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Gunbreaker Job Guide for FFXIV — Dawntrail 7.2

Last updated on Mar 26, 2025 at 00:00 by Tor 14 comments

Gunbreaker is a Tank job in Final Fantasy XIV that focuses on busy burst windows and hard-hitting combo actions that emulate a DPS rotation while using a Gunblade as its primary weapon. Gunbreaker can be unlocked upon reaching Level 60 after purchasing the Shadowbringers expansion and speaking to Gods' Quiver Bow in Central Shroud.

Gunbreaker Guide
Leveling Keybindings Melding Gear and Best in Slot Tank Rotation Optimization Job Changes
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE
1.

What is Gunbreaker's Playstyle?

Gunbreaker Job Stone FFXIV Gunbreaker is a high-tempo tank that builds and spends cartridges using its weaponskills and abilities. These cartridges can be spent on the Continuation combo, a flurry of attacks that make the job flow almost like a true DPS.

Gunbreakers want to build up their Cartridge Gauge and then unload onto enemies every minute under the effect of its core damaging buff No Mercy Icon No Mercy. Cartridges are spent on the Gnashing Fang Icon Gnashing Fang combo roughly every 30 seconds and Burst Strike Icon Burst Strike otherwise, with Continuation Icon Continuation used directly afterwards. At level 90, they gain the devastating attack Double Down Icon Double Down, which which is a high potency nuke. At level 100, Gunbreaker gains access to the Lion Heart Icon Lion Heart combo, which is a 3-hit series of high potency attacks. Gunbreaker optimization is structured around maximizing these strong abilities and using as many cartridges as possible under No Mercy Icon No Mercy.

Defensively, Gunbreaker is a jack of all trades. It boasts the standard suite of tank defensives and can adapt to any situation to assist the party with mitigation and single-target healing over time.

2.

Gunbreaker Strengths and Weaknesses

V Strengths
  • +High burst damage every minute with No Mercy Icon No Mercy.
  • +Great sustained damage with the Gnashing Fang Icon Gnashing Fang combo.
  • +Very strong defensive toolkit, with an excellent sharable single target mitigation tool in Heart of Corundum Icon Heart of Corundum.
  • +Fluid feeling rotation.
  • +Trajectory Icon Trajectory does no damage so its uses are much more flexible, as there is no need to plan to use it under No Mercy Icon No Mercy.
X Weaknesses
  • -Moving enemies is more restrictive during Gnashing Fang Icon Gnashing Fang combo due to Continuation Icon Continuation.
  • -Has to proactively use mitigation abilities and think about weaving space when bursting.
  • -A poorly-timed Superbolide Icon Superbolide can cause headaches for any healer.
  • -Can be affected negatively by high ping during periods of high double-weaving. Some speeds also require lower ping to function well compared to other speeds.
  • -Slower speeds require much stricter gameplay and can be much less forgiving for mistakes.
3.

How do you Unlock Gunbreaker?

Gunbreaker can be unlocked as long as the player has a Disciple of War or Magic above Level 60. After meeting the requirements, talk to the Gods' Quiver Bow in New Gridania (x11.5, y11.9) and complete the quest "The Makings of a Gunbreaker" to unlock the job. Gunbreaker starts at Level 60.

4.

The Powder Gauge

Gunbreaker FFXIV Powder Gauge

The Powder Gauge will indicate if the player has their tank stance Royal Guard Icon Royal Guard on or off. It will additionally show how many cartridges the player has stored at the time once the Cartridge Charge trait is unlocked, up to a maximum of three at Level 88.

Cartridges can be spent on four weaponskills: Burst Strike Icon Burst Strike, the Gnashing Fang Icon Gnashing Fang combo, Fated Circle Icon Fated Circle, and Double Down Icon Double Down.

5.

