Update: This article is just a brief primer on build. 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 build, 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 :))
There are two things to take into account when choosing build for Lancer or Dragoon. First is an attribute build which is how your stats go. Second is cross-class build that grants you extra skills. These can make difference in both solo and group activities. Build performance can be apparently seen at level 50 or more.
Attribute Build
You can upgrade your stats whenever your level is up. For Lancer and Dragoon, it is common tradition to push your stats point into strength. As strength determines how much damage you can inflict to your foes. You must give your point to strength as much as possible.
In the same situation to choose gear stats. No matter vitality, defense, or magic defense, it is not necessary to party player. Strength is a life of DPS role. When consider gear to put on strength is the most important factor to think about.
Vitality is the second important stats for Lancer and Dragoon. It increases your survivability. Since melee class like Lancer and Dragoon usually wear heavy armor and vitality always come with this type of armor. Your high defense is already enough. You don’t have to care much about this stat. Just don’t choose vitality over strength.
Dexterity is interesting since it increases critical chance but it doen’t ensure the damage as strength does. Also dexterity raises the chance of parry with is useful in situation of defense. However you should not be serious about it, usually dexterity will come with your gears. So it is enough for you.
Accuracy can make some worry to you, in boss fight this stat is necessary. Again, this stat always stick with high level gears. Dexterity is needed in level 50+ dungeons and raid. However it is not need for leveling.
Secondary stat to consider is critical hit rating, raise this value as much as possible. You will take an advantage to deal a lot of damage in a small time. Skill speed is another interesting because it will lower your skill cooldown but it affects Lancer and dragoon very little. But when you compare it pound to pound, critical hit rating is more interesting to invest.
Cross Class Build
Lancer has a lot of good choice for cross-class skills. You might not wish to spend leveling on other class, but it’s a good idea to level in Marader and Puglist. These 2 classes can access to Dragoon. Both have self healing and DPS cooldown. Alternatives choice are Conjurer that grants you a heal spell or Archer which give you critical hit rating increased.
Once you become Dragoon, the best option is Marauder and Puglist. It is a brilliant idea to level them to level 30 with some amount of gil in your pocket. You will have an access to some abilities which is useful at level 50. Actually you will get an execution skill at level 26 which also grants self healing. On the other hand, level 30 Puglist gives you DPS cooldown and critical hit rating increased.
When you pick skill to learn, it can be based on situation, solo or party. When solo leveling, you can choose to go with Cure and Protect. However, when you enter the dungeon you can drop your dps and add up more survivability. It is because as a group you have enough damage.
On the chance of repeating myself, this article is just a brief primer on build. 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 build, 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 :))