Should You Play Viper or Pictomancer First in Dawntrail?

This isn't a repeat of the Overview page -- it's a closer look at how Dawntrail's two new jobs actually play, and how to get into them quickly, based on official job previews and community guides.

Viper: Fast, Aggressive Melee

Viper is built around relentless close-range pressure. You fight with two one-handed blades that can combine into a single two-handed weapon for powerful flourishes -- a rhythm that rewards players who enjoy constant, flashy melee combos over methodical positioning. If you've ever wanted to feel like a dual-wielding action hero inspired by Final Fantasy IX's Zidane, this is the job.

Pictomancer: Complex, Visually Distinct Magic

Pictomancer trades raw simplicity for genuine depth -- you paint spells, buffs, and familiars into existence with a paintbrush and palette, and the job includes real support utility (a barrier ability called Tempura Coat) alongside its damage kit. It's widely considered one of the more mechanically involved jobs in the game, so budget extra time to learn its rotation compared to a typical DPS job.

Getting Into Either Job Quickly

Both require the Dawntrail expansion registered to your account and at least one job at level 80 or higher -- there's no way around this for free trial accounts. Head to the Steps of Nald in Ul'dah and find the Worried Weaver NPC to start Viper's "Enter the Viper" quest, or travel to Old Gridania to begin Pictomancer's starting quest.

Which Should You Pick First?

If you want quick, satisfying melee combat with a relatively straightforward learning curve, start with Viper. If you're drawn to a job with more nuance, genuine support utility, and a distinctive playstyle unlike anything else in the game, Pictomancer rewards the extra effort -- just expect a steeper climb to feeling truly comfortable with it.

See the full data: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Classes