Gunbreaker Actions

Action Name
  • Cast
  • Recast
  • Range
  • Radius
 Effect
Keen Edge Icon Keen Edge Lv. 1
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 300.
No Mercy Icon No Mercy Lv. 2
  • Instant
  • 60.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Increases damage dealt by 20%. Duration: 20s Additional Effect: Grants Ready to Break Duration: 30s
Brutal Shell Icon Brutal Shell Lv. 4
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 240. Combo Action: Keen Edge Combo Potency: 380 Combo Bonus: Restores own HP Cure Potency: 200 Combo Bonus: Creates a barrier which nullifies damage equaling HP restored Duration: 30s
Camouflage Icon Camouflage Lv. 6
  • Instant
  • 90.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Increases parry rate by 50% while reducing damage taken by 10%. Duration: 20s
Demon Slice Icon Demon Slice Lv. 10
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to all nearby enemies. Additional Effect: Increased enmity
Release Royal Guard Icon Release Royal Guard Lv. 10
  • Instant
  • 1.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Cancels the effect of Royal Guard.
Royal Guard Icon Royal Guard Lv. 10
  • Instant
  • 2.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Significantly increases enmity generation. Effect ends upon reuse.
Lightning Shot Icon Lightning Shot Lv. 15
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 20y
  • 0y
 Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 150. Additional Effect: Increased enmity
Danger Zone Icon Danger Zone Lv. 18
  • Instant
  • 30.0s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 250.
Solid Barrel Icon Solid Barrel Lv. 26
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 240. Combo Action: Brutal Shell Combo Potency: 460 Combo Bonus: Adds a Cartridge to your Powder Gauge
Burst Strike Icon Burst Strike Lv. 30
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 460. Additional Effect: Grants Ready to Blast Duration: 10s Effect of Ready to Blast ends upon execution of any weaponskill. Cartridge Cost: 1
Nebula Icon Nebula Lv. 38
  • Instant
  • 120.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Reduces damage taken by 30%. Duration: 15s
Demon Slaughter Icon Demon Slaughter Lv. 40
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to all nearby enemies. Additional Effect: Increased enmity Combo Action: Demon Slice Combo Potency: 160 Combo Bonus: Adds a Cartridge to your Powder Gauge
Aurora Icon Aurora Lv. 45
  • Instant
  • 60.0s
  • ↔ 30y
  • 0y
 Grants Regen to target. Cure Potency: 300 Duration: 18s Maximum Charges: 2
Superbolide Icon Superbolide Lv. 50
  • Instant
  • 360.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Reduces HP by 50% of maximum and renders you impervious to most attacks. Duration: 10s
Sonic Break Icon Sonic Break Lv. 54
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 300. Additional Effect: Damage over time Potency: 60 Duration: 30s Can only be executed when Ready to Break.
Trajectory Icon Trajectory Lv. 56
  • Instant
  • 30.0s
  • ↔ 20y
  • 0y
 Rush to a targeted enemy's location. Additional Effect: Increased enmity Maximum Charges: 2 Cannot be executed while bound.
Gnashing Fang Icon Gnashing Fang Lv. 60
  • Instant
  • 30.0s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 500. Additional Effect: Grants Ready to Rip Duration: 10s Effect of Ready to Rip ends upon execution of any weaponskill. Cartridge Cost: 1 This weaponskill does not share a recast timer with any other actions.
Savage Claw Icon Savage Claw Lv. 60
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 560. Combo Action: Gnashing Fang Combo Bonus: Grants Ready to Tear Duration: 10s Effect of Ready to Tear ends upon execution of any weaponskill. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Gnashing Fang changes to Savage Claw when requirements for execution are met.
Wicked Talon Icon Wicked Talon Lv. 60
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 620. Combo Action: Savage Claw Combo Bonus: Grants Ready to Gouge Duration: 10s Effect of Ready to Gouge ends upon execution of any weaponskill. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Savage Claw changes to Wicked Talon when requirements for execution are met.
Bow Shock Icon Bow Shock Lv. 62
  • Instant
  • 60.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 150 to all nearby enemies. Additional Effect: Damage over time Potency: 60 Duration: 15s
Heart of Light Icon Heart of Light Lv. 64
  • Instant
  • 90.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 30y
 Reduces physical damage taken by 5% and magic damage taken by 10% for self and nearby party members. Duration: 15s
Heart of Stone Icon Heart of Stone Lv. 68
  • Instant
  • 25.0s
  • ↔ 30y
  • 0y
