FFXIV Melee Tier List (Patch 7.0)

1. Melee Tier List Overview

In Patch 7.0 of Final Fantasy XIV, the melee DPS role remains one of the most diverse and balanced categories in the game. All six melee jobs are viable for endgame progression and optimization. While each brings different strengths, the most important factor remains player comfort and skill.

Tier	Job	Role Highlights
S	Samurai	Highest personal DPS, strong burst, no utility
S	Ninja	High burst, Trick Attack raid buff, great mobility
A	Dragoon	Critical hit buff, high burst, positional reliance
A	Monk	Healing buff, fast GCD, flexible movement
B	Reaper	Raid heal, smooth rotation, good utility
B	Viper	Strong damage, no utility, easy input scheme

 

Note: These placements reflect general raid value. Comfort and execution will always outperform theoretical rankings.

2. Unlock Requirements

• Samurai: Stormblood expansion, Level 50 Disciple of War/Magic.
• Ninja: Start as Rogue, Level 30 and complete job quest.
• Dragoon: Start as Lancer, reach Level 30.
• Monk: Start as Pugilist, reach Level 30.
• Reaper: Endwalker expansion, Level 70 job unlock.
• Viper: Dawntrail expansion, Level 80 job unlock.

3. Job Strengths and Weaknesses

Each melee job brings a unique toolkit and challenge. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Job	Strengths	Weaknesses
Samurai	Incredible burst potential, low GCD weaving	No party utility, burst requires setup
Ninja	Trick Attack raid buff, strong burst, ranged utility	High complexity, low sustained damage outside of burst
Dragoon	Crit buff, smooth rotation, burst every minute	High positional dependency, rigid burst windows
Monk	Party healing (Mantra), fast-paced GCD, adaptive movement	High execution barrier, complex optimization
Reaper	Self-healing, AoE utility, simple gauge management	Moderate damage output, less burst-heavy
Viper	High CPM, simple inputs, modern design philosophy	No mitigation, no raid utility

4. Uptime and Mobility Tools

Melee uptime is essential. All jobs have gap closers and ranged options:

Job	Gap Closer(s)	Ranged Option(s)
Samurai	Hissatsu: Gyoten	Enpi
Ninja	Shukuchi, Forked Raiju	Throwing Dagger, Ninjutsu
Dragoon	Winged Glide, Elusive Jump	Piercing Talon
Monk	Thunderclap	Wind’s Reply (limited use)
Reaper	Hell’s Ingress/Egress	Harpe, Harvest Moon
Viper	Slither	Writhing Snap, Uncoiled Fury

5. Positional Complexity

Many melee skills have flank or rear bonuses:

Job	Rear Positionals	Flank Positionals
Samurai	Gekko	Kasha
Ninja	Aeolian Edge	Armor Crush
Dragoon	Chaos Thrust, Wheeling Thrust	Fang and Claw
Monk	Demolish	Snap Punch
Reaper	Gallows	Gibbet
Viper	Hindsbane Fang	Flanksbane Fang

Tip: Use True North to ignore positionals during mechanics.

6. Mitigation and Utility

Not all melee jobs bring raid utility, but here are their tools:

Job	Mitigation Tool(s)	Raid Utility
Samurai	Tengentsu (mitigation + regen)	None
Ninja	Shade Shift (self-shield)	Trick Attack, Dokumori (buff/debuff)
Dragoon	Life Surge (situational heal)	Critical hit party buff
Monk	Riddle of Earth, Mantra	Party healing increase
Reaper	Arcane Crest (mitigation + party regen)	Minor party support
Viper	None	None

7. Role Expectations

As a melee DPS in FFXIV:

• Maintain uptime using movement tools.
• Learn and adapt to positional requirements.
• Time your burst with party buffs.
• Use role actions like Feint, Bloodbath, and Second Wind.

8. Flexibility and Static Value

Being able to flex between two or more melee jobs greatly increases your value in statics and Party Finder. Consider leveling multiple melee jobs with Onlyfarms.gg:

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9. Final Thoughts

There’s no “best” melee DPS in FFXIV — it’s about playing what you enjoy and can execute well. Whether you’re clearing Savage content or farming mounts, choose the job that keeps your GCD rolling and your uptime high.

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