Final Fantasy XIV, commonly known as FFXIV, offers a wide range of jobs that allow players to experience different playstyles, and one of the most exciting additions in the Shadowbringers expansion is the Reaper. The Reaper is a melee DPS class that harnesses the power of a scythe and summons a Voidsent avatar to deal devastating damage. Unlocking Reaper in FFXIV requires meeting specific requirements and completing a series of quests designed to introduce players to the class’s mechanics, story, and unique abilities. Understanding the process of unlocking Reaper is crucial for players looking to diversify their combat options and explore one of the most visually striking and mechanically engaging jobs in the game.
Requirements to Unlock Reaper
Before players can begin the process to unlock the Reaper job in FFXIV, they need to fulfill several prerequisites. These requirements ensure that players have reached a level of experience and understanding suitable for this advanced job. Key requirements include
Level Requirement
Players must have at least a level 70 combat job to start the Reaper unlock questline. This ensures that the player has sufficient experience in managing abilities, rotations, and combat scenarios, which is essential for mastering the Reaper’s unique mechanics. Players often choose their favorite high-level job, such as Dark Knight, Ninja, or Samurai, to meet this prerequisite.
Shadowbringers Expansion
The Reaper is exclusive to the Shadowbringers expansion. Players must have access to Shadowbringers content and have completed the main scenario questline up to the point where new jobs are available. This provides the narrative context for Reaper’s story and integrates the job into the larger plot of FFXIV, allowing players to experience the lore alongside unlocking the job.
Starting Quest Location
The Reaper unlock questline begins in the Crystarium, one of the primary hubs in Shadowbringers. Players should locate the NPC that starts the Reaper quest, typically marked on the map with a distinctive icon. This questline serves both as a tutorial for the new job and as a narrative introduction, connecting the player to the Reaper’s mysterious and dark origins.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Reaper
Unlocking Reaper involves a series of quests that introduce players to the job’s mechanics, abilities, and story. Following a clear step-by-step process ensures that players do not miss any critical requirements or details.
Step 1 Locate the Reaper Quest NPC
Once the level and expansion requirements are met, players should head to the Crystarium to find the NPC that starts the Reaper questline. Interacting with this NPC will trigger the first quest, which sets the stage for learning about the Reaper’s powers and the mysterious Voidsent companion.
Step 2 Complete the Initial Quest
The initial quest often involves a small combat scenario or a series of tasks designed to familiarize players with basic Reaper mechanics. This includes summoning the Voidsent avatar, understanding scythe attacks, and learning how to combine abilities effectively. Completing this quest is essential for progressing to the next stage.
Step 3 Unlocking the Combat Tutorial
After the initial quest, players typically engage in a more structured combat tutorial. This tutorial introduces the core rotations, including generating and spending Soul Gauge, using attacks like Slice, Spinning Scythe, and other signature abilities. Players gain hands-on experience while also completing story-driven objectives, making it both an educational and narrative-driven experience.
Step 4 Completing the Reaper Job Questline
The final steps involve completing a series of follow-up quests that fully unlock the Reaper job. These quests often include challenging combat encounters and more complex rotations to ensure that players understand the job’s mechanics. Successfully completing these quests rewards the player with the Reaper’s starting abilities, scythe weapon, and access to the job’s full questline for future level progression.
Understanding Reaper Abilities
Once unlocked, the Reaper has a diverse set of abilities that make it a dynamic and engaging melee DPS class. Key abilities include
- GibbetA powerful attack that deals heavy damage to a single target, often used in rotation for maximizing damage output.
- Shrouded SphereGenerates and utilizes the Soul Gauge, allowing the Reaper to summon their Voidsent companion for additional attacks.
- Arcane CircleArea-of-effect ability that deals damage to multiple enemies, essential for dungeon and raid scenarios.
- HarpeA finishing move that integrates the Voidsent avatar’s power, providing visually impressive and high-damage output.
Mastering these abilities requires understanding timing, positioning, and proper rotation management, which is crucial for maximizing the Reaper’s potential in both solo and group content.
Leveling and Progression as a Reaper
After unlocking the Reaper job, players can continue leveling through dungeons, trials, and main scenario quests. The Reaper excels in high-damage rotations and has a unique playstyle that combines melee combat with avatar summoning mechanics. Leveling as a Reaper allows players to unlock additional skills, including powerful AoE attacks, mobility tools, and ultimate abilities that enhance both PvE and PvP gameplay experiences.
Recommended Gear and Stats
To optimize performance, players should focus on gear that boosts strength, critical hit rate, and determination. Equipping the appropriate weapons, armor, and accessories will enhance damage output and survivability. As Reaper uses melee abilities combined with the Voidsent avatar, prioritizing stats that enhance weapon damage and attack speed will result in more efficient rotations and higher DPS.
Tips for New Reapers
New players unlocking Reaper should consider several strategies to ease their transition into this complex job. Useful tips include
- Practice the Soul Gauge mechanic early to understand how to summon and manage the Voidsent companion effectively.
- Learn basic combos and rotations from the job quest tutorials before attempting high-level dungeons or raids.
- Monitor position carefully during AoE attacks to avoid damage and maximize effectiveness.
- Upgrade gear regularly to match level progression and enhance ability performance.
- Join a Free Company or community group to get advice and party opportunities for faster leveling.
Unlocking the Reaper job in FFXIV is an exciting journey that adds a dynamic and visually striking melee DPS class to a player’s roster. By meeting the level and expansion requirements, completing the questline in the Crystarium, and mastering the Reaper’s unique abilities, players gain access to one of the most engaging combat experiences in Shadowbringers. From learning rotations and Soul Gauge management to progressing through challenging dungeons and raids, playing as a Reaper offers both strategic depth and satisfying visual combat. For players looking to diversify their gameplay and experience one of FFXIV’s most distinctive jobs, unlocking Reaper is an essential and rewarding milestone.