 Reduces damage taken by a party member or self by 15%. Duration: 7s Additional Effect: When targeting a party member while under the effect of Brutal Shell, that effect is also granted to the target Duration: 30s
Abdomen Tear Icon Abdomen Tear Lv. 70
  • Instant
  • 1.0s
  • ↔ 5y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 280. Can only be executed when Ready to Tear. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Continuation changes to Abdomen Tear when requirements for execution are met.
Continuation Icon Continuation Lv. 70
  • Instant
  • 1.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Allows the firing of successive rounds with your gunblade. Gnashing Fang may be followed by Jugular Rip. Savage Claw may be followed by Abdomen Tear. Wicked Talon may be followed by Eye Gouge. Burst Strike may be followed by Hypervelocity. Fated Circle may be followed by Fated Brand.
Eye Gouge Icon Eye Gouge Lv. 70
  • Instant
  • 1.0s
  • ↔ 5y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 320. Can only be executed when Ready to Gouge. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Continuation changes to Eye Gouge when requirements for execution are met.
Jugular Rip Icon Jugular Rip Lv. 70
  • Instant
  • 1.0s
  • ↔ 5y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 240. Can only be executed when Ready to Rip. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Continuation changes to Jugular Rip when requirements for execution are met.
Fated Circle Icon Fated Circle Lv. 72
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 300 to all nearby enemies. Additional Effect: Grants Ready to Raze Duration: 10s Effect of Ready to Raze ends upon execution of any weaponskill. Cartridge Cost: 1
Bloodfest Icon Bloodfest Lv. 76
  • Instant
  • 120.0s
  • ↔ 25y
  • 0y
 Draws aetheric energy from target, adding 3 Cartridges to your Powder Gauge. Additional Effect: Grants Ready to Reign Duration: 30s
Blasting Zone Icon Blasting Zone Lv. 80
  • Instant
  • 30.0s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 800.
Heart of Corundum Icon Heart of Corundum Lv. 82
  • Instant
  • 25.0s
  • ↔ 30y
  • 0y
 Reduces damage taken by target party member or self by 15%. Duration: 8s Additional Effect: When targeting a party member while under the effect of Brutal Shell, that effect is also granted to the target Duration: 30s Additional Effect: Grants Clarity of Corundum to target Clarity of Corundum Effect: Reduces damage taken by 15% Duration: 4s Additional Effect: Grants Catharsis of Corundum to target Catharsis of Corundum Effect: Restores HP when HP falls to 50% or below, or upon effect duration expiration Cure Potency: 900 Duration: 20s
Hypervelocity Icon Hypervelocity Lv. 86
  • Instant
  • 1.0s
  • ↔ 5y
  • 0y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 200. Can only be executed when Ready to Blast. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Continuation changes to Hypervelocity when requirements for execution are met.
Double Down Icon Double Down Lv. 90
  • Instant
  • 60.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack to all nearby enemies with a potency of 1,200 for the first enemy, and 15% less for all remaining enemies. Cartridge Cost: 1 This weaponskill does not share a recast timer with any other actions.
Great Nebula Icon Great Nebula Lv. 92
  • Instant
  • 120.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Reduces damage taken by 40%. Additional Effect: Increases maximum HP by 20% and restores the amount increased. Duration: 15s
Fated Brand Icon Fated Brand Lv. 96
  • Instant
  • 1.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack with a potency of 120 to all nearby enemies. Can only be executed when Ready to Raze. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Continuation changes to Fated Brand when requirements for execution are met.
Lion Heart Icon Lion Heart Lv. 100
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby it with a potency of 1,200 for the first enemy, and 60% less for all remaining enemies. Combo Action: Noble Blood ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Noble Blood changes to Lion Heart when requirements for execution are met.
Noble Blood Icon Noble Blood Lv. 100
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby it with a potency of 1,100 for the first enemy, and 60% less for all remaining enemies. Combo Action: Reign of Beasts ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. ※Reign of Beasts changes to Noble Blood when requirements for execution are met.
Reign of Beasts Icon Reign of Beasts Lv. 100
  • Instant
  • 2.5s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 5y
 Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby it with a potency of 1,000 for the first enemy, and 60% less for all remaining enemies. Can only be executed when Ready to Reign.
6.

