When considering crafting professions in Final Fantasy XIV, the Alchemist is widely regarded as the most valuable and consistently profitable due to its critical role in endgame content and player progression.
Understanding Professions in FFXIV
In Final Fantasy XIV, "professions" primarily refer to Disciples of the Hand (crafting jobs) and Disciples of the Land (gathering jobs). These roles are crucial for the game's economy, enabling players to create essential gear, consumables, and housing items, or to gather the raw materials needed for these creations. While battle jobs focus on combat, crafting and gathering jobs provide a powerful avenue for self-sufficiency and significant Gil (in-game currency) generation.
The Alchemist: Top Crafting Profession
The Alchemist stands out as the premier crafting job due to its ability to produce highly sought-after consumables. These include:
- Potions and Tinctures: Essential for maximizing performance in high-end raids, dungeons, and trials, providing crucial stat buffs and healing. These are always in demand by battle-focused players.
- Materia: Used to enhance gear with additional stats, Alchemists can craft and convert materia, making them indispensable for optimizing character builds.
- Battle Consumables: Items that provide temporary advantages in combat, frequently used by all types of players.
The consistent need for these items ensures a stable and often lucrative market for Alchemists, making it a powerful choice for those looking to earn Gil or support their own gameplay.
Other Highly Valued Crafting Professions
While Alchemist takes the top spot for overall value and profitability, several other crafting jobs also offer significant utility and economic potential within Eorzea. Their value often depends on current market demand, patch cycles, and the needs of the player base.
Here's a look at other prominent crafting jobs, ranked by their general economic value and utility:
| Rank | Crafting Job |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alchemist |
| 2 | Culinarian |
| 3 | Goldsmith |
| 4 | Weaver |
| 5 | Leatherworker |
| 6 | Blacksmith |
| 7 | Carpenter |
| 8 | Armorer |
- Culinarian: Specializes in crafting food items that provide crucial stat buffs for all types of content, including combat and other crafting/gathering activities. Highly desired, especially at endgame.
- Goldsmith: Crafts intricate jewelry (accessories) that are often best-in-slot for various stages of the game, as well as crafting tools and housing items.
- Weaver: Focuses on light armor (for Disciples of Magic and Scouting/Aiming), fashionable glamour items, and various furnishing for player housing.
- Leatherworker: Produces medium armor (for Disciples of War like tanks and melee DPS), as well as a wide array of leather components used by other crafters.
- Blacksmith: Crafts weapons for a variety of battle jobs and tools for Disciples of the Hand and Land.
- Carpenter: Primarily creates wooden weapons, shields, crafting tools, and a large assortment of housing furniture.
- Armorer: Specializes in crafting heavy plate armor for tank jobs and shields.
Choosing Your Profession
Ultimately, the "best" profession can also depend on individual playstyle, personal interest, and current market conditions. When choosing a crafting job, consider:
- Market Demand: Research what items are consistently selling well on your server's market board.
- Synergy: How does the crafting job complement your chosen battle jobs or other crafting/gathering professions? For example, a Blacksmith might benefit from a Miner.
- Personal Enjoyment: Crafting can be a significant time investment; choosing a job you enjoy will make the process more rewarding.
