Key Takeaway
Final Fantasy XIV is an absolutely massive game with over a decade of history. Similar to other MMOs, the title is packed with specific terms and phrases that can make new players feel overwhelmed.
Final Fantasy XIV has been around for over a decade, with more and more content introduced to the game each year. The MMO has so many unique terms that newcomers might feel like everyone is speaking another language. These are some of the most common phrases you’ll hear in Eorzea.
Table Of Contents
Aetheryte
Aetheryte are shining blue crystals found in many towns and settlements. Interacting with an Aetherye will open it as a fast travel point, and players can teleport to unlocked Aetheryte shards from anywhere on the map.
Aether
A source of magic and life in Final Fantasy XIV used to explain the origins of magic and other phenomena. If the flow of this vital energy source is disrupted, it can result in terrible events. Everyone is made from Aether, and upon death, this energy disappears from the physical realm and returns to the aetherical sea from which all life began.
Alt
An alternate character. Although characters in Final Fantasy XIV can swap jobs to their heart’s content, some players like to have different characters for role-playing purposes, additional Retainers, extra storage, or other reasons.
Au Ra
A playable race introduced in the Heavensward expansion. Boasting dragon-like horns and scales, there are two different types of Au Ra: the light-skinned Raen and the dark-scaled Xaela.
Au Ra do not appear in any other Final Fantasy title.
Class
In Final Fantasy XIV, players select a playable Class when starting the game. At level 30, players graduate from their class into their Job, which adds more advanced skills and a new job title.
For example, a Gladiator will become a Paladin at level 30, while a Conjurer will become a White Mage.
Disciples of the Hand
Also known as ‘Crafters,’ these are classes that focus on creating a variety of different items, including medicine, armor, furnishings, food, and more.
Disciple of the Hand classes include the following:
| Job Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ARM | Armorer | "Armorers excel at shaping metals and ores into equipable armor - such as chainmail, ring mail, scale mail and plate body armor, used by multiple classes in the game." |
| BSM | Blacksmith | "Blacksmiths specialize in the refining of metals and the production of main-hand and off-hand equipment, such as swords, axes, scythes, musketoons, and more." |
| GSM | Goldsmith | "Goldsmiths bend metals and gems into fashionable accessories and bejewelled weaponry. Many classes desire their fineries, such as rings, earrings, necklaces, staves and sceptres." |
| LTW | Leatherworker | "Leatherworkers prepare hides, pelts and furs from Eorzea's most notorious monsters into leather-based armor and accessories desired by multiple classes in the game." |
| WVR | Weaver | "Weavers convert fabrics and fibres into comfortably light armors and accessories, such as robes, ribbons, shirts and pantaloons that are wearable by multiple classes in the game." |
| ALC | Alchemist | "Alchemists are masters of powders and potions – grinding and blending materials to produce useful consumables, elixirs, inks, wands, and grimoires." |
| CUL | Culinarian | "Culinarians utilize various ingredients to create hearty and emboldening meals. Players can consume food to receive temporary buffs to a variety of attributes, including EXP buffs – perfect for the wandering adventurer." |
| CRP | Carpenter | "Carpenters excel at the production of wooden materials, furniture and equipment used by many classes in the game, such as clogs, bows, staves and polearms." |
Disciples of the Land
Also known as ‘Gatherers,’ these are classes that specialize in harvesting natural resources throughout Eorzea. Many gathered items can be used for crafting or sold on the market board for a hefty profit.
Disciple of the Land classes include the following:
| Job Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MIN | Miner | "Miners extract minerals from the rock faces of Eorzea. The raw ores and gemstones they acquire are utilized by the blacksmith, armorer and goldsmith crafting classes." |
| BTN | Botonist | "Botanists harvest resources from the plants and trees of Eorzea. They gather raw materials for various crafting classes such as carpenter, weaver, culinarian and alchemist." |
| FSH | Fisher | "Fishers harvest fish and other sea creatures from the waters of Eorzea, utilizing an assortment of fishing tackles to catch fish in various environments. Resources gathered by Fishing are utilized mainly with culinarian and alchemist." |
Disciples of Magic
Classes and jobs that utilize magic to either heal party members or harm enemies. These classes use MP as their primary resource.
