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    The Bard is a Job in Final Fantasy XIV, introduced as the Discipline of War Archer in the original release. Players start as an Archer, and then may upgrade to Bard using the Soul Crystal obtained from the quest A Song of Bards and Bowmen A Song of Bards and Bowmen after Archer reaches level 30, and completing the quests Sylph-management Sylph-management and The One That Got Away The One That Got Away.

    Profile

    Archer

    Archer Class Artwork ARR

    The enduring popularity of the Bow is a testament to its elegant design, but this simple weapon would be of little worth without the surpassing skill of those who master it - the archers. Bow techniques such as high-angle fire enable archers to assail their foes with deadly precision, even from great distances.

    Constant assessment of the battlefield enables them to carefully determine the most advantageous ground from which to loose, as well as the nature of the arrows best suited to their enemy. Along with the longbow sentries of the Elezen military, the shortbow hunters among the Miqo'te are widely regarded as the most skilled with a bow. The guild's teachings cover a variety of long distance weapons, down to the simplest throwing rock.Lodestone

    Archers wield a bow and, while not possessing as much damage-dealing potential as other DPS classes, have the advantage of both range and instant cast abilities. The defining thing about Archers is their damage-over-time abilities.

    Bard

    The word bard ordinarily puts folk in mind of those itinerant minstrels, fair of voice and nimble of finger, who earn their coin performing in taverns and the halls of great lords. Few know, however, that bards in fact trace their origins back to the bowmen of eld, who sang in the heat of battle to fortify the spirits of their companions.

    In time, their impassioned songs came to hold sway over the hearts of men, inspiring their comrades to great feats and granting peace unto those who lay upon the precipice of death.Lodestone

    Bard shares role actions with Machinist and Dancer, as all three are classified as Physical Ranged DPS. Bards specialize in songs that enchant allies and extend a Bard's abilities by granting additional effects, such as resetting other abilities' recast time. Bards also have abilities that refresh their status effect duration on enemies, as well as maintain constant damage over time. Although starting out slow, Bards will have competent damage on higher levels as they learn their advanced archery skills.

    Story

    History

    Five hundred years ago, in the time when the city-states engaged one another in bloody conflict, Gridanian hunters were often forced to take up their bows to defend their nascent nation from outside invaders. These reluctant archers would strum their bows and sing songs for their comrades, and it was from those encouraging, aching runes that the inspiring melodies of the Bard were born.

    Their lilting notes stirred the spirit, lending their fellow soldiers a tangible strength that could tum the tide of battle. Harnessing the effect of these "battlesongs," each nation formed units of minstrels in an attempt to amplify the phenomenon, but these hollow, regimented choruses failed to produce the same mystical influence. The original performers, on the other hand, found themselves drowned out by ranks of military musicians, and one by one their voices grew quiet on the battlefield.

    When not fighting in wars, Bards would travel from tavern to tavern to share the tales of their experiences. As the periods of peace grew longer and longer, however, they began embellishing their stories to appeal to a wider audience, and what was once a true recounting of battle became a form of entertainment by which the Bard made his living.

    Archer

    Bard

    Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

    The Warrior of Light is tasked by Luciane to seek a legendary archer to further improve their archery skill. Finding the former member of God's Quiver, Jehantel Fointeaume in South Shroud, they asked for his wisdom. But Jehantel refused to teach them archery skill and instead heed them to learn bardic music and lore. The Warrior agreed, and Jehantel gave them the Bard soul crystal.

    Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward

    After meeting with Jehantel, the Warrior of Light is introduced to Sanson in Gridania outside of the Archer's Guild, where they are told about his ambition to establish a new unit of bards in the Twin Adders. He is enthused to meet them, and hopes that their combined skill and determination will help lead to the discovery of the Ballad of Oblivion, and prove to the Gods' Quiver the power of song and not just arrows. In his enthusiasm, Sanson forgets to even ask the Warrior of Light and Jehantel their visit's purpose, and so they follow him to his meeting with the Gods' Quiver.

    Within the Seat of the First Bow, Sanson petitions his expedition to Coerthas, where he will discover the origin of the Ballad of Oblivion. Though skeptical, the Gods' Quiver sends him and the Warrior of Light on a trial in the East Shroud to prove their mettle, as well as assign him an archer of the Gold Bulls' unit to join them. At the trial point, the Warrior of Light finds Sanson under attack by forest creatures. As they tend to Sanson, another creature attempts to sneak up on them, but Guydelot Thildonnet swiftly defeats it, revealing himself to be the bard assigned to them by the Gold Bulls. Sanson is furious, as Guydelot's reputation as a poorly disciplined soldier precedes him, leaving Sanson to believe the Gods' Quiver wants him to fail. Jehantel vouches for Guydelot's skill, as he is one of his best students. Sanson begrudgingly agrees to Guydelot's assistance, and returns to the Gods' Quiver to tell them of the completed assignment, and the trio departs for Ishgard.