Role Actions

Action Name
  • Cast
  • Recast
  • Range
  • Radius
 Effect
Rampart Icon Rampart Lv. 8
  • Instant
  • 90.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Reduces damage taken by 20%. Additional Effect: Increases HP recovery via healing actions on self by 15% Duration: 20s
Low Blow Icon Low Blow Lv. 12
  • Instant
  • 25.0s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Stuns target. Duration: 5s
Provoke Icon Provoke Lv. 15
  • Instant
  • 30.0s
  • ↔ 25y
  • 0y
 Gesture threateningly, placing yourself at the top of a target's enmity list while gaining additional enmity.
Interject Icon Interject Lv. 18
  • Instant
  • 30.0s
  • ↔ 3y
  • 0y
 Interrupts the use of a target's action.
Reprisal Icon Reprisal Lv. 22
  • Instant
  • 60.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 5y
 Reduces damage dealt by nearby enemies by 10%. Duration: 15s
Arm's Length Icon Arm's Length Lv. 32
  • Instant
  • 120.0s
  • ↔ 0y
  • 0y
 Nullifies most knockback and draw-in effects. Duration: 6s Additional Effect: When you are struck by a physical attack, the striker will be afflicted with Slow +20% Duration: 15s
Shirk Icon Shirk Lv. 48
  • Instant
  • 120.0s
  • ↔ 25y
  • 0y
 Diverts 25% of enmity to target party member.
7.

Gunbreaker Traits

Action Name Acquired Effect
Tank Mastery Icon Tank Mastery Lv. 1

Reduces damage taken by 20%. Furthermore, grants a bonus to maximum HP based on your vitality attribute, and a bonus to damage dealt based on your strength attribute.
Cartridge Charge Icon Cartridge Charge Lv. 30

Stores a Cartridge in your Powder Gauge after successfully completing a combo with Solid Barrel.

Maximum Cartridges: 2
Enhanced Brutal Shell Icon Enhanced Brutal Shell Lv. 52

Grants the effect of Brutal Shell after successfully completing a combo with Brutal Shell.

Duration: 30s
Enhanced No Mercy Icon Enhanced No Mercy Lv. 54

Become Ready to Break after executing No Mercy.

Duration: 30s
Danger Zone Mastery Icon Danger Zone Mastery Lv. 80

Upgrades Danger Zone to Blasting Zone.
Heart of Stone Mastery Icon Heart of Stone Mastery Lv. 82

Upgrades Heart of Stone to Heart of Corundum.
Enhanced Aurora Icon Enhanced Aurora Lv. 84

Allows the accumulation of charges for consecutive uses of Aurora.

Maximum Charges: 2
Melee Mastery Icon Melee Mastery Lv. 84

Increases the potency of Keen Edge to 200, Brutal Shell to 160, and Solid Barrel to 140.
Enhanced Continuation Icon Enhanced Continuation Lv. 86

Become Ready to Blast after executing Burst Strike.

Duration: 10s

Continuation changes to Hypervelocity while under the effect of Ready to Blast.
Cartridge Charge II Icon Cartridge Charge II Lv. 88

Increases Powder Gauge capacity to 3 Cartridges.

Executing Bloodfest stores 3 Cartridges.
Nebula Mastery Icon Nebula Mastery Lv. 92

Upgrades Nebula to Great Nebula.
Melee Mastery II Icon Melee Mastery II Lv. 94

Increases the potency of Keen Edge to 300, Brutal Shell to 240, Solid Barrel to 240, Burst Strike to 460, Gnashing Fang to 500, Savage Claw to 560, Wicked Talon to 620, Jugular Rip to 240, Abdomen Tear to 280, Eye Gouge to 320, Blasting Zone to 800, and Hypervelocity to 200.
Enhanced Rampart Icon Enhanced Rampart Lv. 94

Adds an additional effect to Rampart that increases HP recovery via healing actions on self by 15%.
Enhanced Continuation II Icon Enhanced Continuation II Lv. 96

Become Ready to Raze after executing Fated Circle.

Duration: 10s

Continuation changes to Fated Brand when Ready to Raze.
Enhanced Reprisal Icon Enhanced Reprisal Lv. 98

Extends the duration of Reprisal to 15 seconds.
Enhanced Bloodfest Icon Enhanced Bloodfest Lv. 100

Grants the effect of Ready to Reign after executing Bloodfest.

Duration: 30s
8.

