Reaper Job Guide: The Scythe-Wielding Harbinger of Death
The Reaper is a melee DPS job in Final Fantasy XIV that wields a two-handed scythe and summons an avatar of death to aid them in combat. This job offers a unique playstyle centered around building and spending Soul Gauge, and unleashing devastating attacks during its Enshroud state. Reapers are known for their high damage potential and visually striking abilities.
The core of the Reaper's gameplay involves managing its Soul Gauge and Gallows Gauge. The Soul Gauge is built through basic weapon skills and is spent on powerful attacks like Void Reaping and Whorl of Death. The Gallows Gauge is built by using abilities that summon your avatar, and it is spent to unleash the avatar's attacks. The ultimate goal is to enter the Enshroud state, where you transform into your avatar, gaining access to a new set of powerful abilities.
Key Abilities and Their Roles
- Harpe: Your basic weapon skill, used to build Soul Gauge.
- Gallows: A skill that summons your avatar, building Gallows Gauge.
- Void Reaping: A powerful Soul Gauge spender that deals sificant damage.
- Whorl of Death: Another Soul Gauge spender that applies a damage-over-time effect.
- Enshroud: Your sature ability, transforming you into your avatar and granting access to new skills.
- Communio: The ultimate attack during Enshroud, dealing massive damage.
- Soul Slice / Soul Spinters: Abilities used during Enshroud to deal rapid damage.
Reaper Rotation and Strategy
The Reaper's rotation is focused on building Soul Gauge, using it for powerful attacks, and then entering Enshroud for a burst of damage. A typical single-target rotation involves:
- Opener: Begin by using your weapon skills to build Soul Gauge, then use Gallows to summon your avatar.
- Soul Gauge Spending: Use Void Reaping and Whorl of Death to spend your Soul Gauge efficiently.
- Enshroud Phase: Activate Enshroud when your Soul Gauge is full and your avatar is ready. During this phase, prioritize using Soul Slice, Soul Spinters, and finish with Communio.
- Avatar's Attack: After Enshroud, use your avatar's empowered attacks, such as Gibbet and Gallows, to further increase damage.
- Cooldown Management: Utilize abilities like Arcane Circle to buff yourself and your party during burst windows.
Avatar Management
Your avatar is crucial for both building your Gallows Gauge and dealing sificant damage. Ensure you are using your avatar-summoning abilities effectively to maximize your damage output throughout the fight.
The Reaper is a high-damage, visually impressive job that offers a dynamic and rewarding playstyle for players who enjoy mastering complex rotations and unleashing devastating attacks.