Can an Arcanist Become a Black Mage? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is no, an Arcanist in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) cannot directly become a Black Mage. The Arcanist branches into the Scholar (Healer) and Summoner (DPS) jobs. The Black Mage is a progression of the Thaumaturge class.
Understanding Class and Job Progression in FFXIV
In FFXIV, the progression system is built around classes and jobs. A class is your initial starting point, providing basic abilities and a foundation. At level 30, a class can be upgraded to a job by completing specific quests. A job is a more specialized and powerful version of the original class. This is a core mechanic to understand when considering job options.
The Thaumaturge Route to Black Mage
The Black Mage is the job upgrade for the Thaumaturge class. If your goal is to become a Black Mage, you must begin your journey as a Thaumaturge in Ul’dah. Once you reach level 30 and complete the required class quests, you can unlock the Black Mage job by acquiring and equipping the Black Mage Soul Crystal.
The Arcanist Route to Scholar and Summoner
The Arcanist, on the other hand, starts in Limsa Lominsa. Upon reaching level 30 and completing the necessary quests, the Arcanist can choose between two distinct jobs:
- Scholar: A healer job that utilizes fairy-based healing magic and strategic mitigation.
- Summoner: A damage-dealing job that summons powerful entities to fight alongside them.
Why This Matters
Understanding this distinction is crucial for planning your character’s development. If you start as an Arcanist, you will never be able to become a Black Mage without creating a new character and starting as a Thaumaturge. The progression paths are fixed and cannot be interchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the differences and provide additional insights, here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Arcanist, Black Mage, and related jobs in FFXIV:
1. Which Class is Required to Become a Black Mage?
The Thaumaturge class is the only class that can evolve into the Black Mage job. No other class can fulfill this role.
2. What are the Key Stats for a Black Mage?
The primary stat for a Black Mage is Intelligence (INT). INT increases your magical attack potency, making your spells more effective. Other important stats include Critical Hit, Spell Speed, and Determination.
3. Does Race Affect Job Performance in FFXIV?
While some races have slightly higher base stats in certain areas (for example, the Elezen Duskwight traditionally have high INT), the impact on overall job performance is minimal. Choose a race based on personal preference and aesthetic appeal rather than stat optimization. It really doesn’t matter that much.
4. What Weapons Does a Black Mage Use?
Black Mages primarily use staves as their weapons. These staves enhance their magical abilities and often come with stat bonuses relevant to their role.
5. Can I Change My Class or Job Later in the Game?
Yes, you can unlock the ability to change classes and jobs after completing a certain main story quest. This allows you to level multiple jobs on a single character. However, you will still need to level the Thaumaturge separately if you wish to play Black Mage.
6. Is Arcanist a Good Starting Class for New Players?
Arcanist is a versatile class that offers two distinct job paths: Scholar (healer) and Summoner (DPS). This makes it a good choice for players who are unsure of what role they want to play or who enjoy having multiple options.
7. What are the Best Races for Arcanist?
As with Black Mage, racial stats have a negligible impact on the Arcanist’s effectiveness. Choose a race that appeals to you aesthetically. The differences in starting stats are too small to impact gameplay.
8. What is the Difference Between Scholar and Summoner?
Scholar is a healing job that relies on tactical healing and mitigation, using fairies to assist in their healing efforts. Summoner is a magical DPS job that summons powerful avatars to deal damage. Their playstyles and responsibilities are significantly different.
9. Is Arcanist a Difficult Class to Play?
The difficulty of playing Arcanist depends on which job you choose. Scholar can be challenging for new healers due to its proactive healing style. Summoner has been simplified in recent updates, making it more accessible to beginners, but mastery requires understanding rotations and strategic summoning.
10. Can I Play Both Scholar and Summoner on the Same Character?
Yes, you can unlock and play both Scholar and Summoner on the same character after leveling Arcanist to 30 and completing the respective job quests. This is one of the main advantages of starting as an Arcanist.
11. What are the Main Skills of an Arcanist?
Key Arcanist skills include damage spells like Ruin and Bio, as well as support skills that lay the groundwork for either healing or summoning depending on your job choice.
12. How Does the Arcanist’s “Pet” Work?
The Arcanist, and subsequently both Scholar and Summoner, utilizes pets. For Scholar, this is a fairy that aids in healing. For Summoner, you summon different primals (like Ifrit, Titan, and Garuda) and then eventually the Phoenix and Bahamut to deal damage.
13. Where Do I Go to Become a Black Mage?
To begin your journey as a Black Mage, you need to go to the Thaumaturges’ Guild in Ul’dah.
14. Are Black Mages Good in End-Game Content?
Black Mages are highly sought after in end-game content for their exceptional damage output. They require skillful play and a strong understanding of encounter mechanics to maximize their potential.
15. Where Can I Learn More About Game Mechanics and Design?
For insights into the broader world of game design, learning, and culture, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can also check GamesLearningSociety.org out to explore the field further.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Arcanist is a versatile class that leads to both Scholar and Summoner, it cannot become a Black Mage. To walk the path of the Black Mage, you must start as a Thaumaturge. Understanding the class and job system in FFXIV is crucial for making informed decisions about your character’s development and ensuring you achieve your desired job. Consider your play style and desired role when choosing your starting class.