Reaper Rundown Guide

In the constantly evolving landscape of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), the Reaper class stands out as a compelling and darkly interesting option for adventurers seeking a path less trodden. Introduced in the Endwalker expansion, the Reaper has quickly carved its niche into the heart of the player base with its visually striking abilities, substantial lore, and unique gameplay mechanics. This guide aims to slice through the shadows and shed light on how to master this enigmatic vocation, turning neophytes into grim harbingers on the battlefield.

Becoming a Reaper

To don the shroud of the Reaper, one does not merely choose this path at the outset. The journey begins in the storied city of Ul'dah, where would-be Reapers must first prove their mettle by reaching level 70 in any other combat class. This prerequisite ensures that aspirants have a solid foundation of the game's mechanics and the rigors of combat before embracing the darkness. Once this milestone is reached, head to Ul'dah and seek out the mysterious figure cloaked in shadows to begin your transformation. This figure will guide you on your first steps, intertwining your fate with that of the voidsent entity known as your avatar, marking the birth of your journey as a Reaper.

Reaper Skills

The Reaper's arsenal boasts a blend of close-ranged scythe attacks and mid-ranged voidsent magic, making it a versatile combatant on the field. To wield this power effectively, one must understand the duality of its skill set: the corporeal might of the scythe and the ethereal force of the avatar.

Basic Skills

• Slice: Your bread-and-butter attack that sets the stage for more devastating combos.
• Shadow of Death: A somber note that not only damages but marks the target for the reaper’s execution, increasing damage taken by the enemy.

Advanced Combos and Techniques

• Blood Stalk: After building enough Soul Gauge from basic attacks, this skill unleashes the avatar’s wrath in a single, devastating blow.
• Harvest Moon: This sweeping attack not only ravages all in its path but also charges your Shroud gauge, edging you closer to your true potential as a Reaper.

Essence Of The Void

• Enshroud: The pinnacle of the Reaper's craft, this transformation melds you with your avatar, granting access to a suite of potent abilities and significantly boosting your damage output for a limited time.

Adept manipulation of your Soul and Shroud gauges, filled by executing precise combos and feeding off your enemies' despair, is crucial. Mastery of this dynamic is what separates the wheat from the chaff.

Reaper Rotation

The dance of death requires both precision and flair. The ideal rotation maximizes the use of Soul and Shroud gauges, alternating between phases of building and unleashing hell upon your adversaries.

Soul Gathering

• Initiate your assault with Slice to start generating Soul Gauge.
• Weave Shadow of Death for its damage bonus on marked targets.
• Proceed to Blood Stalk as soon as it's available to convert your stored anguish into raw power.

Enshrouded Execution

• With your Shroud gauge brimming, invoke Enshroud to meld with your avatar.
• Unleash Harvest Moon for area damage and to further amplify your Shroud gain.
• Exploit the heightened abilities available in this state to decimate your enemies.

This cyclical rotation, from gathering soul, to becoming enshrouded, represents the ebb and flow of life and death itself. Managing this cycle efficiently is your key to harnessing the true essence of a Reaper.

Reaper Gear

Embodying the Reaper extends beyond skills and rotations-it's also about donning the mantle that befits your grim visage. Gear plays an essential role in augmenting your physical and magical prowess, ensuring your blows carry the weight of death with every swing.

Pre-Endgame Essentials

Prior to reaching the zenith of your power, focus on acquiring gear that boosts your Critical Hit Rate and Direct Hit Rate. These stats will significantly increase your damage output, making your journey through the levels swifter.

Endgame Artifacts

As you step into the realm of high-end raids and encounters, gear with increased Determination and Skill Speed become paramount. These not only elevate your damage but also ensure your abilities are executed with deadly precision and swiftness.

Gearing Approach

Endeavor to partake in high-level duties and raids to acquire tokens for exchange with gear vendors. Pay heed to your item level, always seeking to ascend, as each piece contributes to your overall might and resilience in battle.

Reaper Quests

The path of the Reaper is not solely carved through combat; it's also enriched by a profound storyline that beckons you to discover the origins of this dark vocation. Quests specific to the Reaper not only offer insights into its lore but also reward you with skills, gear, and a deeper connection to your avatar.

• The First Embrace: This initial quest sets the tone, offering a glimpse into the pact between mortal and voidsent.
• A Dance with Death: A quest that challenges your understanding of the Reaper's abilities, rewarding you with new skills upon completion.
• Shadows Gather: The culmination of your journey, this quest pits you against the darkness within, testing your resolve and mastery of the Reaper.

Embarking on these quests is essential, as each not only advances your prowess but also weaves your story into the fabric of the realm.

Conclusion

To walk the path of the Reaper in FFXIV is to embrace the dance between life and death. It demands not just mechanical skill but also a profound understanding of its lore and essence. From maneuvering its convoluted rotation to selecting the right gear and engaging with its rich backstory, mastering the Reaper is a journey fraught with challenges and rewards. Whether you're standing alone against the shadows or reaping through the ranks of your enemies alongside comrades, the key to triumph lies in the balance between the scythe and the soul. Embrace this guide, and let it light your way through the dark-until not even death dares to stand in your path.