How To Dancer Ffxiv? Dancer is a ranged physical DPS job in Final Fantasy XIV known for its graceful movements, party support, and dynamic gameplay, and ten-dance.com is here to guide you. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to excel as a Dancer, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your skills. With its blend of damage dealing and party utility, the Dancer job is a rewarding choice for players who enjoy a supportive role.
1. Understanding the Dancer’s Playstyle
What is the core gameplay loop of the Dancer in FFXIV?
The Dancer job revolves around buffing a designated Dance Partner while simultaneously supporting the entire party with a variety of utility skills. You will generate Espirit, a resource that fuels powerful GCD actions, as you and your Dance Partner execute weaponskills or spells. Dancer is a physical ranged DPS job that uses chakrams, throwable weapons. The job has a rotation built around managing procs and using hard-hitting dance actions that buff other party members. Flourish grants access to all procs, while other skills trigger special procs that can only be used after using that specific cooldown.
The Dancer boasts excellent mobility, raid-wide party mitigation through Shield Samba, and even an AoE heal with Curing Waltz. This makes them a valuable asset in any party composition. According to combat data from FFLogs in 2024, parties with a competent Dancer often experience improved survivability and overall damage output.
The Dancer Job Stone in Final Fantasy XIV, symbolizing the essence of the job.
2. Dancer Strengths and Weaknesses
What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing Dancer in FFXIV?
Dancer offers a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses that define its role in a party. Dancers are effective and flexible party members. A research report by the community on The Balance Discord server in June 2023, suggested that dancers have potent healing utility, a flexible resource gauge and extra mobility.
Strengths:
- Potent Healing Utility: Improvisation and Curing Waltz provide valuable healing capabilities.
- Flexible Resource Gauge: The Espirit gauge allows for adaptable gameplay.
- High Mobility: En Avant grants excellent movement options.
- Party Support: Dancers buff both their Dance Partner and the entire party.
Weaknesses:
- Reliance on Dance Partner: The Dancer’s effectiveness is tied to their Dance Partner’s performance.
- Lower Personal Damage: Compared to other DPS jobs, the Dancer’s personal damage output is lower.
While Dancers may not top the damage charts, their utility and support make them invaluable in challenging content. They’re excellent for beginners because the job is simple to learn.
3. Unlocking the Dancer Job
How can I unlock the Dancer job in Final Fantasy XIV?
To unlock the Dancer job, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least one Disciple of Magic or War job at Level 60.
- Own the Shadowbringers expansion.
Once you meet these requirements, head to Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (x:9.8, y:12.0) and speak to the Eager Lominsan NPC to accept the quest “Shall We Dance”. Completing this quest will reward you with the Dancer job stone from Nashmeira, allowing you to begin your journey as a Level 60 Dancer.
4. Mastering the Dancer Gauges
What are the key elements of the Dancer’s Job Gauge?
The Dancer job gauge is crucial for managing your Step Actions and resources during combat. It consists of two core components:
- Step Gauge: This displays the required order of Step Actions (Emboite, Entrechat, Jete, and Pirouette) for executing Standard Finish or Technical Finish.
- Espirit and Fourfold Feathers Gauge: This tracks your Espirit (used for Saber Dance) and Fourfold Feathers (used for Fan Dance).
The Dancer Step Gauge in FFXIV, displaying the required Step Actions.
By carefully monitoring these gauges, you can optimize your damage output and support your party effectively.
5. Dancer Video Resources
Are there any helpful video guides for learning the Dancer job?
There are several excellent video resources available for learning the Dancer job. These videos offer visual demonstrations of rotations, tips, and strategies, which can be incredibly helpful for understanding the job’s nuances. Julia Care, a member of The Balance Discord server, provides detailed overviews that many players find useful. These resources are invaluable for visual learners and those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Dancer job.
6. Dancer Actions: A Detailed Overview
What are the key actions and abilities of the Dancer in FFXIV?
The Dancer’s arsenal includes a variety of actions, each with its own unique purpose. Understanding these actions is crucial for mastering the job. Here’s a table summarizing some of the most important Dancer actions:
| Action Name | Cast | Recast | Range | Radius | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade | Instant | 2.5s | ↔3y | 0y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 220. 50% chance of granting Silken Symmetry. |
| Fountain | Instant | 2.5s | ↔3y | 0y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 120. Combo Action: Cascade. Combo Potency: 280. 50% chance of granting Silken Flow. |
| Standard Finish | Instant | 2.5s | ↔0y | 15y | Delivers an attack to all nearby enemies. Potency varies with successful steps. Grants Standard Finish and Esprit to self and Dance Partner. |
| Standard Step | Instant | 30.0s | ↔0y | 0y | Begin dancing, granting Standard Step. |
| Windmill | Instant | 2.5s | ↔0y | 5y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 120 to all nearby enemies. 50% chance of granting Silken Symmetry. |
| Reverse Cascade | Instant | 2.5s | ↔3y | 0y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 280. 50% chance of granting a Fourfold Feather. Requires Silken Symmetry or Flourishing Symmetry. |
| Bladeshower | Instant | 2.5s | ↔0y | 5y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to all nearby enemies. Combo Action: Windmill. Combo Potency: 160. 50% chance of granting Silken Flow. |
| Fan Dance | Instant | 1.0s | ↔3y | 0y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 180. 50% chance of granting Threefold Fan Dance. Requires Fourfold Feathers. |
| Rising Windmill | Instant | 2.5s | ↔0y | 5y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 160 to all nearby enemies. 50% chance of granting a Fourfold Feather. Requires Silken Symmetry or Flourishing Symmetry. |
| Fountainfall | Instant | 2.5s | ↔3y | 0y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 340. 50% chance of granting a Fourfold Feather. Requires Silken Flow or Flourishing Flow. |
| Bloodshower | Instant | 2.5s | ↔0y | 5y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 200 to all nearby enemies. 50% chance of granting a Fourfold Feather. Requires Silken Flow or Flourishing Flow. |
| En Avant | Instant | 30.0s | ↔0y | 0y | Quickly dash 10 yalms forward. Maximum Charges: 3. |
| Fan Dance II | Instant | 1.0s | ↔0y | 5y | Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to all nearby enemies. 50% chance of granting Threefold Fan Dance. Requires Fourfold Feathers. |
| Curing Waltz | Instant | 60.0s | ↔0y | 5y | Restores own HP and HP of all nearby party members. Cure Potency: 300. |
| Shield Samba | Instant | 120.0s | ↔0y | 30y | Reduces damage taken by self and nearby party members by 15%. |
| Closed Position | Instant | 30.0s | ↔30y | 0y | Designates a party member as your Dance Partner, sharing effects of Standard Finish, Curing Waltz, Devilment, and Finishing Move. |
| Devilment | Instant | 120.0s | ↔0y | 0y | Increases critical hit rate and direct hit rate by 20%. Grants Flourishing Starfall. |
| Fan Dance III | Instant | 1.0s | ↔3y | 5y | Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby with a potency of 220. Requires Threefold Fan Dance. |
| Technical Finish | Instant | 2.5s | ↔0y | 15y | Delivers an attack to all nearby enemies. Potency varies with successful steps. Grants Technical Finish and Esprit to self and party members. |
| Technical Step | Instant | 120.0s | ↔0y | 0y | Begin dancing, granting Technical Step. |
| Flourish | Instant | 60.0s | ↔0y | 0y | Grants Flourishing Symmetry, Flourishing Flow, Threefold Fan Dance, Fourfold Fan Dance, and Finishing Move Ready. |
| Saber Dance | Instant | 2.5s | ↔3y | 5y | Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby with a potency of 520. Esprit Gauge Cost: 50. |
