FFXIV: Dragoon vs. Ninja Comparison

Dragoons and Ninjas are staples when it comes to Final Fantasy games. FFXIV is no exception to this, and the two jobs fill the same role in a party – melee DPS.

Despite this, these two classes are very different when it comes to lore, aesthetics, and playstyle.

To become a Dragoon, you’ll need to start out as a level 1 Lancer in Gridania. After reaching level 30 and clearing all the Lancer class quests, you can become a Dragoon through the quest “Eye of the Dragon” from Ywain in Old Gridania (X:14.3, Y:5.8). Dragoons are usually clad in heavy armor and brandish spears in battle. They’re best known for using their “Jump” abilities during a fight.

Becoming a Ninja first requires you to hit level 30 on Rogue and complete all its class quests. While Rogue isn’t available as a starting class, it can be unlocked very early on in the game, especially if you start in Limsa Lominsa.

Once you’re ready to become a Ninja, speak with Jacke inside the Rogues Guild in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:6.0, Y:6.1). Accept the quest “Peasants by Day, Ninjas by Night” and complete it to be rewarded with a Ninja soulstone.

Dragoon and Ninja Lore

With FFXIV’s Job System being as balanced as it is, it gives players the freedom to choose a class based on what they think is fun or interesting.

The game also does a good job of keeping each class unique, not only with their varying play styles, but with distinct Job Quest stories as well.

Dragoon Lore & Unlocking

Though they also wield spears and polearms, the Dragoons of Ishgard set themselves apart from other Lancers by specializing in aerial combat with their “Jump” abilities. Dragoons prefer this style of offense since it’s better suited against dragons – a race that the Ishgardians have been at war with for centuries.

After completing all of the Lancer class quests, speak with Ywain in Old Gridania (X:14.3, Y:5.8) to begin your path to becoming a Dragoon. When you accept the quest “Eye of the Dragon”, the Lancer Guildmaster will request for your aid in helping a friend.

Travel to the Observatorium in Coerthas Central Highlands (X:25.8, Y:28.4). Here, you’ll meet Ywain’s friend – a knight of Ishgard named Alberic.

Ser Alberic will explain that a relic of Ishgard has been stolen and that they need your help in retrieving it. The culprit is said to be a man named Estinien, one of Ishgard’s Dragoons.

After your first encounter with Estinien, you learn that the relic he has stolen is known as “The Eye” and that it bestows the power of dragons to a person it deems worthy. During this encounter, The Eye rouses in your presence and Estinien manages to get away.

When you return to Alberic to recount your meeting with Estinien, he tells you that whoever is chosen by The Eye is granted the title of “Azure Dragoon”, and is meant to be Ishgard’s symbol of hope in their war against the Dragons. He then reveals that the current Azure Dragoon is none other than Estinien himself.

Alberic is baffled by The Eye seemingly choosing you as a second Azure Dragoon, and says that he will still need further aid in pursuing Estinien. This marks the beginning of your path as a Dragoon.

Ninja Lore & Unlocking

The Ninja are warriors from the Far East that have mastered the art of ninjutsu. This allows them to harness energy from their surroundings, including other living beings.

With this energy, a Ninja can unleash offensive skills through their Mudra hand gestures. You can become a Ninja through the quest “Peasants by Day, Ninjas by Night” after completing all Rogue class quests.

“Peasants by Day, Ninjas by Night” can be accepted from Jacke in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:6.0, Y:6.1). Jacke will ask you to investigate some individuals that have been gaining the attention of the Thieves’ Guild in the past few days.

Travel to Wineport in Eastern La Noscea to meet up with Perimu Haurimu at (X:21.4, Y:22.3). While speaking with Perimu Haurimu, his assessment of the situation is cut short when you both hear a scream in the distance.

You and your fellow Rogue find a woman surrounded by unconscious men. The woman explains that she was being robbed, but the assailants started fighting amongst themselves after handing them her purse.

Perimu Haurimu doubts this story is true, so the two of you decide to follow the woman. Her trail leads you to Upper La Noscea (X:33.4, Y:25.8).

Shortly after confronting the woman, two men appear and they both seem to have a connection with the mysterious lady. The man named Karasu seems to be in pursuit of the other two, but makes an escape before a battle ensues.

The other man introduces himself as Oboro and reveals the woman’s name to be Tsubame. These two are shinobi that hail from the land of Doma.

The two explain that Karasu is a traitor that has allied himself with the Garlean Empire, leading to Doma’s downfall. They have come to Eorzea in an attempt to bring him to justice.

Oboro will ask that you aid them in their mission, serving as a guide through Eorzea. In exchange, he will teach you the ways of the shinobi.

Dragoon vs Ninja: Playstyle Differences

While Dragoons and Ninjas both aim to get in close to deal damage, they still play very different from each other.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the skills and mechanics that set these two jobs apart.

Dragoons in Battle

Despite being melee damage dealers, Dragoons have several options for attacking from a distance in the form of Jump attacks. They also have some utility in their kit, having skills like Battle Litany that boost damage output.

A Dragoon’s rotation will focus on the Dragon Gauge. The use of certain skills will increase the Dragon Gauge and will eventually grant access to even more damaging skills.

Here are a few actions you will learn as a Dragoon:

Ninjas in Battle

Deadly as they are with their daggers, Ninjas can also utilize ninjutsu to open up their opponents. The effects of ninjutsu will vary depending on which Mudra are used.

With ninjutsu, you can do things like speed up your attacks, enchant a patch of land with a damage over time effect, or cast elemental magic. Ninja can also access additional offensive abilities with a job specific resource called “Ninki”.

Ninki is gained when using certain abilities.

Here are some other abilities that will help you stay on the offensive as a Ninja: