Black Mage DPS Gear and Best in Slot — Dawntrail 7.0

Typically Black Mage will have options for both High Spell Speed and High Crit Best-in-Slot sets. The choice between sets should be made based on preference regarding Spell Speed. High Spell Speed sets often have a slightly higher, consistent base output, with less variance. The lower GCD allows for slightly more leeway on the Astral Fire timer and more frequent slidecast windows.

High Crit sets often have a slightly lower base output, but more variance. Due to this, it is popular for the top end of play - with enough runs, it is more likely to get good crit luck and have a stronger run than with the High Spell Speed set. The longer GCD results in slightly less leeway on the Astral Fire timer, but also more time to move after instant casts.

Overall, the output of all sets are generally exceedingly comparable and can still be top-parsing sets. Therefore, it is recommended to primarily choose based on preference and comfort regarding Spell Speed. If you are more comfortable and can play better with a faster GCD, then a High Spell Speed set is recommended. If you instead prefer a more moderate GCD and like seeing big crits, you should pick a High Crit set. Choosing a set for other reasons that otherwise result in you missing uptime or performing worse will lose far more than picking a set you can play better with.

However, without a variety of options to choose from for gear at maximum item level, we cannot yet itemize specifically towards a High Crit or High Spell Speed set. With that in mind, for now focus on maximizing item level then melding Spell Speed to as comfortable of a level as you can.

With the arrival of Patch 6.5 and the new dungeon, The Lunar Subterrane, dropping iLevel 635 gear, we are now able to cap item level on certain pieces to make a stronger build, averaging about 1% higher in DPS compared to previous sets.

Portions of these gear sets can only be acquired by completing the Abyssos raid tier. A guide for the content can be found in the link below.

With the arrival of Patch 6.3 and the new dungeon, Lapis Manalis, dropping iLevel 605 gear, we are now able to cap item level on certain pieces to make a stronger build, averaging about 1% higher in DPS compared to previous sets.

Portions of these gear sets can only be acquired by completing the Asphodelos raid tier. A guide for the content can be found links below.

We’ve decided to not include full gear sets for The Epic of Alexander anymore, as your gear choices make very little difference in how much damage you do due to how gear syncs and removes melds. The item level listed below will outline what item level is required to max out both substats on gear for the fight. All gear above the specified item level will work:

• Item level 595

With that being said, the biggest difference that can be made to your gear set will be equipping a Shadowbringers Relic weapon. Due to the nature of how substats are allocated on these weapons, it enables you to utilize more substats than what’s intended on a normal weapon.

Keep in mind, the Relic weapon is NOT mandatory to clear these fights. It only provides a buffer for mistakes. It’s up to the player to make the decision if the grind is worth it.

We’ve decided to not include full gear sets for The Weapon's Refrain anymore, as your gear choices make very little difference in how much damage you do due to how gear syncs and removes melds. The item level listed below will outline what item level is required to max out both substats on gear for the fight. All gear above the specified item level will work:

• Item level 500

With that being said, the biggest difference that can be made to your gear set will be equipping a Shadowbringers Relic weapon. Due to the nature of how substats are allocated on these weapons, it enables you to utilize more substats than what’s intended on a normal weapon.

Keep in mind, the Relic weapon is NOT mandatory to clear these fights. It only provides a buffer for mistakes. It’s up to the player to make the decision if the grind is worth it.

We’ve decided to not include full gear sets for The unending Coil of Bahamut anymore, as your gear choices make very little difference in how much damage you do due to how gear syncs and removes melds. The item level listed below will outline what item level is required to max out both substats on gear for the fight. All gear above the specified item level will work:

• Item level 470

With that being said, the biggest difference that can be made to your gear set will be equipping a Shadowbringers Relic weapon. Due to the nature of how substats are allocated on these weapons, it enables you to utilize more substats than what’s intended on a normal weapon.

Keep in mind, the Relic weapon is NOT mandatory to clear these fights. It only provides a buffer for mistakes. It’s up to the player to make the decision if the grind is worth it.