Every new expansion in Final Fantasy XIV brings new Jobs. Endwalker presents players with the Reaper and the Sage. If players want a new, fresh melee DPS option or like the dark aesthetics of a Grim Reaper-like character, Reaper is the Job to pick.
There are a few requirements to complete before players can pick up the Reaper Job, but unlocking is quick and easy. For players new to the Reaper, this FFXIV beginner Reaper Endwalker guide will offer tips on how to play the Job at level 70 to get a solid head start. In addition, there will be a few suggestions on how to level up quickly to use Reaper in higher-level content.
How to Unlock the Reaper Job
Before players can pick the Reaper Job, there are some unlock requirements. Before the Job is available, the player must have at least one other combat Job already at level 70 and own Endwalker on their account. Once these requirements are fulfilled, players can pick up the quest “The Killer Instinct” from the Flustered Attendant at the Steps of Nald in Ul’dah.
“The Killer instinct” shouldn’t take long to complete. Once the quest is finished up, the player will receive the Reaper’s Soul Crystal and a coffer with some gear to get started with. However, to really get into the new Job, the Reaper is going to need to pick up some accessories. Accessories from other melee DPS jobs can work, but better ones can be bought at the Market Board or acquired with Tomestones of Poetics.
Gameplay and Early Rotation
Reapers start at level 70 and already have a well-developed skillset from the get-go. The simple way to use those skill and abilities is as follows:
Single-Target Combo:
- Slice
- Waxing Slice
- Infernal Slice
Each of these attacks adds 10 points to the Soul Gauge.
AoE Combo:
- Spinning Scythe
- Nightmare Scythe
As with the single-target combo, each attack adds 10 points to the Soul Gauge.
Once the Soul Gauge has 50 points in it:
- Blood Stalk in single-target
- Grim Swathe in AoE
Using either of these abilities grants the Soul Reaver effect.
While under the Soul Reaver effect:
- Gibbet (flank)
- Gallows (rear)
- Guillotine (cone AoE)
- All three must be used while under the effects of Soul Reaver.
Alternate using Gallows and Gibbet with each Soul Reaver proc. Using one grants an enhanced version of the other, so it is beneficial to switch between the two.
Always start an encounter by using:
- Shadow of Death in single-target
- Whorl of Death in AoE
This applies Death’s Design to enemies, which grants a 10% damage buff on affected enemies. Make sure to maintain constant uptime.
Soul Slice (single-target) and Soul Scythe (AoE) should be used on cooldown as both give an instant 50 points to the Soul Gauge.
Leveling up Fast
Reaper in Endwalker starts off at a pretty high level, but there’s still a fair few levels to grind before level cap. While this does give players time to get used to the Reaper, the Job’s full potential isn’t unlocked until later levels. Therefore, leveling quickly should be a priority.
An effective way to grind EXP quickly is to find groups of other players who have formed FATE trains. These groups travel quickly from one FATE to another across zones to farm EXP. For players at level 70 and above, the best place to work on FATEs is in Shadowbringers’ zones.
The Duty Roulette is the main source for EXP grinding. While queue times DPS players such as the Reaper can be long, it is easy to follow a FATE train while waiting. Platers can also fill in the gaps with nut hunts for some extra EXP.
At level 71, the Bozjan Southern Front is unlocked. This is a great option for grinding EXP. By clearing Skirmishes and Critical Engagements, players can net large amounts of EXP. Even better, Skirmishes and Critical Engagements pop up very frequently, making them easy to farm.
In addition, the Trust System to run Shadowbringers’ dungeons with other Scions is unlocked at level 71. While farming the same dungeon over and over can be tedious, it is a very efficient method of leveling.
Even past level 71, Duty Roulettes remain a good source of EXP, and players should try to exhaust them daily.