Gunbreaker Lore

The Hrothgar of northern Ilsabard have passed the art of the gunblade from one generation to the next. The weapon itself combines a sword with a firing mechanism, emitting a range of magical effects by utilizing aetherially imbued cartridges. Originally employed by Queen Gunnhildr's personal guard, they were once known as "Gunnhildr's Blades" and differ greatly from the similarly named weapons used in the Garlean Empire.

9.

Changelog

  • 26 Mar. 2025 (gear page): Added prog sets and Savage BiS for Patch 7.2.
  • 24 Mar. 2025 (rotation page): Page updated for Patch 7.2.
  • 24 Mar. 2025 (job changes): Page updated for Patch 7.2.
  • 24 Mar. 2025 (this page): Page updated for Patch 7.2.
  • 23 Mar. 2025 (Leveling page): Page updated for Patch 7.2.
  • 13 Nov. 2024 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 7.1.
  • 13 Nov. 2024 (Leveling page): Page updated for Patch 7.1.
  • 13 Nov. 2024 (job changes): Page updated for Patch 7.1.
  • 13 Nov. 2024 (melding page): Updated for Patch 7.1.
  • 13 Nov. 2024 (this page): Page updated for Patch 7.1.
  • 20 Aug. 2024 (rotation page): Updated the opener to better align with standardized raid buff target timings.
  • 03 Aug. 2024 (gear page): Added savage BiS for Patch 7.05
  • 31 Jul. 2024 (gear page): Added prog sets for Patch 7.05
  • 11 Jul. 2024 (rotation page): Updated opener image.
  • 11 Jul. 2024 (gear page): Updated for Patch 7.0
  • 11 Jul. 2024 (melding page): Updated for patch 7.0.
  • 09 Jul. 2024 (job changes): Removed Endwalker Job Changes.
  • 28 Jun. 2024 (rotation page): Updated for patch 7.0.
  • 28 Jun. 2024 (Leveling page): Page updated for Patch 7.0.
  • 28 Jun. 2024 (job changes): Page updated for Patch 7.0.
  • 28 Jun. 2024 (this page): Page updated for Patch 7.0.
  • 16 May 2024 (job changes): Job Actions Trailer Added.
  • 11 May 2024 (job changes): Page updated with 6.58.
  • 26 Mar. 2024 (melding page): Updated for Patch 7.2.
  • 02 Feb. 2024 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.55
  • 18 Jan. 2024 (rotation page): Updated for patch 6.55.
  • 18 Jan. 2024 (Leveling page): Updated for patch 6.55.
  • 18 Jan. 2024 (melding page): Updated for patch 6.55.
  • 18 Jan. 2024 (this page): Updated for patch 6.55.
  • 13 Oct. 2023 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.5
  • 13 Oct. 2023 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 6.5
  • 13 Oct. 2023 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.5
  • 13 Oct. 2023 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.5
  • 13 Oct. 2023 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.5
  • 02 Aug. 2023 (melding page): Corrected the food and potion section for the latest patch.
  • 28 Jul. 2023 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.45
  • 29 May 2023 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.4
  • 29 May 2023 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 6.4
  • 29 May 2023 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.4
  • 29 May 2023 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.4
  • 29 May 2023 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.4
  • 12 Jan. 2023 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.3
  • 12 Jan. 2023 (Leveling page): Updated for Patch 6.3
  • 12 Jan. 2023 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.3
  • 12 Jan. 2023 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.3
  • 12 Jan. 2023 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.3
  • 09 Sep. 2022 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.2
  • 09 Sep. 2022 (Leveling page): Edited to clarify Bow Shock in the rotation.
  • 09 Sep. 2022 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.2
  • 20 Apr. 2022 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 6.1
  • 20 Apr. 2022 (gear page): Updated for Patch 6.1
  • 20 Apr. 2022 (melding page): Updated for Patch 6.1
  • 20 Apr. 2022 (this page): Updated for Patch 6.1
  • 17 Mar. 2022 (Leveling page): Guide added.
  • 16 Feb. 2022 (rotation page): Page added.
  • 16 Feb. 2022 (gear page): Page added.
  • 16 Feb. 2022 (melding page): Page added.
  • 15 Feb. 2022 (this page): Page added.
  • 19 Dec. 2021 (job changes): Page added.
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Gunbreaker Guide
Leveling Keybindings Melding Gear and Best in Slot Tank Rotation Optimization Job Changes

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