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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. Songs can only be executed by targeting an enemy 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[]

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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.

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Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers[]

FFV World Map SpriteThis section about a quest in Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is empty or needs to be expanded. You can help the Final Fantasy Wiki by expanding it.

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[]

Ability 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 becoming Straight Shot Ready
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 while Straight Shot Ready.

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 110.
Maximum Charges: 2 (Enhanced Bloodletter 3)

Shares a recast timer with Rain of Death.

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: 35% chance of becoming Shadowbite Ready
Enhanced Quick Nock Duration: 30s

Quick Nock Mastery Upgrades to Ladonsbite.

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 50y
Deals unaspected damage with a potency of 100.
Additional Effect: Grants Mage's Ballad to self and all party members within 30 yalms, increasing damage dealt by 1%
Duration: 45s
Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire
Repertoire Effect: Reduces the recast time of Bloodletter and Rain of Death by 7.5s
Minstrel's Coda Additional Effect: Grants Mage's Coda
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
Triples the number of strikes for a single-target weaponskill. Additional effects added only once.
Duration: 10s
Additional Effect: Increases the potency of Shadowbite to 270
Additional Effect: Grants Straight Shot Ready
Duration: 30s
Army's Paeon
Army's Paeon from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Bard 40 Complete quest "Bard's-eye View" Ability Instant 120s 50y
Deals unaspected damage with a potency of 100.
Additional Effect: Grants Army's Paeon to self and all party members within 30 yalms, increasing direct hit rate by 3%
Duration: 45s
Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire
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
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.

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: 15s
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
Deals unaspected damage with a potency of 100.
Additional Effect: Grants the Wanderer's Minuet to self and all party members within 30 yalms, increasing critical hit rate by 2%
Duration: 45s
Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire
Repertoire Effect: Allows execution of Pitch Perfect
Can be stacked up to 3 times.
Minstrel's Coda Additional Effect: Grants Wanderer's Coda

※Action changes to Pitch Perfect upon execution.

Pitch Perfect
Pitch Perfect from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Bard 52 Ability Instant 1s 25y
Delivers an attack to the target. Potency varies with number of Repertoire stacks.
1 Repertoire Stack: 100
2 Repertoire Stacks: 220
3 Repertoire Stacks: 360

Can only be executed when the Wanderer's Minuet is active.
※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar.

While Pitch Perfect can't be manually assigned to a hotbar, assignments from before its input was merged with the Wanderer's Minuet will still function, and will not automatically swap between the two actions as relevant.

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.
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 becoming Straight Shot Ready
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.
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%.
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 becoming Straight Shot Ready
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 becoming Straight Shot Ready
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 280.
Can only be executed when Straight Shot Ready.
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: 270

Can only be executed when Shadowbite Ready.

Burst Shot
Burst Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Bard 76 Weaponskill Instant 2.5s 25y
Delivers an attack with a potency of 220.
Additional Effect: 35% chance of becoming Straight Shot Ready
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 to all enemies in a straight line before you.
Soul Voice Gauge Cost: 20
Potency increases up to 500 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 130 to all enemies in a cone before you.
Additional Effect: 35% chance of becoming Shadowbite Ready
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 60% 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.
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: 15s

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

1 Coda: 2%
2 Coda: 4%
3 Coda: 6%

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

Role Actions[]

Ability 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 DPSMelee DPS 8 Ability Instant 120s
Instantly restores own HP.
Cure Potency: 500
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
TankMelee DPSPhysical Ranged DPS 32 Ability Instant 120s
Creates a barrier nullifying most knockback and draw-in effects.
Duration: 6s
Additional Effect: Slow +20% when barrier is struck
Duration: 15s

Traits[]

Name Level Description
Heavier Shot
Heavier Shot from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Archer 2 Adds to Heavy Shot a 20% chance that you will become Straight Shot Ready.
Duration: 10s
Increased Action Damage
Increased Bard Action Damage from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Archer 20 Increases base action damage by 10%.
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.
Enhanced Quick Nock
Enhanced Quick Nock from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Bard 72 Adds to Quick Nock a 35% chance that you will become Shadowbite Ready.
Duration: 30s
Bite Mastery II
Bite Mastery II from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Bard 76 Adds to Stormbite, Caustic Bite, and Iron Jaws a 35% chance that you will become Straight Shot Ready.
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.

