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Can a Thaumaturge Become a Summoner in FFXIV? Unraveling the Arcanist’s Path

The short answer is no, a Thaumaturge cannot directly become a Summoner in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV). The path to becoming a Summoner is intrinsically linked to the Arcanist class. Let’s dive deeper into why this is the case and explore the intricacies of job progression in FFXIV.

The Arcanist Foundation

The Arcanist is the key to unlocking both the Summoner and Scholar jobs. This class is unique because it is the only one that splits into two distinct jobs, both requiring the same base class level. This differs significantly from the Thaumaturge, which leads directly to the Black Mage job.

Why Arcanist is Essential for Summoner

The reason Arcanist is essential is due to its core mechanics. Arcanists utilize calculations and equations, drawing power from primal entities to manifest their abilities. This core mechanic is what allows them to specialize in Summoning later in the game.

How to Become a Summoner

To unlock the Summoner job, you must first level your Arcanist to level 30. Once you reach level 30, you will also need to complete the level 30 Arcanist class quest. After that you will complete the Summoner quest line and be able to use Summoner abilities. There is an important difference from the early days of FFXIV: you no longer need to level Thaumaturge to 15. This requirement was removed with later game updates.

Understanding Job Progression in FFXIV

FFXIV uses a class and job system, where classes are the base starting points and jobs are specialized extensions of those classes. Some classes can branch into multiple jobs, like the Arcanist, while others only have one direct path. Thaumaturge, on the other hand, focuses on destructive magic and evolves into the Black Mage. Their abilities and lore are entirely distinct from the summoning practices of the Arcanist.

The Unique Case of Arcanist: Summoner and Scholar

The Arcanist class is a special case in FFXIV because it’s the only base class that allows you to unlock two different Jobs: Summoner and Scholar. Once you’ve leveled Arcanist to level 30, you can unlock either Job, and they will both level up simultaneously with the Arcanist level.

Why Both Level Together?

This is because, under the hood, Summoner and Scholar are essentially “skins” or specializations of the Arcanist. The game treats them as different facets of the same underlying skillset. This allows players to easily switch between the roles of damage dealer (Summoner) and healer (Scholar) without having to level two separate classes from scratch.

Switching Between Summoner and Scholar

To switch between Summoner and Scholar, all you need to do is equip the appropriate Job Stone. Equipping the Summoner Job Stone transforms your Arcanist into a Summoner, granting access to Summoner abilities. Similarly, equipping the Scholar Job Stone turns your Arcanist into a Scholar, providing access to healing skills and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Thaumaturge, Arcanist, Summoner, and other related topics in FFXIV:

Can a Conjurer become a Summoner? No, a Conjurer cannot become a Summoner. The Conjurer class evolves into the White Mage job, which is a dedicated healing role.
What class leads to Summoner? The Arcanist class is the only class that leads to the Summoner job.
What is the best race for Summoner? Race in FFXIV has a minimal impact on gameplay. Choose the race you find most aesthetically pleasing. Any race can be effective as a Summoner.
Is Summoner easier than Black Mage? Generally, Summoner is considered an easier job to play compared to Black Mage. Black Mage requires precise rotations and positioning, while Summoner has a more fluid and forgiving playstyle.
What can Thaumaturge become? A Thaumaturge can become a Black Mage upon reaching level 30 and completing the necessary quests. You also used to need Archer at 15, but this is not required any longer.
Is Thaumaturge a healer? No, a Thaumaturge is not a healer. They are a damage-dealing class specializing in fire, ice, and lightning magic.
Can you have both Summoner and Scholar? Yes, you can have both Summoner and Scholar on the same character, as they both stem from the Arcanist class. Leveling one will level the other simultaneously.
How do you unlock Arcanist in FFXIV? You can unlock Arcanist by speaking with Murie at the Arcanist’s Guild in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (x4. 5, y11. 2).
What level do you need to be to unlock Summoner? You need to have Arcanist at level 30 to start the questline to unlock Summoner.
Is the Summoner a lower class? No, the Summoner is not a lower class. It is a powerful and versatile job with high damage output and strategic summoning capabilities.
What is the strongest Summoner setup? The strongest Summoner setup will vary depending on the current patch and content. However, it generally involves acquiring the highest item level gear available, optimizing materia melds, and using a powerful weapon. Consult resources such as XIVAnalysis to identify the top performing gear and skills for your current level.
Is a Black Mage a Thaumaturge? A Black Mage is a Thaumaturge, but it is the evolved form of the Thaumaturge class.
What is the most useful job in FF14? The “most useful” job is subjective and depends on the content and party composition. All jobs have their strengths and weaknesses, and a well-rounded party typically includes a tank, healer, and multiple damage dealers. Final Fantasy XIV values a diverse roster of jobs and does not encourage a single job class.
What does thaumaturge use charisma for? In most games that feature a Thaumaturge class, Charisma is not the core stat. In FFXIV, a Thaumaturge is a damage-dealing class. Charisma is not a primary attribute for the Thaumaturge.
How do I improve my understanding of the underlying mechanics of FFXIV? Participating in online communities such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing and improve your ability to play the game. GamesLearningSociety.org is an excellent place to learn about new developments.

Conclusion

While a Thaumaturge cannot directly become a Summoner, understanding the nuances of the class and job system in FFXIV can help you plan your character progression effectively. The Arcanist remains the sole gateway to unlocking the Summoner job, offering a unique blend of calculations and primal power. Whether you choose to wield destructive magic as a Black Mage or summon powerful entities as a Summoner, FFXIV provides a wealth of options to explore and master.

Can a Thaumaturge become a Summoner?