    Upon their arrival Sanson is determined to get to work, but Guydelot takes his time to enjoy the city. Frustrated with his lack of professionalism, Sanson follows Guydelot to Falcon's Nest to prevent him from misbehaving. Guydelot had run into the winter wasteland in pursuit of a knight, and is found assisting several Temple Knights from draconic attacks, where he is delivering a nameday present to a knight from his lover in Ishgard. Sanson focuses on the knight's possible knowledge of the Ballad of Oblivion, rather than on Guydelot's selflessness.

    The knight leads the trio to the Convictory to speak with a soldier named Celaine, who is able to deliver souls to the heavens with a song. She insists she is no bard, and it is not a song she wishes to sing. Sanson tries to coax it out of her, requesting the trio accompanies her on an upcoming mission at Twinpools. The Warrior of Light and Guydelot provide support by taking out several enemies, though Celaine's unit suffers heavy losses. She sings to her fallen comrades a song of mourning, merely a Halonic requiem sung for the lost, and not a powerful song like the Ballad of Oblivion. Sanson apologizes for trying to force Celaine to relive the sadness of her lost comrades. Celaine directs them to Tailfeather to speak to a man named Sylviel who may know more of the ballad they seek.

    In Tailfeather, a sellsword rushes into the village seeking help, for Sylviel's excavation party is under attack in Gnath territory. The three charge into Loth ast Gnath, and after dealing with many beastmen soldiers, they bring Sylviel to safety. Reuniting in Tailfeather, Sylviel departs to study the Ballad of Oblivion as Guydelot ponders if the song is but a fairy tale, and that it would be best to return to Gridania to pursue other avenues. Sanson reprimands him for wanting to abandon his mission, and tells him that the Gods' Quiver see both of them as thorns in their sides, hoping they return empty-handed so they can dismiss Guydelot and keep Sanson at his lower station. Guydelot leaves the party, angry that Sanson only cares to find this ballad to improve his rank and not support bards like him and the Warrior of Light.

    Regretting his words, Sanson waits in Tailfeather for Guydelot to return, but he does not. Sylviel reveals that the "song of the heavens" is likely a natural weather phenomenon rather than an actual singer. The Warrior of Light tells Sanson that there is a community of moogles that live in the Churning Mists in the sky, who may be these singers. The two embark while telling Sylviel where they are going in hopes of Guydelot's return.

    As they reach the summit of Sohm Al, Sanson comments about how beautiful the area is, and how he wishes Guydelot was present to compose a song about it. The two visit Moghome, the village of moogles, where Mogta joins them to help find the Ballad of Oblivion. The new trio still struggles to find it, as Chieftan Moglin suggests they are missing a vital part of their party. Sanson realizes Guydelot is the missing piece.

    The trio makes its way to the Sea of Clouds with an airship provided by Gridania. They arrive at a stone edifice, to which Sanson accidentally unleashes a dangerous creature called Ligeia. She sings a terrible melody, revealed to be the Ballad of Oblivion. As Sanson tries to send the Warrior of Light and Mogta away to face the beast alone, Guydelot appears, playing a delicate, healing melody to counter the ballad. He chides Sanson for trying to impress others, and reminds him that the desire to aide those around them is what empowers a bard's song. Together, the four defeat Ligeia and put an end to the Ballad of Oblivion for good.

    Guydelot reveals that he boarded the airship with them secretly and had been reflecting on himself over Sanson's journal and how Sanson's goals were more earnest than he expected. The two realize they can compose their own Ballad of Oblivion, and request the Warrior of Light provide inspiration as well.

    Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood

    With a newly-established unit of bards, Sanson enlists the help of the Warrior of Light to inspire the new recruits on their first mission to ensure success and high morale. With Guydelot's transfer into the unit, he is certain their success is guaranteed. Their mission regards an anonymous letter penned to the Twin Adders about the secret truths of the Autumn War. Guydelot considers it little more than an errand, and accuses Commander Vorsaile Heuloix of looking to claim any success of theirs under the rug. Sanson reprimands him for speaking to a superior officer in such a manner.


    Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

    Equipment

    FFXIV Stormblood Bard
    An Auri bard with the Failnaught and Storyteller's artifact armor.

    Archers and bards wield bows while their armor is primarily made up of "Aiming" gear, light armor with average defenses that they share with other ranged physical DPS classes.

