ffxi drg gear guide

FFXI Dragoon Gear Guide

This guide is made to help you on choosing gear while leveling Dragoon on Eden. It caters towards new players, omitting some niche but useful items. Dragoons can equip specific gear and weapons designed for the job, such as the Drakesbane spear and the Wyvern Helm. It is a high-risk, high-reward job that requires skill and strategy to master. It is a popular choice for end-game content such as raid battles, as their damage output and survivability make them a valuable addition to any party. This section covers the endgame best gear set(s) available for Dragoon in different endgame content. The gear sets are made by calculating the estimated average DPS output of any given set of gear and comparing it against all other available options via algorithm. Dragoon is a very static melee DPS job. You have strict, long combos to execute and timers within those combos that need to be maintained. Unlike other jobs ― especially other melee ─ which rely upon a priority system for their basic GCD rotation, Dragoon instead has static buttons to press in a specific order with very little variance.

Introduction

The Dragoon is a heavy-ish DD job capable of producing some of the highest damage output in the game in some situations. The job has a fast-paced playstyle due to the arsenal of low cooldown job abilities it comes equipped with. As a Dragoon you also have a best friend / pet wyvern to accompany you throughout Vanadiel. Dragoon is an advanced job that requires players to level up as a Lancer and complete a series of quests to unlock. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the best gear options for Dragoons in Final Fantasy XI, covering everything from weapons to armor. The guide is tailored towards players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans, and provides insights into the various gear choices available for different playstyles and content. Whether you’re looking to optimize your damage output in high-end raids or simply seeking to improve your overall performance, this guide has something for everyone.

Weapons

Dragoons are primarily focused on using polearms, which offer a unique combination of reach and damage potential. When choosing a polearm, consider factors like attack power, delay, and the specific abilities it grants. For early-game Dragoons, the Drakesbane spear is a popular choice due to its high attack power and ease of acquisition. As you progress, you’ll want to seek out more powerful options like the Gletis, Coiste, and Thalassocrat. It’s important to note that the delay of a polearm can significantly impact your DPS, so choose a weapon that balances attack power with a manageable delay for your preferred playstyle.

Polearms

Polearms are the primary weapons for Dragoons in FFXI. They offer a unique combination of reach and damage potential, making them ideal for engaging enemies from a safe distance. The choice of polearm significantly impacts a Dragoon’s damage output, so selecting the right one is crucial.
Early-game Dragoons often start with the Drakesbane spear, a readily available option with decent attack power. As you level up, you’ll want to transition to more powerful polearms like the Gletis, Coiste, and Thalassocrat. These weapons offer higher attack power and unique abilities that can further enhance your damage output. The delay of a polearm plays a crucial role in determining your DPS, so consider a weapon that balances attack power with a manageable delay for your preferred playstyle.

Grips

Grips are a unique type of equipment in FFXI that can be equipped in the Sub slot when wielding a two-handed weapon, like a polearm. They offer various stat bonuses and unique abilities that can significantly enhance a Dragoon’s performance. One notable grip is the Pole Grip, which grants additional attack power and increases the effectiveness of certain skills.
For Dragoons focused on maximizing damage output, the Brutal Earring is another popular choice. It enhances attack power and critical hit rate, making it a valuable asset in high-intensity battles. Choosing the right grip depends on your build and playstyle. If you prioritize raw damage, the Brutal Earring provides a significant boost. If you prefer versatility and want to utilize specific skills, the Pole Grip offers a balanced approach.

Ammo

Ammo is an essential part of a Dragoon’s gear setup, providing crucial stat bonuses and unique effects that can significantly impact their performance. One of the most important ammo choices for Dragoons is the Virtue Stone. This unique ammo item grants a substantial boost to attack power, making it a staple for maximizing damage output.
Beyond the Virtue Stone, other ammo options cater to specific needs and playstyles. For instance, the Stone of Fortitude provides a significant increase in defense and can be valuable for Dragoons who find themselves taking more damage than usual.
The choice of ammo ultimately depends on the situation and the Dragoon’s preferred approach. For maximizing damage output, the Virtue Stone reigns supreme. For added survivability, the Stone of Fortitude can provide a much-needed defensive boost.

Armor

Choosing the right armor for a Dragoon is crucial for maximizing their damage output and survivability. The ideal armor set will balance attack power, accuracy, and defense, allowing the Dragoon to strike effectively while mitigating incoming damage.
For headgear, the Wyvern Helm is a popular choice, offering a solid combination of attack power and defense. Alternatively, the Drachen Armet provides a significant boost to attack power, but with a lower defense stat.
For body armor, the Assault Jerkin is favored for its high attack power, while the Smertrioss Mantle offers a more balanced approach with a greater focus on defense.
Hands and legs are often outfitted with gear that enhances attack power, accuracy, and dexterity, allowing the Dragoon to strike with greater precision and speed.
Footwear choices can prioritize agility and defense, depending on the specific needs of the Dragoon.

