Final Fantasy 14: Guide to Playing Machinist in PvP
Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is a game renowned for its deep and engaging gameplay, with a thriving PvP (Player vs. Player) scene that offers a variety of ways to challenge other players. Whether you're taking part in the chaotic Frontline or the precision-based The Feast, one class that can hold its ground and excel in PvP is the Machinist. While this job is traditionally seen as a ranged DPS class with a focus on guns and gadgets, it offers an array of potent abilities that, when used properly, can change the course of battle in PvP environments.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about playing the Machinist in PvP, from understanding the core abilities to mastering positioning and strategy, so you can become a force to be reckoned with.
1. Why Play Machinist in PvP?
The Machinist in FFXIV offers a unique blend of high sustained damage, utility, and mobility that makes it one of the most versatile DPS options for PvP. While the class may have a steep learning curve, its toolkit allows you to deal significant damage, control space, and provide valuable support for your team. Here are a few reasons to choose Machinist in PvP:
Burst Damage: Machinists can output massive burst damage using abilities like Ricochet, Gauss Round, and Heat Blast.
Mobility: With abilities like Wildfire and Flamethrower, Machinists can stay mobile, dealing damage while moving, which is crucial in high-paced PvP combat.
Crowd Control: Machinists have access to stuns and slows, which can disrupt enemies and create openings for your team.
Adaptability: Whether you're playing in Frontline, The Feast, or a custom PvP mode, the Machinist's ability to adapt to different situations can make them a valuable asset in any team composition.
Now that we understand why Machinist is a solid PvP choice, let's dive into the specifics of playing the class effectively.
2. Machinist PvP Abilities Overview
As a ranged DPS class, the Machinist in PvP thrives on consistent damage output while also utilizing various tools to control the flow of battle. Here are some of the core abilities you'll use in PvP, along with tips for maximizing their effectiveness.
A. Core Abilities
Gauss Round (GCD Ability)
Gauss Round is one of the Machinist's most powerful abilities in PvP. It deals moderate damage to a target and grants you Heat for 10 seconds. This Heat increases your damage for the duration, making Gauss Round essential for maintaining uptime and dealing consistent damage.
Tip: Always use Gauss Round as part of your rotation to keep Heat active. This ability also has no cast time, so it can be used while moving, making it perfect for kite-and-damage tactics.
Wildfire (OGCD Ability)
Wildfire is a potent AoE (area-of-effect) attack that deals massive damage when used in combination with Heat. The damage is amplified by any damage dealt during the Wildfire duration, so the more damage you do before using it, the better.
Tip: Wildfire's damage output depends on you landing as many Gauss Round and Ricochet hits as possible within its duration. Timing Wildfire during burst phases (like when the enemy team is grouped) can result in devastating damage.
Ricochet (OGCD Ability)
Ricochet is a quick, spammable ability that deals damage to an enemy and also applies a debuff, reducing their damage dealt for a short time. It has a low cooldown, which makes it a great tool for consistent pressure.
Tip: Always use Ricochet on the enemy who is posing the biggest threat or the squishiest target in the enemy team. The debuff can make a big difference in teamfights, especially when coordinated with your healer or tank.
Flamethrower (OGCD Ability)
Flamethrower is an ability that can be used to deal damage in a cone in front of you, dealing sustained damage to enemies within its radius. It's a great ability for kiting, as it allows you to deal damage while retreating.
Tip: Flamethrower is especially useful in tight chokepoints or when the enemy is chasing you. Be mindful of your positioning, as Flamethrower can be interrupted if you're hit by a stun or crowd control.
Heat Blast (OGCD Ability)
Heat Blast is a powerful single-target ability that deals significant damage, especially when you're stacked with Heat. This ability shines during burst phases, so pairing it with Wildfire can maximize its output.
Tip: Always use Heat Blast as part of your damage burst after building Heat. Timing it correctly with Wildfire and Gauss Round can easily secure a kill.
Tactical Grenade (OGCD Ability)
Tactical Grenade is a crowd-control ability that slows enemies in an area of effect, helping you and your team manage enemy positioning. It's especially useful when trying to kite or prevent enemies from engaging.
Tip: Use Tactical Grenade to slow down or interrupt enemy casters and melee fighters who are attempting to engage you or your team. It's an excellent tool for creating space and allowing your team to reset or reposition.
B. Positioning and Strategy
Machinists in PvP are ranged, meaning positioning is key to maximizing your effectiveness. Here are some positioning tips to help you make the most out of your abilities:
Stay at Range: Always try to keep a safe distance from your enemies while dealing damage. Machinists are squishy and can be easily overwhelmed if they get caught out of position. Stay behind your frontliners and use Ricochet and Gauss Round at a distance.
Use Mobility to Your Advantage: Machinists are one of the most mobile ranged DPS jobs in FFXIV. Wildfire and Flamethrower allow you to stay mobile and deal damage on the move. Use these abilities to kite enemies and stay out of harm's way.
Position for AoE Damage: When using abilities like Wildfire and Heat Blast, position yourself so that you can hit multiple targets. In teamfights, try to place yourself where you can hit as many enemies as possible without overextending or getting caught.
C. Focus on Objectives and Team Synergy
While dealing damage is the Machinist's primary role in PvP, it's important to focus on team synergy and objectives. Here's how to maximize your impact in a match:
Focus on Squishy Targets: In most PvP settings, you'll want to focus on squishy DPS or healers who are out of position. Use Ricochet and Heat Blast to burst down these targets quickly.
Coordinate with Healers and Tanks: Machinists can be incredibly effective when working with a team. Tanks can keep enemies occupied while you deal sustained damage from a distance, while healers can provide the necessary support to keep you alive and in the fight.
Control Objectives: PvP matches like The Feast or Frontline often revolve around objective control (such as capturing nodes or killing specific targets). While you're dealing damage, be sure to help your team secure these objectives, whether by interrupting enemy attempts or securing kills when they're out of position.
3. Machinist PvP Tips and Tricks
Heat Management: Heat management is crucial for Machinists in PvP. Always aim to keep Heat active with abilities like Gauss Round, and make sure to time Heat Blast for optimal burst damage. Don't waste Heat-use it for maximum effect.
Adapt to the Enemy Team: Depending on what you're facing, you might need to adjust your playstyle. Against melee-heavy teams, use Flamethrower and Tactical Grenade to keep them at bay. Against ranged teams, focus on mobility and staying out of line of sight to avoid getting caught.
Use Tactical Grenade Wisely: Don't waste Tactical Grenade on a single target unless it's a key player. Use it to slow down enemies during an engagement or to disrupt enemy positioning during important moments of the fight.
Playing Machinist in PvP in FFXIV is about mastering both damage output and mobility, while also understanding how to use your toolkit for crowd control and burst damage. The key to success lies in positioning, timing your abilities correctly, enhance your gear with FFXIV Gil, and working in tandem with your teammates to dominate the battlefield.
By carefully managing your Heat, utilizing your abilities strategically, and focusing on high-value targets, you'll be able to make the most of your Machinist in PvP and prove yourself as a formidable ranged DPS in any match. With practice and proper execution, the Machinist can easily become a key player in your PvP arsenal.
MMOexp Final Fantasy XIV Team