The starting classes for Disciples of Magic include the following.
| Job Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| THM | Thaumaturge | "In the hands of a skilled practitioner, thaumaturgy can be a force of terrifying destruction. At the heart of this school of magic lies the ability to call forth and command the latent aether within oneself through deep introspection. To then mold that aether into sorcery, the thaumaturge makes use of a scepter or staff, within which is housed a medium—a natural stone imbued with magical properties. Thus armed, the thaumaturge is capable of wreaking considerable havoc via ruinous spells and curses." |
| ACN | Arcanist | "Adepts of the art of arcanum derive their might from symbols of power born of geometric techniques hailing from across the southern seas. Held within occult grimoires, these symbols lend shape to the arcanist's aether, thereby allowing him to produce myriad powerful spells. Using the selfsame symbols to unlock the latent power contained within gemstones, arcanists are also able to summon forth the familiar known as Carbuncle to carry out their bidding." |
| CNJ | Conjurer | "Conjury calls upon the elements of earth, wind, and water and concentrates them to a potency at which spells can be weaved. Through practiced meditation on the essences of creation, conjurers draw forth and absorb aether from their immediate surroundings. A wand or cane made from unworked wood is then utilized to focus the aether until it manifests as the desired spell. Versed also in magicks that restore and strengthen, conjurers are regarded as accomplished healers." |
Once a player reaches level 30, they will move from their class to their job. Disciples of Magic jobs are as follows.
| Job Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BLM | Black Mage | "In days long past, there existed an occult and arcane art known as black magic—a potent magic of pure destructive force born forth by a sorceress of unparalleled power. Those who learned to wield this instrument of ruin came to be called black mages, out of both fear and respect for their gift. Yet great power served to corrupt the judgment of mortal man, and so he unknowingly set out upon the path of ruin. Adventurers who take the black will become agents of devastation, capable of annihilating those who oppose them through little more than the force of their will." |
| SMN | Summoner | "The beast tribes of Eorzea worship and summon forth beings known as primals, among which are Ifrit, Garuda, and Titan. Yet what is a god to one man is a demon to another, for the city-states of Eorzea see these beings as a grave threat to their collective survival. In times immemorial, there lived mages who had not only the power to summon the primals, but also the means to transmute the primals' essences, thus binding them to their will. Known simply as summoners, the existence of these men and women and their arcane art have been all but lost to the ages." |
| SCH | Scholar | "n an age long past, when mankind flourished under the radiance of arcane mastery, the island of Vylbrand was home to a city-state called Nym. Though the history of that age tells of countless wars waged with earth-shattering incantations, it was the brilliant strategic maneuvering of Nym's scholars that allowed their mundane army of mariners to throw back would-be conquerors time and again. These learned men and women defended the freedom of their tiny nation with their unique command over spell-weaving faeries, utilizing the creatures' magicks to heal the wounded and bolster the strength of their allies." |
| WHM | White Mage | "White magic, the arcane art of succor, was conceived eras past that the world might know comfort. Alas, man began perverting its powers for self-gain, and by his wickedness brought about the Sixth Umbral catastrophe. Although the art subsequently became forbidden, it is now in the midst of a revival at the hands of the Padjal, chosen of the elementals. Those who would walk the path of the white mage are healers without peer, possessed of the power to deliver comrades from the direst of afflictions—even the icy grip of death itself." |
| AST | Astrologian | "Ever has man coveted knowledge, and none more so than that of his fate. Thus did he labor to master the skill of foresight—but initial efforts bore little fruit. That is, until he looked to the stars above, which foretell the coming seasons, and learned to read the heavens. Though this gift is known today as astrology, the people of Sharlayan saw fit to not only read the stars, but to write their movements as well. By attuning their aetherial energies to that of constellations, they learned to wield magicks with heretofore unseen properties. Thus was astromancy born—a new form of magick which grants its users power over fate. Employing a star globe and divining deck in their miraculous deeds, fortune always smiles upon these masters of arcana." |