| Improvisation | Instant | 120.0s | ↔0y | 8y | Grants Rising Rhythm to self, increasing every 3 seconds. Healing over time for self and nearby party members. |
| Tillana | Instant | 2.5s | ↔0y | 15y | Delivers an attack to all nearby enemies with a potency of 600. Increases Esprit Gauge by 50. Requires Flourishing Finish. |
| Fan Dance IV | Instant | 1.0s | ↔15y | 15y | Delivers an attack to all enemies in a cone before you with a potency of 420. Requires Fourfold Fan Dance. |
| Starfall Dance | Instant | 2.5s | ↔25y | 25y | Delivers a critical direct hit to all enemies in a straight line with a potency of 600. Requires Flourishing Starfall. |
| Last Dance | Instant | 2.5s | ↔3y | 5y | Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby with a potency of 520. Requires Last Dance Ready. |
| Finishing Move | Instant | 30.0s | ↔0y | 15y | Delivers an attack to all nearby enemies with a potency of 850. Grants Standard Finish and Esprit to self and Dance Partner. Requires Finishing Move Ready. |
| Dance of the Dawn | Instant | 2.5s | ↔3y | 5y | Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby with a potency of 1,000. Esprit Gauge Cost: 50. Requires Dance of the Dawn Ready. |
These actions form the foundation of the Dancer’s gameplay, allowing you to deal damage, support your party, and execute dazzling dance sequences.
7. Mastering Step Actions
How do Step Actions contribute to the Dancer’s rotation?
Step Actions are a unique mechanic of the Dancer job, requiring you to perform a specific sequence of steps to execute powerful finishing moves. These steps are:
| Action Name | Cast | Recast | Range | Radius | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emboite | Instant | 1.5s | ↔0y | 0y | Perform an emboite. Increases potency of Standard Finish and Technical Finish when performed in sequence with other step actions. |
| Entrechat | Instant | 1.5s | ↔0y | 0y | Perform an entrechat. Increases potency of Standard Finish and Technical Finish when performed in sequence with other step actions. |
| Jete | Instant | 1.5s | ↔0y | 0y | Perform a jete. Increases potency of Standard Finish and Technical Finish when performed in sequence with other step actions. |
| Pirouette | Instant | 1.5s | ↔0y | 0y | Perform a pirouette. Increases potency of Standard Finish and Technical Finish when performed in sequence with other step actions. |
Successfully executing these steps is crucial for maximizing your damage output and providing buffs to your party.
8. Utilizing Role Actions Effectively
Which Role Actions are most beneficial for the Dancer?
Role Actions provide additional utility and support for the Dancer. Here are some of the most useful Role Actions:
| Action Name | Cast | Recast | Range | Radius | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leg Graze | Instant | 30.0s | ↔3y | 0y | Afflicts target with Heavy +40%. |
| Second Wind | Instant | 120.0s | ↔0y | 0y | Instantly restores own HP. Cure Potency: 800. |
| Foot Graze | Instant | 30.0s | ↔3y | 0y | Binds target. Cancels auto-attack upon execution. Target unbound if damage taken. |
| Peloton | Instant | 5.0s | ↔0y | 30y | Increases movement speed of self and nearby party members. Effect ends when enmity is generated. Has no effect in battle. |
| Head Graze | Instant | 30.0s | ↔3y | 0y | Interrupts the use of a target’s action. |
| Arm’s Length | Instant | 120.0s | ↔0y | 0y | Nullifies most knockback and draw-in effects. When struck by a physical attack, the striker will be afflicted with Slow +20%. |
By selecting the appropriate Role Actions, you can enhance your survivability, control enemies, and provide valuable support to your party.
9. Understanding Dancer Traits
How do Dancer Traits enhance the job’s capabilities?