    The primary attribute for archers and bards is dexterity, which boosts their attack power, and should be prioritized over other attributes. As DPS disciplines, they draw the most benefit from the critical hit, direct hit, skill speed, and determination secondary attributes, which all improve their damage-dealing capabilities in some way.

    Lists of archer and bard equipment

    Archer's Arms Archer's Arms

    Head Head
    Body Body
    Hands Hands
    Waist Waist
    Legs Legs
    Feet Feet

    Earrings Earrings
    Necklaces Necklaces
    Bracelets Bracelets
    Rings Rings
    Soul Crystal Soul Crystal

    Job Gauge

    FFXIV BRD Mages Ballad Gauge
    Mage's Ballad Gauge.

    The Job Gauge was introduced to players in 4.0 Stormblood. The Bard uses the Song Gauges: Mage's Ballad, Army's Paeon, and The Wanderer's Minuet.

    FFXIV BRD Armys Paeon Gauge
    Army's Paeon Gauge.

    The Song Gauges share the same trigger effect called Repertoire, which, as of Endwalker can trigger every 3 seconds. Repertoire grants more effect per stacks (except for Mage's Ballad) and additional effects to songs.

    FFXIV BRD Wanderers Minuet Gauge
    The Wanderer's Minuet Gauge.

    The Mage's Ballad Gauge indicates the time remaining for its duration. While Mage's Ballad is being sung, the Repertoire effect reduces the recast times for Bloodletter and Rain of Death.

    The Army's Paeon Gauge indicates the time remaining for its duration and the number of current stacks. If the Repertoire effect triggers while Army's Paeon is being sung, the bard is granted one stack and reduced action cast and recast time.

    The Wanderer's Minuet Gauge indicates the time remaining for its duration and the number of current stacks. The action Pitch Perfect will become available if the Repertoire effect triggers while the Wanderer's Minuet is being sung, reaching maximum potency in three stacks.

    Upon reaching level 80 and acquiring the Soul Voice trait, the Soul Voice Gauge unlocks. The gauge increases every time Repertoire is accumulated, allowing the use of Apex Arrow.

    When the Bard learns the trait Minstrel's Coda at level 90, the Coda will be displayed on the Song Gauge. There are three types of Coda: Mage's Coda, Army's Coda, and Wanderer's Coda; each is granted respectively by executing the actions Mage's Ballad, Army's Paeon, and The Wanderer's Minuet. The Bard can execute the action Radiant Finale (acquired on level 90) if they have at least one Coda, increasing the damage of everyone in the party.

    Abilities

    Class and Job Actions

    Action Level Type Cast Recast MP Cost Range Area
    Heavy Shot
    Heavy Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 1 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 160.
    Heavier Shot Additional Effect: 20% chance of granting Hawk's Eye
    Heavier Shot Duration: 30s

    Heavy Shot Mastery Upgrades to Burst Shot.

    Straight Shot
    Straight Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 2 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 200.
    Can only be executed when under the effects of Hawk's Eye or Barrage.

    Straight Shot Mastery Upgrades to Refulgent Arrow.

    Raging Strikes
    Raging Strikes from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 4 Ability Instant 120s
    Increases damage dealt by 15%.
    Duration: 20s
    Venomous Bite
    Venomous Bite from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 6 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 100.
    Additional Effect: Venom
    Potency: 15
    Duration: 45s

    Bite Mastery Upgrades to Caustic Bite.

    Bloodletter
    Bloodletter from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 12 Ability Instant 15s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 130.
    Maximum Charges: 2 ( Enhanced Bloodletter 3)

    Shares a recast timer with Rain of Death.

    Bloodletter Mastery Upgrades to Heartbreak Shot.

    Repelling Shot
    Repelling Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 15 Complete quest "Violators Will Be Shot" Ability Instant 30s 15y
    Jump 10 yalms away from current target.
    Cannot be executed while bound.
    Quick Nock
    Quick Nock from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 18 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 12y 12y cone
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 110 to all enemies in a cone before you.
    Enhanced Quick Nock Additional Effect: 20% chance of granting Hawk's Eye
    Enhanced Quick Nock Duration: 30s

    Quick Nock Mastery Upgrades to Ladonsbite.

    Wide Volley
    Wide Volley DT from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 25 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y 5y radius
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 140 to target and all enemies nearby it.
    Barrage Potency: 220

    Can only be executed while under the effect of Hawk's Eye or Barrage.

    Wide Volley Mastery Upgrades to Shadowbite.

    Windbite
    Windbite from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 30 Complete quest "The One That Got Away" Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Deals wind damage with a potency of 60.
    Additional Effect: Wind damage over time
    Potency: 20
    Duration: 45s

    Bite Mastery Upgrades to Stormbite.