| RDM | Red Mage | "On the eastern edge of Abalathia's Spine lies the mountainous region of Gyr Abania. It is in these elevated lands that people took shelter, when a burning star guided them away from the Sixth Umbral Calamity's treacherous floodwaters. The survivors gathered from near and far, and amongst them were refugees of the sorcerous cities of Mhach and Amdapor. These sworn enemies buried their history for the sake of the future, and cast aside their vestments of black and white. Upon the remnants of their arts a new discipline was built, and the first red mages stepped forward with rapiers in hand to fight back against the rising tides of destruction." |
| BLU | Blue Mage | "A so-called mage of rather questionable character claims to have mastered an outlandish form of spellcasting that resembles neither black nor white magic during his voyage to the New World. Allegedly, anyone who purchases one of his soul crystals can learn to mimic the aetherial magicks of wild creatures. But can he be trusted, or is he merely a con artist looking to make a quick gil?" |
| SGE | Sage | "The nation of Sharlayan is the cradle of knowledge, and the Studium its foremost institution of learning. Yet more so than its incomparable library and formidable assemblage of Archons, this prestigious academy is famed for blending traditionally distinct fields to produce revolutionary new disciplines. Among these, perhaps the most distinguished is an altruistic art which draws upon the wisdom of aetherology, sorcery, and medicine. Dubbed somanoutics, the art seeks to heal and protect by manipulating corporeal aether through the use of nouliths, a flying array of foci. Practitioners are dedicated to the betterment of mankind, and for their wisdom and compassion, eventually came to be known simply as sages." |
Disciples of War
Classes and jobs that utilize physical attacks via weaponskills in battle. These include Tanks, Ranged Physical DPS, and Melee DPS.
The starting classes for Disciples of War include the following.
| Job Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| GLA | Gladiator | "Gladiators specialize in the handling of all manner of one-handed blades, from daggers to longswords, be they single- or double-edged, straight or curved. Tracing their roots to the Coliseum, where the roar of the crowd reigns supreme, these melee combatants have learned to seamlessly flow between attack and defense in a dance that delights the eye. Making use of their skill with the shield, gladiators can also draw the attention and attacks of an enemy upon themselves, thereby protecting their comrades from harm." |
| MRD | Marauder | "Marauders are combat specialists whose weapon of choice is the greataxe—a fearsome arm long associated with Eorzea's pirates. Their approach to battle is one of brute force, as they rely on pure strength and good steel to crush enemies and sunder weapons. They are highly sought after for their ferocity and intimidating presence, and are often employed to hunt down monsters plaguing the land or to turn the tide of battle between warring nations. Skilled marauders have been known to take on entire packs of slavering beasts and emerge with little more than a few scrapes and bruises." |
| LNC | Lancer | "The lancer is a master of polearms—weapons which have evolved from humble hunting tools. In former times, the longspear saw the most widespread use, due in great part to the influence of the proud lancer legions of Ala Mhigo. The lancer's weaponry has since expanded to include other lethal implements such as the halberd and trident. While it is no easy task to wield a polearm as if it were an extension of one's body, those who master the lancing arts come to be as a raging storm before their enemies, capable of delivering a barrage of devastating thrusts and slashes." |
| PGL | Pugilist | "The path of the pugilist is one of incessant training aimed at mastering the traditional techniques of hand-to-hand combat. Though pugilists command formidable power when unarmed, they are wont to use metal, leather, and bone weaponry to maximize their destructive potential. Their preference for fighting at close quarters makes negotiating distances an absolute necessity. Many among them accomplish this by avoiding burdensome armor, allowing for maximum mobility while they move in for the kill." |
| ARC | Archer | "With a bow in hand and a quiver on his back, the archer strikes at the enemy from afar. In Eorzea, two schools of archery have risen to prominence: that of the longbow sentries of the Elezen military, and that of the shortbow hunters among the Miqo'te. Archers constantly assess the battlefield in order to determine the most advantageous ground from which to loose their arrows, as well as the nature of the shaft, point, and fletching best suited to their foe. It is said that master archers are capable of showering their targets with a veritable deluge of death well before a counterattack can ever be mounted." |
| ROG | Rogue | "These agile fighters pride themselves on their skills with knives and daggers to make quick work of enemies. Lurking in the shadows, adhering to no laws but their own, they punish the wicked, pilfering their ill-gotten gains and delivering them to the downtrodden masses. Thought by many to be mere common criminals, some would say they play an unseen hand in maintaining order in the buccaneer's haven of Limsa Lominsa." |
Once a player reaches level 30, they will move from their class to their job. Disciples of War jobs are as follows.
