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What's good. This is Fevir with some more Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn content.
In this video we'll be looking at the Archer class, specifically the Archer's abilities
and traits, as well as the Arhcer playstyle within Final Fantasy 14.
I was really interested in the Archer because the ranged physical DPS class in most MMORPGs
is always so similar. They usually employ a lot of air quotes- tricks, and kite while
using Damage over time abilities and slows. Unfortunately the Archer falls into that archetype
perfectly- with DoTs and tricks and very standard ranged combat. Aside from some zone control
in the form of a fire and having a silence this class is very... stale feeling.
Again, I'm not talking specifically about the abilities- mainly just the playstyle the
Archer has in Final Fantasy 14. As an Archer you have an interest in keeping things at
range and using abilities that do damage as well as apply your self buffs and debuffs.
To that end you end up having many timers to watch in the form of ability cooldown,
debuff timers, and buff timers- there really isn't anything too unique or special about
the Archer's play and feels very timer management heavy.
Although, 3 of those 'timers' to watch are powerful abilities that are transferable to
other classes- Straight Shot- usable by most physical classes is a strike that offers 10%
increased crit for 20 seconds. Raging Strikes gives 20% total damage for 20 seconds and
Hawk's Eye gives 20% accuracy for 20 seconds. These 3 abilities are enough for most min/maxers
to take note of the class- and is probably the most powerful selling point.
Traitwise the Archer becomes a little more dynamic- Along with the usual primary attribute
bonus, in this case Dexterity- There is a trait that causes your DoT to have a chance
to reset the cooldown on one of your harder hitting abilities- as well as giving one of
your more boring abilities the added benefit of buffing crit chance of Straight Shot. Thereby
creating a bit of a combo or rotation between those 2 abilities that wasn't there before.
Overall- this class seems to be something that most hardcore DPS players will need to
level to get those huge buffs. This class turns into the Bard which is THE support class
that will be in super high demand. I just hoped that the playstyle would have been....
different.