Update: This article is just a brief primer on armory. Since the time of writing, I’ve found this guide. I recommend you head over and get yourself a copy as well. Not only does it have an insanely detailed chapter on armory, but an absolutely brilliant leveling guide as well (see my review). I so wish I had gotten that when I first bought the game – it would have saved me a lot of time (which could have been used to improve the design of this blog instead :))
With Final Fantasy XIV set to relaunch this August, the Armory system has received a major overhaul. Like the previous version of the game, your character’s class is determined by the weapon you are equipped with, which can be changed at will. However, the system has been significantly streamlined since development began on A Realm Reborn. Now, players must first complete their level 10 class quest before they are allowed access to the Armory. All class gear is now stored in the Armory Chest, and multiple gear sets can now be saved, allowing players to easily change their class on the fly.
Gear Sets
After unlocking the Armory, players may manage their gear sets by clicking on the Gear Set List from the Character menu. Players may even save these gear sets to their hot bar, allowing them to swap classes at the press of a button.
Armory Chest
Previously, gear was stored in the inventory along with all other items. However, when ARR launches, gear will be stored in its own dedicated area, giving adventurers plenty of space as well as a more sensibly organized inventory. Each gear slot has its own dedicated section in the Armory Chest, allowing storage of up to 25 pieces of gear of each type.
The Benefits of Leveling Multiple Classes
Unlike most MMORPGs, FFXIV allows players to play every class on a single character. If players have leveled multiple classes, they will be allowed to choose from a limited number of eligible skills from other classes to use on their current one. The number of skills players may choose from this list at a single time increases as they level up. This system allows for a degree of personalization as well as an incentive to try new things.
Jobs
Jobs are advanced forms of FFXIV’s classes with more specialized roles optimized for group play, and features such series staples as the Black Mage, Summoner, Paladin, and more. The system is designed so that, generally, players will want to solo as their basic class and reserve their job for parties. Upon attaining access to a job, players may switch to that job from the associated class by equipping a soul crystal, which will allow access to job-specific equipment and actions.
The Armory is one of FFXIV’s defining features, and with A Realm Reborn on the horizon, it is about to get significantly better.
On the chance of repeating myself, this article is just a brief primer on armory. Since the time of writing, I’ve found this guide. I recommend you head over and get yourself a copy as well. Not only does it have an insanely detailed chapter on the armory, but an absolutely brilliant leveling guide as well (see my review). I so wish I had gotten that when I first bought the game – it would have saved me a lot of time (which could have been used to improve the design of this blog instead :))