| Job Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PLD | Paladin | "For centuries, the elite of the Sultansworn have served as personal bodyguards to the royal family of Ul'dah. Known as paladins, these men and women marry exquisite swordplay with stalwart shieldwork to create a style of combat uncompromising in its defense. Clad in brilliant silver armor, they charge fearlessly into battle, ever ready to lay down their lives for their liege. To be a paladin is to protect, and those who choose to walk this path will become the iron foundation upon which the party's defense is built." |
| WAR | Warrior | "On the northernmost edge of Abalathia's Spine exists a mountain tribe renowned for producing fearsome mercenaries. Wielding greataxes and known as warriors, these men and women learn to harness their inner-beasts and translate that power to unbridled savagery on the battlefield. In former times which saw war waged ceaselessly in Eorzea, the warriors featured prominently on the front lines of battle. With the arrival of peacetime, however, their art has descended into the shadows of obscurity, where it remains to this day." |
| DRG | Dragoon | "Of all the things that are symbolic of the nation of Ishgard, few are more recognized than the dragoon. Born amidst the timeless conflict between men and dragons, these lance-wielding knights have developed an aerial style of combat, that they might better pierce the scaled hides of their mortal foes. Taking to the firmament as though it were an extension of the land, they descend upon the enemy with every onze of their bodies behind the blow. It is this penetrative power that characterizes the dragoon." |
| MNK | Monk | "Though now under Garlean rule, the city-state of Ala Mhigo once boasted the greatest military might of all Eorzea. Among its standing armies were the monks—ascetic warriors as dreaded by foes on the field of battle as the city-state's great pikemen. The monks comprised an order known as the Fist of Rhalgr, and it was to this god—the Destroyer—that they devoted their lives of worship. By mastering seats of power within the body known as chakra, they are capable of performing extraordinary physical feats." |
| BRD | Bard | "The word "bard" ordinarily puts folk in mind of those itinerant minstrels, fair of voice and nimble of finger, who earn their coin performing in taverns and the halls of great lords. Few know, however, that bards in fact trace their origins back to the bowmen of eld, who sang in the heat of battle to fortify the spirits of their companions. In time, their impassioned songs came to hold sway over the hearts of men, inspiring their comrades to great feats and granting peace unto those who lay upon the precipice of death." |
| NIN | Ninja | "Hailing from the war-torn lands of the Far East, the secret arts of the ninja were born of necessity, and have since given rise to a unique breed of highly-trained combatants. Able to manipulate the vital energies of the land, the air, and living beings, they manifest their power through the weaving of signs, unleashing a wide array of attacks against their foes. Master the arts of the ninja and learn to bend the tide of battle to your will." |
| DRK | Dark Knight | "The pious Ishgardian clergy guide the flock, and the devout knights protect the weak. Yet even the holiest of men succumb to the darkest of temptations. None dare to administer justice to these sacrosanct elite residing outside the reach of the law. Who, then, defends the feeble from the transgressions of those meant to guide and protect them? A valiant few take up arms to defend the downtrodden, and not even the holy priests and knights can escape their judgment. Pariahs in their own land, they are known by many as “dark knights.” These sentinels bear no shields declaring their allegiance. Instead, their greatswords act as beacons to guide the meek through darkness." |
| MCH | Machinist | "The war with Dravania rages on, brutal and unrelenting. With no end in sight, the Holy See grows desperate. As her dragoons lay down their lives in defense of their home, Ishgard turns to technology to protect her sons and daughters. Great cannons and ballistas now line the city walls, plucking dragons from the sky. Following the example of Cid Garlond, who has demonstrated the potency of magitek, the Skysteel Manufactory works tirelessly on the development of advanced armaments. As new and devastating weapons are brought to the fray, a new class of champion arises to wield them―the machinist." |