Dancer Traits are passive abilities that enhance the job’s capabilities as you level up. These traits improve damage output, resource generation, and overall utility. Here’s a summary of key Dancer Traits:
| Action Name | Acquired | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Fourfold Fantasy | Lv. 30 | Grants a Fourfold Feather upon landing certain actions. Maximum Stacks: 4. |
| Increased Action Damage | Lv. 50 | Increases base action damage by 10%. |
| Increased Action Damage II | Lv. 60 | Increases base action damage by 20%. |
| Enhanced En Avant | Lv. 68 | Allows the accumulation of charges for consecutive uses of En Avant. Maximum Charges: 2. |
| Esprit | Lv. 76 | Grants Esprit to self and nearby party members upon successfully executing Standard Finish or Technical Finish. Increases Esprit Gauge upon landing Cascade, Reverse Cascade, Fountain, Fountainfall, Windmill, Rising Windmill, Bladeshower, or Bloodshower. Chance of increasing Esprit Gauge when party members land a weaponskill or cast a spell. |
| Enhanced En Avant II | Lv. 78 | Allows a third charge of En Avant. |
| Enhanced Technical Finish | Lv. 82 | Grants Flourishing Finish after executing Technical Finish. Technical Finish becomes Tillana while under this effect. |
| Enhanced Esprit | Lv. 84 | Increases Esprit Gauge upon successfully landing Reverse Cascade, Fountainfall, Rising Windmill, or Bloodshower. |
| Enhanced Flourish | Lv. 86 | Grants Fourfold Fan Dance upon executing Flourish. |
| Enhanced Shield Samba | Lv. 88 | Reduces Shield Samba recast time to 90 seconds. |
| Enhanced Devilment | Lv. 90 | Grants Flourishing Starfall upon executing Devilment. |
| Enhanced Standard Finish | Lv. 92 | Grants Last Dance Ready upon executing Standard Finish. |
| Dynamic Dancer | Lv. 94 | Increases the potency of Cascade, Fountain, Double Standard Finish, Reverse Cascade, Fan Dance, Fountainfall, Fan Dance III, Quadruple Technical Finish, Saber Dance, and Fan Dance IV. |
| Enhanced Second Wind | Lv. 94 | Increases the healing potency of Second Wind. |
| Enhanced Flourish II | Lv. 96 | Grants Finishing Move Ready upon executing Flourish. Standard Step changes to Finishing Move while under the effect of Finishing Move Ready. |
| Enhanced Shield Samba II | Lv. 98 | Improves Shield Samba’s damage reduction effect. |
| Enhanced Technical Finish II | Lv. 100 | Grants Dance of the Dawn Ready upon executing Technical Finish. Saber Dance changes to Dance of the Dawn while under the effect of Dance of the Dawn Ready and the Esprit Gauge is 50 or higher. |
These traits significantly enhance the Dancer’s performance, making them a formidable force in any situation.
10. Delving into Dancer Lore
What is the background and history of the Dancer job in Final Fantasy XIV?
The Dancer job originates from the Near Eastern nation of Thavnair, where graceful performers combine elegance with martial discipline. Their movements inspire souls, soothe hearts, and their mastery of throwing weapons ensures they can overcome any obstacle. Dancers represent a unique blend of artistry and combat prowess.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dancer
Have questions about playing the Dancer in FFXIV? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the job:
1. What is the best Dance Partner for a Dancer?
There’s no single “best” Dance Partner, but jobs that benefit most from increased critical hit rate and direct hit rate, such as Samurai or Dragoon, are generally good choices.
2. How do I manage my Espirit gauge effectively?
Focus on maintaining your GCD rotation and ensuring your Dance Partner is also actively using their skills. This will maximize Espirit generation.
3. What is the ideal Dancer stat priority?
The ideal stat priority for Dancer is generally Dexterity > Critical Hit > Direct Hit > Determination.
4. How do I handle movement as a Dancer?
Utilize En Avant to quickly reposition yourself while maintaining uptime on your target.
5. When should I use Shield Samba?
Use Shield Samba to mitigate raid-wide damage or during periods of high incoming damage.