    Mage's Ballad
    Mage's Ballad from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 30 Complete quest "A Song of Bards and Bowmen" Ability Instant 120s
    Grants Mage's Ballad to self and all party members within 50 yalms, increasing damage dealt by 1%
    Duration: 45s
    Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire

    This effect can trigger repeatedly while singing the Mage's Ballad.

    Repertoire Effect: Reduces the recast time of Bloodletter ( Bloodletter Mastery Heartbreak Shot) and Rain of Death by 7.5s
    Minstrel's Coda Additional Effect: Grants Mage's Coda

    Can only be executed while in combat.

    The Warden's Paean
    The Warden's Paean from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 35 Complete quest "The Archer's Anthem" Ability Instant 45s 30y
    Removes one select detrimental effect from self or target party member. If the target is not enfeebled, a barrier is created nullifying the target's next detrimental effect suffered.
    Duration: 30s
    Barrage
    Barrage from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 38 Ability Instant 120s
    Grants Barrage, allowing the use of Straight Shot ( Straight Shot Mastery Refulgent Arrow) and Wide Volley ( Wide Volley Mastery Shadowbite). Upon execution, Straight Shot ( Straight Shot Mastery Refulgent Arrow) will strike the selected target three times, while Wide Volley's potency will be increased to 220 ( Wide Volley Mastery Shadowbite's potency will be increased to 300).
    Duration: 10s
    Enhanced Barrage Additional Effect: Grants Resonant Arrow Ready
    Enhanced Barrage Duration: 30s

    Enhanced Barrage Action optionally changes to Resonant Arrow upon execution.

    Army's Paeon
    Army's Paeon from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 40 Complete quest "Bard's-eye View" Ability Instant 120s 50y
    Grants Army's Paeon to self and all party members within 50 yalms, increasing direct hit rate by 3%
    Duration: 45s
    Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire

    This effect can trigger repeatedly while singing the Army's Paeon.

    Repertoire Effect: Reduces weaponskill cast time and recast time, spell cast time and recast time, and auto-attack delay by 4%
    Can be stacked up to 4 times.
    Minstrel's Coda Additional Effect: Grants Army's Coda

    Can only be executed while in combat.

    Rain of Death
    Rain of Death from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 45 Complete quest "Doing It the Bard Way" Ability Instant 15s 25y 8y radius
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to target and all enemies nearby it.
    Maximum Charges: 2 ( Enhanced Bloodletter 3)

    Shares a recast timer with Bloodletter ( Bloodletter Mastery Heartbreak Shot).

    Battle Voice
    Battle Voice from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 50 Complete quest "Requiem for the Fallen" Ability Instant 120s 30y radius
    Increases direct hit rate of self and all nearby party members by 20%.
    Duration: 20s
    The Wanderer's Minuet
    The Wanderer's Minuet from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 52 Complete quest "The Stiff and the Spent" Ability Instant 120s 30y
    Grants the Wanderer's Minuet to self and all party members within 50 yalms, increasing critical hit rate by 2%
    Duration: 45s
    Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire

    This effect can trigger repeatedly while singing the Wanderer's Minuet.

    Repertoire Effect: Allows execution of Pitch Perfect
    Can be stacked up to 3 times.
    Minstrel's Coda Additional Effect: Grants Wanderer's Coda

    Can only be executed while in combat.

    Action optionally changes to Pitch Perfect upon execution.

    Pitch Perfect
    Pitch Perfect from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 52 Ability Instant 1s 25y 5y radius
    Delivers an attack to the target and all enemies nearby it. Potency varies with number of Repertoire stacks, dealing full damage for the first enemy, and 50% less for all remaining enemies.
    1 Repertoire Stack: 100
    2 Repertoire Stacks: 220
    3 Repertoire Stacks: 360

    Can only be executed when the Wanderer's Minuet is active and you have at least one stack of Repertoire.

    Empyreal Arrow
    Empyreal Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 54 Complete quest "Requiem on Ice" Ability Instant 15s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 240 ( Ranged Mastery 260).
    Iron Jaws
    Iron Jaws from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 56 Complete quest "When Gnaths Cry" Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 100.
    Additional Effect: If the target is suffering from a Venomous Bite or Windbite ( Bite Mastery Caustic Bite or Stormbite) effect inflicted by you, the effect timer is reset
    Bite Mastery II Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye
    Bite Mastery II Duration: 30s
    Sidewinder
    Sidewinder from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 60 Complete quest "The Ballad of Oblivion" Ability Instant 60s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 320 ( Ranged Mastery 400).
    Troubadour
    Troubadour from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 62 Ability Instant 120s
    ( Enhanced Troubadour 90s)
    30y radius
    Reduces damage taken by self and nearby party members by 10% ( Enhanced Troubadour II 15%).
    Duration: 15s

    Effect cannot be stacked with machinist's Tactician or dancer's Shield Samba.