Head

The head slot is an important one for Dragoons, as it can significantly impact both attack power and defense. Two popular choices for headgear are the Wyvern Helm and the Drachen Armet. The Wyvern Helm offers a balanced approach, providing a solid combination of attack power and defense, making it a versatile choice for various situations. On the other hand, the Drachen Armet prioritizes raw attack power, sacrificing some defense in exchange for increased damage output.
The choice between these two helmets depends on the player’s playstyle and the specific content they are engaging in. If a higher damage output is desired, the Drachen Armet might be the better option. However, if defense and survivability are prioritized, the Wyvern Helm offers a more balanced approach.

Body

The body slot is crucial for Dragoons, offering a balance between attack power and defense, depending on the chosen armor. Assault Jerkin is a popular choice, offering a significant boost in attack power but sacrificing some defense. This makes it ideal for maximizing damage output in situations where survivability is less critical. Alternatively, the Wyvern Cuirass provides a more balanced approach, offering a combination of defense and attack power, making it suitable for a wider range of content.
For those prioritizing defense and survivability, the Wyvern Cuirass is the recommended choice. However, if maximizing damage output is the priority, the Assault Jerkin offers a significant advantage. Ultimately, the choice depends on the player’s playstyle and the specific content they are engaging in.

Hands

The choice of hand gear for Dragoons hinges on the balance between attack power and accuracy. For those seeking a significant attack power boost, the Wyvern Gauntlets are a popular choice, offering a sizable increase in attack power without compromising accuracy. However, if accuracy is a priority, the Assault Gloves are the preferred option, providing a significant boost to accuracy at the cost of some attack power.
The decision ultimately comes down to the specific needs of the player and the content they are engaging in. If maximizing damage output is paramount, the Wyvern Gauntlets are the better choice. However, if accuracy is a limiting factor in landing attacks, the Assault Gloves provide a more reliable solution.

Legs

When selecting leg gear for Dragoons, the primary considerations are attack power, accuracy, and defense. The Wyvern Cuisses offer the most potent attack power boost, but they lack any significant defense. For those prioritizing defense, the Assault Trousers provide a sizable defense increase at the cost of some attack power;
The choice between the Wyvern Cuisses and Assault Trousers often depends on the content being tackled. In high-damage encounters, the Wyvern Cuisses’ attack power boost can be crucial for maximizing damage output. However, in situations where survivability is paramount, the Assault Trousers’ defense boost provides a greater margin of safety.
Ultimately, the best leg gear for Dragoons is a matter of personal preference and playstyle. Players who prioritize offense will favor the Wyvern Cuisses, while those who prefer a more defensive approach will favor the Assault Trousers.

Feet

For footwear, Dragoons have a few compelling options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Wyvern Greaves offer a significant attack power boost, making them ideal for maximizing damage output in high-intensity encounters. However, they lack any substantial defense, potentially leaving you vulnerable in challenging situations. Conversely, the Assault Boots provide a substantial defense boost, offering increased survivability at the cost of some attack power.
The choice between these two pairs of boots often hinges on the type of content you’re facing. For high-damage encounters where maximizing damage is paramount, the Wyvern Greaves are a solid choice; However, in situations requiring increased survivability, the Assault Boots’ defense boost proves invaluable.
Ultimately, the best foot gear for Dragoons comes down to your individual playstyle and preferences. Players seeking maximum damage output will favor the Wyvern Greaves, while those prioritizing survivability will lean towards the Assault Boots.

Waist

The choice of waist gear for Dragoons often comes down to a balance between attack power and defense. For those seeking to maximize damage, the Smertrioss Belt provides a significant boost to attack power, making it a popular choice for high-damage encounters. However, it lacks any significant defense, potentially leaving you vulnerable in challenging situations. Conversely, the Wyvern Belt offers a moderate defense boost, providing increased survivability at the cost of some attack power.
The choice between these two belts often depends on the type of content you’re facing. For high-damage encounters where maximizing damage is paramount, the Smertrioss Belt is a solid choice. However, in situations requiring increased survivability, the Wyvern Belt’s defense boost proves invaluable.
Ultimately, the best waist gear for Dragoons comes down to your individual playstyle and preferences. Players seeking maximum damage output will favor the Smertrioss Belt, while those prioritizing survivability will lean towards the Wyvern Belt.

Other

Beyond the core weapons, armor, and accessories, there are other items that can significantly impact a Dragoon’s performance. These include consumables, augmentations, and even the choice of Wyvern companion.
Consumables like food and potions can provide temporary boosts to stats like attack power, defense, and haste, making them crucial for maximizing damage and survivability during battles. Augmentations, which can be applied to gear to improve its stats, offer a permanent boost to specific attributes.
The choice of Wyvern companion can also influence a Dragoon’s playstyle. Some Wyverns excel at dealing damage, while others provide valuable support abilities like healing or shielding. Selecting a Wyvern that complements your chosen gear set and playstyle can significantly enhance your performance.