6. How do I optimize my opener as a Dancer?
A standard opener involves using potions, buffs, and cooldowns in a specific sequence to maximize initial damage output. Consult a detailed guide for the most up-to-date opener.
7. How important is it to perform the Step Actions correctly?
Performing Step Actions correctly is crucial, as it directly impacts the potency of your Standard Finish and Technical Finish, as well as the buffs you provide to your party.
8. What should I do if my Dance Partner dies?
Reapply Closed Position to another party member as soon as possible to maintain the benefits of the Dance Partner buffs.
9. Can Dancers solo content effectively?
While Dancers may not be the strongest solo class, their mobility and self-healing capabilities allow them to handle solo content reasonably well.
10. Where can I find more resources and community support for learning Dancer?
Websites like ten-dance.com, The Balance Discord server, and various FFXIV community forums offer a wealth of information and support for learning the Dancer job.
12. Optimizing Your Dancer Gameplay
How can I maximize my effectiveness as a Dancer in various content types?
To truly excel as a Dancer, consider these tips for optimizing your gameplay:
- Master Your Rotation: Practice your GCD rotation to ensure consistent damage output and resource generation.
- Coordinate with Your Dance Partner: Communicate with your Dance Partner to maximize the benefits of Closed Position.
- Utilize Utility Skills: Don’t forget to use your utility skills, such as Curing Waltz and Shield Samba, to support your party.
- Stay Mobile: Use En Avant to maintain uptime on your target while avoiding mechanics.
- Adapt to Different Situations: Be prepared to adjust your playstyle based on the encounter and your party’s needs.
By mastering these aspects of the Dancer job, you can become a valuable asset to any party and enjoy the rewarding gameplay it offers.
13. Dancer in Raids and Trials
How does the Dancer perform in high-end raiding environments?
Dancer brings a unique blend of damage and support, making them a valuable addition to any raid composition. Here are key considerations:
- Party Buffs: Prioritize Technical Finish to boost the entire party’s damage.
- Dance Partner Synergy: Choose a Dance Partner that benefits most from increased crit and direct hit.
- Mitigation: Use Shield Samba strategically to mitigate raid-wide damage.
- Mobility: Utilize En Avant for quick repositioning during mechanics.
14. Community Tips and Tricks
What advice do experienced Dancer players have to offer?
- “Practice your Step Actions until they become second nature.”
- “Communicate with your Dance Partner to optimize your buffs.”
- “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different skill combinations.”
- “Watch videos of experienced Dancers to learn advanced techniques.”
- “Join a community like ten-dance.com to share tips and strategies.”
15. Gear and Materia Choices for Dancer
How should I gear my Dancer to maximize performance?
Prioritize gear with Dexterity as the main stat, followed by Critical Hit, Direct Hit, and Determination. Materia should be used to supplement these stats, focusing on Critical Hit and Direct Hit.
16. The Future of Dancer
What can we expect for the Dancer job in future FFXIV updates?
As with all jobs in Final Fantasy XIV, the Dancer is subject to changes and adjustments with each new expansion and patch. Keep an eye on official patch notes and community discussions to stay informed about any updates to the Dancer’s toolkit.
17. Conclusion: Embracing the Dance
The Dancer is a unique and rewarding job in Final Fantasy XIV, offering a blend of graceful gameplay, party support, and dynamic combat. With its focus on buffs, mobility, and engaging mechanics, the Dancer is an excellent choice for players who enjoy a supportive DPS role. Visit ten-dance.com to explore lessons, discover classes, and connect with a community of dance enthusiasts in the USA.
Take the Next Step: Explore ten-dance.com Today!
Ready to embark on your Dancer journey or elevate your skills? Visit ten-dance.com today to discover a wealth of resources, connect with fellow dancers, and explore the vibrant world of dance in the USA. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced performer, ten-dance.com offers the tools and community you need to thrive.
Address: 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States.
Phone: +1 (212) 769-7000.
Website: ten-dance.com.
A Viera Dancer in FFXIV gracefully executing a dance move.
