxer, a FFXIV enjoyer since late ARR and Samurai main/theorycrafter since the addition of the job in Stormblood. Self-proclaimed as the "Fast Samurai" for his love of high Skill Speed, he is a Samurai Mentor on The Balance Discord and can be reached there or directly at boxer#7326. He can also occasionally be found streaming prog or optimization on Twitch.
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