| SAM | Samurai | "Far across the rolling waves, towards the rising sun, there lies the island nation of Hingashi. In the distant past, the realm's great lords vied for supremacy over its seagirt confines in a long and bloody conflict. And taking to battle in their lieges' names were noble swordsmen whose art was forged in the crucible of war: the samurai. Eventually, the nation was unified under one banner, and these warriors came to wield their katana not upon fields as part of an army, but upon streets as protectors of the peace. But as a neglected blade grows dull with rust, so too do men forget their purpose. Amidst waning memories of the old ways, a determined few hold fast to their convictions, hands by katana grips, awaiting the moment for steel to sing. |
| GNB | Gunbreaker | "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." |
| DNC | Dancer | "From the Near Eastern nation of Thavnair comes a troupe of bewitchingly graceful performers. Though certainly elegant and beautiful, their movements also speak of martial discipline─of a pulsing, persistent energy whose rhythm can inspire souls and soothe troubled hearts. Inured to the hardships of the road, these dancers have learned to land throwing weapons with the same exacting precision as their footfalls, removing any who would obstruct the endless beat of the dance." |
| RPR | Reaper | "The Garleans' forebears were once humble farmers who made their home among the sun-drenched fields of southern Ilsabard. That was, until they were driven from this paradise by invaders wielding arcane magicks. Forced north into the frigid mountains, the survivors sought a means to tap into the reservoir of aether otherwise closed to them. A daring few found their answer within the void, binding themselves to its creatures to gain verboten power─power fed by the souls of the slain. Once more they took up their scythes, this time to reap a crimson harvest." |
Elezen
A tall, elf-like playable race similar to the Elvaan seen in Final Fantasy XI. The Elezen have been on the continent longer than other races, with the Forester tribe living amongst the trees and the Duskwight living in caves. The Forester tribe except in archery while the Duskkwight are skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
Enmity
A mechanic that causes enemy monsters to target and attack a specific player. When multiple players are attacking an enemy, the enemy AI will target the player with the highest enmity. Typically, a Tank will use actions to boost their enmity to keep enemies away from their allies.
NoteEorzea
The main setting of Final Fantasy XIV. Located on a planet known as the Source, it comprises the Aldenard continent and its outlying islands.
The regions of Thanalan, the Black Shroud, and La Noscea are sometimes referred to as Greater Eorzea.
Gil
The currency in Final Fantasy XIV. Gil is also the main currency in all other Final Fantasy titles.
Gridania
A city-state located in the Black Shroud led by Kan-E-Senna. Gridania is home to the Carpenters’ Guild, Leatherworkers’ Guild, Botanists’ Guild, Archers’ Guild, Lancers’ Guild, and Conjurers’ Guild.
Gridania is one of three starting cities in the game, along with Ul’dah and Limsa Lomisa. It is the home of the Order of the Twin Adder Grand Company.
Guildleve (or Levequests)
Repeatable quests players can complete to earn experience, gil, and items. A maximum of 16 guildleves can be undertaken at a time, and players gain 3 Levequest allowances every 12 hours to a maximum of 100.
Hyur
A humanoid playable race similar to the humes of Final Fantasy XI. The Hyur represent the largest population in Eorzea and exist in two distinct groups: the Midlanders and the Highlanders. While the Midlanders are found largely in Gridania, the Highlanders reside in Ul’dah.
Job
Players select a playable Class when starting the game. At level 30, players graduate from their class into their Job, which adds more advanced skills and a new title.
There are currently 19 regular Jobs and one limited Job in the game. Only 10 Jobs have a base class, and at least two new Jobs are introduced in each new expansion.
Lalafell
A gnome-like playable race that resembles the Tarutaru found in Final Fantasy XI. The race consists of the Dunesfolk, who live in the desert and herd animals, and the Plainsfolk, who live in cozy homes and are known for their excellent hearing.
