In Final Fantasy XIV, unlocking advanced jobs is a key milestone in your journey, and the Summoner is one of the most popular choices among players who enjoy ranged magical DPS with a unique pet-based combat style. If you’re new to the game or transitioning from another job, understanding how to unlock the Summoner in FFXIV is essential to begin mastering its abilities and progressing through endgame content. The process involves meeting specific class requirements, reaching a certain level, and completing introductory quests that ease you into the Summoner’s mechanics. This guide will walk you through every step in detail so you can start summoning powerful entities in battle.
Understanding the Summoner Job
What Is a Summoner?
The Summoner in FFXIV is a magical DPS job that calls upon powerful creatures known as Egi and Primals to assist in combat. It also features damage-over-time effects and Aetherflow abilities. Summoners are linked to the Arcanist class, which is the starting point before branching into either Summoner or Scholar.
Role and Gameplay Style
Summoners are part of the ranged magical DPS role. They deal consistent magical damage over time while managing summoned companions. In recent expansions, Summoners have received several reworks that simplify their rotations and improve their burst damage capabilities.
Requirements to Unlock Summoner
Start as an Arcanist
To become a Summoner, you must first start the game as an Arcanist or unlock the Arcanist class from the Arcanist’s Guild in Limsa Lominsa. Here’s how:
- Reach level 10 with your initial class.
- Travel to Limsa Lominsa.
- Visit the Arcanist’s Guild at the lower decks (X:4.5, Y:11.2).
- Speak to the receptionist to start the Arcanist questline.
Reach Level 30
After leveling your Arcanist to level 30 and completing all class quests up to that point, you’ll unlock a new quest that allows you to specialize as a Summoner. This quest introduces the concept of summoning Egi and begins the Summoner-specific storyline.
How to Unlock Summoner in Detail
Step-by-Step Unlock Guide
- Step 1: Choose Arcanist as your starting class or unlock it later.
- Step 2: Level your Arcanist to 30.
- Step 3: Complete the Arcanist class quests up to Sinking Doesmaga.
- Step 4: Accept the quest Austerities of Flame from Thubyrgeim in Limsa Lominsa.
- Step 5: Complete the Summoner questline to officially unlock the Summoner job stone.
Once you complete Austerities of Flame, you will receive your Summoner soul crystal. Equip it to officially change from Arcanist to Summoner. From this point, you will gain access to Summoner abilities as you level up further.
Where to Find the Quest
The quest Austerities of Flame is given by Thubyrgeim at the Arcanist’s Guild in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks. You must have completed all previous Arcanist quests for this quest to appear.
Leveling and Advancing as a Summoner
Continuing the Job Questline
After unlocking the Summoner, you will continue receiving job quests at regular intervals typically every 5 levels. These quests introduce new summons and abilities, such as Ifrit-Egi, Titan-Egi, and Garuda-Egi.
Post-Level 50 Advancements
Upon reaching level 50, Summoner job quests become available in the Heavensward expansion. Completing these will eventually unlock the ability to summon Demi-Bahamut, and later, Phoenix, through further job quests tied to Stormblood and Shadowbringers.
Tips for New Summoners
Learn to Manage Your Pet
Your Egi companions are an essential part of your damage rotation. You will need to learn how to issue commands and understand their abilities. Egi Glamours also allow you to change their appearance to match other Primals.
Understand Aetherflow
Aetherflow is a resource you generate and consume for specific powerful abilities. Managing Aetherflow efficiently is crucial to maximizing your DPS output in dungeons and raids.
Use Your Damage-over-Time Spells
Summoners rely on DoT spells such as Bio and Miasma in earlier levels. While these become less central in higher levels, understanding their usage in early content is key to leveling efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock both Summoner and Scholar?
Yes. Since both jobs originate from the Arcanist, once you reach level 30 and complete the respective quests, you can switch between Summoner and Scholar by equipping the appropriate soul crystal.
Do I need an expansion to unlock Summoner?
No. The base game, A Realm Reborn, includes the Summoner job. However, some advanced job abilities and summons require expansions like Heavensward and beyond.
Can I start the game directly as a Summoner?
Not directly. You must start as an Arcanist and unlock Summoner at level 30 by completing the required questline. However, if you use a story or job jump potion, you may skip the early process and begin as a Summoner instantly at higher levels.
Unlocking the Summoner job in Final Fantasy XIV is a rewarding experience for players who enjoy magical ranged DPS with a twist of pet-based combat. The process begins by choosing or unlocking the Arcanist class, progressing through its early levels, and completing key quests to earn the Summoner soul crystal. Once unlocked, you’ll gain access to powerful summons and abilities that evolve with each expansion. With the right understanding and practice, Summoner can become a devastating force in your party capable of high burst damage and visually stunning primal summons. Follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of summoning in FFXIV.