    Caustic Bite
    Caustic Bite from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 64 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 150.
    Additional Effect: Poison
    Potency: 20
    Duration: 45s
    Bite Mastery II Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye
    Bite Mastery II Duration: 30s
    Stormbite
    Stormbite from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 64 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Deals wind damage with a potency of 100.
    Additional Effect: Wind damage over time
    Potency: 25
    Duration: 45s
    Bite Mastery II Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye
    Bite Mastery II Duration: 30s
    Nature's Minne
    Nature's Minne from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 66 Ability Instant 90s 30y
    Increases HP recovery via healing actions by 15% for self and nearby party members.
    Duration: 15s
    Refulgent Arrow
    Refulgent Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 70 Complete quest "Sweet Dreams Are Made of Peace" Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 260 ( Ranged Mastery 280).
    Can only be executed when under the effect of Hawk's Eye or Barrage.
    Shadowbite
    Shadowbite from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 72 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y 5y radius
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 170 to target and all enemies nearby it.
    Barrage Potency: 300

    Can only be executed when under the effect of Hawk's Eye or Barrage.

    Burst Shot
    Burst Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 76 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 200 ( Ranged Mastery 220).
    Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye
    Duration: 30s
    Apex Arrow
    Apex Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 80 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y 25y line
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 ( Ranged Mastery 120) to all enemies in a straight line before you.
    Soul Voice Gauge Cost: 20
    Potency increases up to 500 ( Ranged Mastery 600) as Soul Voice Gauge exceeds minimum cost.
    Enhanced Apex Arrow Additional Effect: Grants Blast Arrow Ready upon execution while Soul Voice Gauge is 80 or higher
    Enhanced Apex Arrow Duration: 10s

    Consumes Soul Voice Gauge upon execution.

    Enhanced Apex Arrow Action changes to Blast Arrow while under the effect of Blast Arrow Ready.

    Ladonsbite
    Ladonsbite from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 82 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 12y 12y cone
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 140 to all enemies in a cone before you.
    Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye
    Duration: 30s
    Blast Arrow
    Blast Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 86 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y 25y line
    Delivers an attack to all enemies in a straight line before you with a potency of 600 for the first enemy, and 50% less for all remaining enemies.
    Can only be executed while under the effect of Blast Arrow Ready.
    ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar.
    Apex Arrow changes to Blast Arrow when requirements for execution are met.
    Radiant Finale
    Radiant Finale from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 90 Ability Instant 110s 30y radius
    Increases damage dealt by self and nearby party members.
    Duration: 20s

    Effectiveness is determined by the number of different Coda active in the Song Gauge.

    1 Coda: 2%
    2 Coda: 4%
    3 Coda: 6%
    Enhanced Radiant Finale Additional Effect: Grants Radiant Encore Ready
    Enhanced Radiant Finale Duration: 30s

    Can only be executed when at least 1 coda is active.

    Enhanced Radiant Finale Action optionally changes to Radiant Encore upon execution.

    Heartbreak Shot
    Heartbreak Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 92 Ability Instant 15s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 180.
    Maximum Charges: 3

    Shares a recast timer with Rain of Death.

    Resonant Arrow
    Resonant Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 96 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y 5y radius
    Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby it with a potency of 640 for the first enemy, and 50% less for all remaining enemies.
    Can only be executed while under the effect of Resonant Arrow Ready.
    Radiant Encore
    Radiant Encore from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 100 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y 5y radius
    Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby it.
    Potency is determined by the number of different Coda consumed in the Radiant Finale executed prior, dealing full damage for the first enemy, and 50% less for all remaining enemies.
    1 Coda: 600
    2 Coda: 700
    3 Coda: 1,000

    Can only be executed while under the effect of Radiant Encore Ready.

    Role Actions

    Action Level Type Cast Recast MP Cost Range Area
    Leg Graze
    Leg Graze Role from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Physical Ranged DPS 6 Ability Instant 30s 25y
    Inflicts target with Heavy +40%.
    Duration: 10s
    Second Wind
    Second Wind Role from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Physical Ranged DPS Melee DPS 8 Ability Instant 120s
    Instantly restores own HP.
    Cure Potency: 500 ( Enhanced Second Wind 800)
    Foot Graze
    Foot Graze Role from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Physical Ranged DPS 10 Ability Instant 30s 25y
    Binds target.
    Duration: 10s

    Cancels auto-attack upon execution.
    Target unbound if damage taken.