Limsa Lominsa
A city-state located in La Noscea led by Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn. Limsa Lominsa is home to the Marauder’s Guild, the Culinarians’ Guild, the Armorers’ Guild, the Rogues’ Guild, the Blacksmiths’ Guild, the Arcanists’ Guild, and the Fishermen’s Guild.
Limsa Lominsa is one of three starting cities in the game, along with Ul’dah and Gridania. It is the home of The Maelstrom Grand Company.
Magitek
In the Final Fantasy series, Magitek is short for ‘magical technology’ and is a technological advancement used by races unable to use magic naturally. In Final Fantasy XIV, citizens of the Garlean Empire are wholly unable to use magic, thus developing Magitek to overcome this disadvantage.
Miqo’te
A cat-like playable race similar to the Mithra in Final Fantasy XI. Originally from the southern continent of Meracydia, the Miqo’te are divided into two distinct ethnicities: the Diurnal Seekers of the Sun and the Nocturnal Keepers of the Moon.
Off-Tank
In content that requires two or more tanks, the off-tank picks up aggro if the main tank dies or is debuffed. Additionally, off-tanks are usually responsible for picking up aggro on any adds that appear during boss fights.
Positional
A single-target attack from Melee DPS whose potency depends on where the player is standing. To correctly execute a positional action, you’ll need to be either behind the enemy or to its side. To determine which, look for a gap in the enemy’s hitbox.
Potency
The amount of damage or healing done by a particular ability or weaponskill. You can check a specific attack’s Potency by hovering over it in your Character Actions screen.
Roegadyn
A muscular playable race similar to the Galka in Final Fantasy XI. Most Roegadyn are part of the Sea Wolf tribe and live as fishermen, though some choose to be mercenaries or pirates. Others are part of the Lohengarde tribe, hailing from a harsh volcanic climate. They are often seen as sell-swords in Ul’dah.
Rotation
The order in which you use your skills. For many players, it’s best to use abilities in a strict and optimized order to maximize damage output.
Some jobs have a simple rotation while others are much more complicated.
Sanctuary
Special locations where players gain rested EXP. If you’re in a Sanctuary, a crescent moon will appear to the right of your EXP bar.
Inns found in the three main city-states and many outposts and settlements are classified as Sanctuaries.
Sapling/Sprout
A new or inexperienced player—who is indicated by a small green sprout next to their name.
Static
A group of eight people that run difficult content together, typically on a scheduled basis.
While it’s possible to use Party Finder to team up with random people, joining a Static has many benefits. Having a full party ready at a certain time each week eliminates a lengthy Party Finder queue, and expectations within a Static are always set at the start. Additionally, many Statics will split loot in a way that’s best for everyone in the group.
Tooltip
The information that pops up when hovering over a skill.
TipThe Twelve
The Pantheon of Eorzea. Consisting of twelve distinct deities, players choose a patron deity when creating their character.
NoteThe Twelve include:
- Halone
- Menphina
- Thaliak
- Nymeia
- Llymlaen
- Oschon
- Byregot
- Rhalgr
- Azeyma
- Nald’thal
- Nophica
- Althyk
Ul’dah
A city-state located in Thanalan led by Nanamo Ul Namo. Ul’dah is home to the Gladiators’ Guild, the Pugilists’ Guild, the Goldsmith’s Guild, the Miners’ Guild, the Weavers’ Guild, the Alchemists’ Guild, and the Thaumaturges’ Guild.
Ul’dah is one of three starting cities in the game, along with Limsa Lominsa and Gridania. It is the home of the Immortal Flames Grand Company.
Viera
A rabbit-like race introduced to Final Fantasy XIV in the Shadowbringers expansion. Viera first appeared in the Final Fantasy series in Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, though many fans recall their first major appearance being in Final Fantasy XII.
Male Viera were added in the Endwalker expansion.
As you spend more time in the world of Final Fantasy XIV, these terms will become second nature. The game has one of the most friendly communities in the world of MMOs, and most players will be more than eager to help if you have questions. For now, check out our FFXIV Beginner Guide for more tips about how to dive into the world of Eorzea with confidence.