PvP Actions[]

Ability 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 3,000.
Potency increases up to 6,000 the farther away you are from the target, reaching its maximum value when the target is 15 yalms away.
Additional Effect: Reduces the recast time of Empyreal Arrow by 5s

Requires casting time to execute. However, it is possible to walk while casting.
※Action changes to Pitch Perfect while under the effect of Repertoire.

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 Blast Arrow Ready
Duration: 20s
Additional Effect: Grants Frontliner's March
Frontliner's March Effect: Reduces your weaponskill cast time and recast time by 10%, and increases damage dealt by self and all party members within a radius of 30 yalms by 5%
Duration: 30s

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.

Silent Nocturne
Silent Nocturne PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Ability Instant 20s 15y
Silences target.
Duration: 2s
Additional Effect: Grants Repertoire
Duration: 10s

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

Empyreal Arrow
Empyreal Arrow PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Ability Instant 15s 25y
Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 3,000.
Consumes all charges upon execution, each charge adding an additional strike to the attack.
Maximum Charges: 3
Repelling Shot
Repelling Shot PVP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Ability Instant 15s 10y
Delivers an attack with a potency of 4,000.
Additional Effect: 10-yalm backstep
Additional Effect: Bind
Duration: 3s

Cannot be executed while bound.

The Warden's Paean
The Warden's Paean PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Ability Instant 30s 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
Additional Effect: Grants Repertoire
Duration: 10s

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

Pitch Perfect
Pitch Perfect PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Weaponskill Instant 2.4s 25y
Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 4,000.
Potency increases up to 8,000 the farther away you are from the target, reaching its maximum value when the target is 15 yalms away.
Additional Effect: Reduces the recast time of Empyreal Arrow by 5s

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 8,000 to all enemies in a straight line before you.
Additional Effect: Grants Frontliner's Forte
Frontliner's Forte Effect: Reduces your weaponskill cast time and recast time by 10%, and increases damage dealt by self and all party members within a radius of 30 yalms by 5%
Duration: 10s

※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar.

Final Fantasia
Final Fantasia PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Limit Break Instant 10s
Reduces your weaponskill cast time and recast time by 10% while also increasing movement speed by 25%.
Additional Effect: Increases damage dealt by self and all party members within a radius of 30 yalms by 10% while also gradually filling the limit gauge
Duration: 30s
Can only be executed when the limit gauge is full.
Gauge Charge Time: 120s
Can only be executed while in combat.
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 2500 MP
Restores own HP.
Cure Potency: 15,000
Purify
Purify PvP from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Ability Instant 30s
Removes Stun, Heavy, Bind, Silence, Half-asleep, Sleep, and Deep Freeze.
Grants Resilience upon successfully removing one of the aforementioned effects.
Resilience Effect: Nullifies status afflictions that can be removed by Purify
Duration: 5s

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.

Removed abilities[]

The following abilities have been removed. Removed abilities will still appear on the 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.

Ability Level Type Cast Recast MP Cost Range Area
Shadowbind
Shadowbind from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Archer10 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
Archer10 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
Archer22 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
Archer26 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
Archer34 Ability Instant 120s
Reduces enmity generation.
Duration: 15s

Removed in patch 4.0.

Foe Requiem
Foe Requiem from Final Fantasy XIV icon
Archer35 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
Archer42 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
Archer46 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
Archer50 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.

Ability 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.

Gallery[]

Arms and Gear sets
Abilities
Role Actions
PvP Abilities
Removed Abilities
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