    Peloton
    Peloton from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Physical Ranged DPS 20 Ability Instant 5s 30y radius
    Increases movement speed of self and nearby party members as long as they remain within distance.
    Duration: 30s

    Effect ends when enmity is generated. Cannot be used in battle.

    Head Graze
    Head Graze Role from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Physical Ranged DPS 24 Ability Instant 30s 25y
    Interrupts the use of a target's action.
    Arm's Length
    Arm's Length from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Tank Melee DPS Physical Ranged DPS 32 Ability Instant 120s
    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

    Traits

    Name Level Description
    Heavier Shot
    Heavier Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 2 Adds to Heavy Shot a 20% chance to grant Hawk's Eye.
    Duration: 10s
    Increased Action Damage
    Increased Bard Action Damage from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 20 Increases base action damage by 10%.
    Enhanced Quick Nock
    Enhanced Quick Nock from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 25 Adds to Quick Nock a 20% chance to grant Hawk's Eye.
    Duration: 30s
    Increased Action Damage II
    Increased Bard Action Damage II from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 40 Increases base action damage by 20%.
    Bite Mastery
    Bite Mastery from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 64 Upgrades Venomous Bite and Windbite to Caustic Bite and Stormbite respectively.
    Enhanced Empyreal Arrow
    Enhanced Empyreal Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 68 Guarantees the trigger of the additional effects for current Mage's Ballad, Army's Paeon, and the Wanderer's Minuet when Empyreal Arrow hits a target.
    Straight Shot Mastery
    Straight Shot Mastery from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 70 Complete quest "Sweet Dreams Are Made of Peace" Upgrades Straight Shot to Refulgent Arrow.
    Wide Volley Mastery
    Wide Volley Mastery from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 72 Upgrades Wide Volley to Shadowbite.
    Bite Mastery II
    Bite Mastery II from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 76 Adds to Stormbite, Caustic Bite, and Iron Jaws a 35% chance to grant Hawk's Eye.
    Duration: 30s
    Heavy Shot Mastery
    Heavy Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 76 Upgrades Heavy Shot to Burst Shot.
    Enhanced Army's Paeon
    Enhanced Army's Paeon from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 78 While under the effect of Army's Paeon with at least one stack of Repertoire, singing Mage's Ballad or the Wanderer's Minuet will grant Army's Muse, reducing weaponskill cast time and recast time, spell cast time and recast time, and auto-attack delay.
    Duration: 10s

    Allowing the effect of Army's Paeon and accumulated stacks of Repertoire to expire without singing Mage's Ballad or the Wanderer's Minuet will grant Army's Ethos.

    Duration: 30s

    While under the effect of Army's Ethos, singing Mage's Ballad or the Wanderer's Minuet will grant Army's Muse. Both Army's Ethos and Army's Muse require stacks of Repertoire, the number of which will determine the potency of the latter.

    1 Repertoire: 1%
    2 Repertoire: 2%
    3 Repertoire: 4%
    4 Repertoire: 12%
    Soul Voice
    Soul Voice from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 80 Increases Soul Voice Gauge by 5 each time Repertoire is granted.
    Quick Nock Mastery
    Quick Nock Mastery from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 82 Upgrades Quick Nock to Ladonsbite.
    Enhanced Bloodletter
    Enhanced Bloodletter from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 84 Allows a third charge of Bloodletter and Rain of Death.
    Enhanced Apex Arrow
    Enhanced Apex Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 86 Grants Blast Arrow Ready upon executing Apex Arrow after the Soul Voice Gauge has reached 80 or higher.
    Duration: 10s

    Apex Arrow becomes Blast Arrow while under this effect.

    Enhanced Troubadour
    Enhanced Troubadour from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 88 Reduces Troubadour recast time to 90 seconds.
    Minstrel's Coda
    Minstrel's Coda from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 90 Grants Mage's Coda, Army's Coda, or Wanderer's Coda upon singing Mage's Ballad, Army's Paeon, or the Wanderer's Minuet respectively.
    Bloodletter Mastery
    Bloodletter Mastery from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 92 Upgrades Bloodletter to Heartbreak Shot.
    Ranged Mastery
    Melee Mastery from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 94 Increases the potency of Empyreal Arrow to 260, Sidewinder to 400, Refulgent Arrow to 280, Burst Shot to 220, and Apex Arrow to 120 up to 600.
    Enhanced Barrage
    Enhanced Barrage from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 96 Grants Resonant Arrow Ready upon executing Barrage.
    Duration: 30s
    Enhanced Troubadour II
    Enhanced Troubadour II from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 98 Improves Troubadour's damage reduction effect to 15%.
    Enhanced Radiant Finale
    Enhanced Radiant Finale from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Bard 100 Grants Radiant Encore Ready upon executing Radiant Finale.
    Duration: 30s

    Role Traits

    Name Level Description
    Enhanced Second Wind
    Enhanced Second Wind from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Melee DPS Physical Ranged DPS 94 Increases the healing potency of Second Wind to 800.

