Bard (BRD)
Physical Ranged DPS -- A Realm Reborn
Role
Physical Ranged DPS
Difficulty
Medium (2/3)
Primary Stat
Dexterity
Weapon
Bow
PvE Rating
★★★★★
PvP Rating
★★★★★
Description
A mobile ranged DPS that sings songs to buff the party while maintaining DoTs. BRD has the most party utility of any DPS job with multiple raid buffs.
Playstyle
Proc-based, reactive gameplay. Maintain DoTs and songs while responding to Repertoire procs. Full mobility with no cast times. Lots of party utility.
Strengths
- +Full mobility with no cast times -- easiest to handle mechanics
- +Most party utility of any DPS job with multiple raid buffs
- +Proc-based gameplay keeps the rotation engaging and reactive
- +Nature Minne and Troubadour provide unique support
Weaknesses
- -Lower personal DPS compared to selfish DPS jobs
- -Proc-based RNG can feel frustrating during dry spells
- -Song management adds complexity without obvious reward
- -Radiant Finale seal management is unintuitive for new players
Key Mechanics
- 1Three song rotation (Wanderer, Mage, Army)
- 2Repertoire procs from DoTs
- 3Raging Strikes burst window
- 4Battle Voice raid buff
- 5Apex Arrow gauge spender
Rotation Overview
Maintain two DoTs (Caustic Bite, Stormbite). Rotate songs: Wanderer Minuet (Pitch Perfect procs) > Mage Ballad (Bloodletter resets) > Army Paeon (haste). Raging Strikes + Battle Voice for burst. Build Soul Voice for Apex Arrow.
Utility
Battle Voice -- party direct hit buffRadiant Finale -- party damage buffTroubadour -- party mitigationNature Minne -- healing received buffWarden Paean -- cleanse + shield
Tips & Strategy
- 1Wanderer Minuet gives the strongest procs -- align it with burst windows.
- 2Apex Arrow at 80+ Soul Voice for maximum potency -- do not overcap at 100.
- 3Radiant Finale potency depends on unique song seals -- cycle all 3 songs.
- 4Nature Minne on the tank during big pulls helps healers enormously.
- 5Warden Paean can cleanse debuffs preemptively -- use it before Doom effects.