    PvP Actions

    Action Type Cast Recast MP Cost Range Area
    Powerful Shot
    Powerful Shot PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Weaponskill 1.44s 2.4s 25y
    Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 6,000.
    Additional Effect: Reduces the recast time of Harmonic Arrow by 4s

    Requires casting time to execute. However, it is possible to walk while casting.

    Apex Arrow
    Apex Arrow PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Weaponskill Instant 20s 25y 25y line
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 8,000 to all enemies in a straight line before you.
    Additional Effect: Grants Frontliner's March
    Frontliner's March Effect: Reduces your weaponskill cast time and recast time by 15%, and increases damage dealt by self and all party members within a radius of 30 yalms by 5%
    Duration: 30s
    Additional Effect: Grants Blast Arrow Ready
    Duration: 20s

    This weaponskill does not share a recast timer with any other actions.
    ※Action changes to Blast Arrow while under the effect of Blast Arrow Ready.

    Harmonic Arrow
    Harmonic Arrow PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Weaponskill Instant 16s 25y
    Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 9,000.
    Consumes all charges upon execution, each charge adding an additional strike to the attack while lowering potency.
    2 Charge Potency: 6,000 per strike
    3 Charge Potency: 5,000 per strike
    4 Charge Potency: 4,500 per strike
    Maximum Charges: 4
    Silent Nocturne
    Silent Nocturne PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 20s 20y
    Silences target.
    Duration: 2s
    Additional Effect: Grants Repertoire
    Duration: 10s

    Powerful Shot changes to Pitch Perfect while under the effect of Repertoire.

    Repelling Shot
    Repelling Shot PVP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 12s 10y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 4,500.
    Additional Effect: 10-yalm backstep
    Additional Effect: Bind
    Duration: 3s
    Additional Effect: Grants Repertoire
    Duration: 10s

    Cannot be executed while bound.
    Powerful Shot changes to Pitch Perfect while under the effect of Repertoire.

    The Warden's Paean
    The Warden's Paean PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 24s 30y
    Removes one status affliction from self or target party member that can be removed by Purify. If a status affliction cannot be removed, creates a barrier that will nullify the next status affliction that can be removed by Purify.
    Duration: 10s

    Grants Warden's Grace upon successfully removing or nullifying a status affliction.

    Warden's Grace Effect: Reduces damage taken by 25% while increasing HP recovered by healing actions by 25%
    Duration: 5s
    Pitch Perfect
    Pitch Perfect PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Weaponskill Instant 2.4s 25y 5y radius
    Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby it with a potency of 9,000 for the first enemy, and 4,500 for all remaining enemies.
    Additional Effect: Reduces the recast time of Harmonic Arrow by 4s

    Can only be executed while under the effect of Repertoire.
    ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar.

    Blast Arrow
    Blast Arrow PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Weaponskill Instant 2.4s 25y 25y line
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 10,000 to all enemies in a straight line before you.
    Additional Effect: 10-yalm knockback

    Can only be executed while under the effect of Blast Arrow Ready.
    ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar.

    Encore of Light
    Encore of Light PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 1s 25y 5y radius
    Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 10,000 to target and all enemies nearby it.
    Additional Effect: Reduces target's MP by 4,000

    Effect cannot be applied to players riding machina or non-player combatants.
    Can only be executed while under the effect of Encore of Light Ready.
    ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar.

    Final Fantasia
    Final Fantasia PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Limit Break Instant 10s
    Grants Final Fantasia.
    Final Fantasia Effect: Reduces your weaponskill cast time and recast time by 15%, while also increasing damage dealt by self and all party members within 30 yalms by 10%, and movement speed by 25%

    Effect also gradually fills the limit gauge when targets are in combat.

    Duration: 30s
    Additional Effect: Grants Encore of Light Ready
    Duration: 30s

    Can only be executed when the limit gauge is full.

    Gauge Charge Time: 120s

    Can only be executed while in combat.

    PvP Common Actions

    Action Type Cast Recast MP Cost Range Area
    Standard-issue Elixir
    Standard-issue Elixir PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability 4.5s 5s
    Restores your HP and MP to maximum.
    Casting will be interrupted when damage is taken.
    Recuperate
    Recuperate PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 1s 2000 MP
    Restores own HP.
    Cure Potency: 15,000
    Purify
    Purify PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 4s 2000 MP
    Removes Stun, Heavy, Bind, Silence, Deep Freeze, and Miracle of Nature.
    Additional Effect: Grants Resilience
    Resilience Effect: Nullifies status afflictions that can be removed by Purify, as well as knockback and draw-in effects
    Duration: 2s

    Can be used even when under the effect of certain status afflictions.

    Guard
    Guard PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 30s
    Reduces damage taken by 90% and grants immunity to Stun, Heavy, Bind, Silence, Half-asleep, Sleep, Deep Freeze, and knockback and draw-in effects.
    Duration: 5s

    Movement speed is reduced by 50% for the duration of this effect.
    Effect ends upon reuse, using another action, or when the effect duration expires.

    Sprint
    Sprint PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 1.5s
    Increases movement speed.
    Effect ends upon reuse or execution of another action.

    PvP Role Actions

    Action Type Cast Recast MP Cost Range Area
    Dervish
    Dervish PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 45s 15y radius
    Reduces cast time and recast time of spells and weaponskills by 10%, and increases movement speed by 33% for self and nearby party members.

    Duration: 12s

    Bravery
    Bravery PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 30s 30y
    Increases damage dealt by 25%, and reduces damage taken by 25%.
    Duration: 15s
    Eagle Eye Shot
    Eagle Eye Shot PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Ability Instant 15s
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 12,000.
    Ignores the effects of Guard when dealing damage.

    Removed actions

    The following actions are no longer usable. Removed actions will still appear on a hotbar, their icon greyed out icon with a red strikethrough. They will have no effect and must be removed by the player. The given statistics represent their last form before their removal.

    Action Level Type Cast Recast MP Cost Range Area
    Shadowbind
    Shadowbind from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 10 Ability Instant 40s 25y
    Binds target.
    Duration: 10s
    Cancels auto-attack upon execution.
    Target unbound if damage taken.

    Removed in patch 4.0.

    Misery's End
    Misery's End from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 10 Ability Instant 12s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 190.
    Can only be executed when target's HP is below 20%.

    Removed in patch 5.0.

    Swiftsong
    Swiftsong from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 22 Spell Instant 2.5s(Base value; the higher the character's Spell Speed stat, the lower the recast time will be) 20y radius
    Increases movement speed of self and nearby party members as long as they remain within hearing distance. Effect ends upon reuse or when enmity is generated. Cannot be used in battle or with other songs.

    Removed in patch 4.0.

    Hawk's Eye
    Hawk's Eye from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 26 Ability Instant 90s
    Increases DEX by 15% and guarantees that all attacks land.
    Duration: 20s

    Removed in patch 4.0.

    Quelling Strikes
    Quelling Strikes from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 34 Ability Instant 120s
    Reduces enmity generation.
    Duration: 15s

    Removed in patch 4.0.

    Foe Requiem
    Foe Requiem from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 35 Ability 1.5s 2.5s(Base value; the higher the character's Skill Speed stat, the lower the recast time will be) 20y
    Increases damage taken by nearby enemies by 3%. MP is drained while singing. Effect is lost if targets move out of hearing distance, and ends upon reuse.

    Removed in patch 5.0.

    Blunt Arrow
    Blunt Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 42 Ability Instant 30s 25y
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 100.
    Additional Effect: Silence
    Duration: 1s

    Removed in patch 4.0.

    Flaming Arrow
    Flaming Arrow from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 46 Ability Instant 60s 25y 5y radius
    Sets the ground ablaze, dealing damage with a potency of 40 to any enemies who enter the flames.
    Duration: 30s

    Removed in patch 4.0.

    Wide Volley
    Wide Volley from Final Fantasy XIV icon
    Archer 50 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s(Base value; the higher the character's Skill Speed stat, the lower the recast time will be) 25y 5y radius
    Delivers an attack with a potency of 110 to target and all enemies nearby it.

    Removed in patch 4.0.

    Limit Break

    Archers' and Bards' Limit Breaks focus on dealing powerful damage to enemies in a straight line in front of the player. They both share the same Level 1 and Level 2 limit breaks as Machinists and Dancers.

    Originally, they used the same Limit Breaks as healer classes.

    Action Level Description Image
    Big Shot 1 Delivers an attack to all enemies in a line, dealing 0.54x the damage of Braver.
    Big Shot XIV
    Desperado 2 Delivers an attack to all enemies in a line, dealing 1.17x the damage of Braver.
    Desperado XIV
    Sagittarius Arrow 3 Delivers an attack to all enemies in a line, dealing 1.89x the damage of Braver.
    Saggitarius Arrow

    Other appearances

    Final Fantasy Trading Card Game

    Bard and Archer appear in Final Fantasy Trading Card Game as Ice- and Wind-elemental Backup cards, respectively.

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