If you like melee combat, chances are you will love the Gunbreaker—a tank that doesn't look like a tank at all and wields a gun that doesn't look like a gun. The Gunbreaker is a unique class in FFXIV that brings a fresh and exciting approach to tanking. While it may appear unconventional, it offers a dynamic and engaging playstyle that sets it apart from other tanks. The Gunbreaker is slightly busier to play due to its various abilities, but this complexity is balanced by its much more linear rotation. This linearity is tied to its cartridges, making the rotation easier to remember and execute compared to other tanks.
With the Dawntrail update and changes, Gunbreaker is in a very good state gameplay-wise. The recent adjustments have fine-tuned its abilities, ensuring it remains competitive and fun to play. Whether you're new to the class or a seasoned veteran, the Gunbreaker offers a rewarding experience with its powerful abilities and strategic gameplay.
In this guide, we will explain the latest Gunbreaker rotation rules while showing you the rotation itself so you can understand it better. By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid grasp of the slow Gunbreaker rotation and be ready to take on any challenge. Let's dive into the details and master the slow Gunbreaker rotation together!
At level 100, the primary addition to the Gunbreaker rotation is the Lion Heart. This powerful 3 GCD combo is a game-changer, replacing the 3 Burst Strike GCDs from Bloodfest in every 2-minute burst window. This change means that the Gunbreaker’s rotation remains largely consistent with the previous level 90 rotation meta, allowing you to stick close to familiar patterns. The inclusion of Lion Heart adds a layer of excitement and strategic depth to the rotation without overwhelming you with complexity.
Opting to play a slow Gunbreaker with a 2.50 GCD is highly advisable. This approach helps to align your rotation with the familiar level 90 meta, providing a smooth and predictable gameplay experience. The key benefit here is that every 2-minute burst window, you will have three full cartridges instead of zero, which allows for greater flexibility in your rotation. This extra flexibility can make a significant difference in managing your abilities and maximizing your damage output.
Here’s what a 2.50 GCD opener generally looks like:
● 1 No Mercy: Ideal for encounters requiring a quick burst.
● 1-2 No Mercy: A balanced opener, useful in most situations.
● 1-3 No Mercy: Best for longer encounters where sustained damage is crucial.
You will choose one of these openers depending on the specific encounter, adapting your strategy to maximize effectiveness. By understanding and mastering these openers, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any challenge that comes your way.
Remember, for all your in-game currency needs, you can buy FFXIV Gil from MMOPixel to ensure you have the resources needed for optimal gear and crafting materials, keeping your Gunbreaker in top form.
When it comes to choosing the right burst, the key is to adapt to the situation. Generally, you'll need a faster burst like 1 No Mercy for shorter uptime periods, such as in ultimates, or if your current gear’s kill time is too fast. With the Lion Heart combo, it’s recommended to use 1 No Mercy or 1-3 No Mercy instead of 1-2 No Mercy. The 1-2 No Mercy opener forces a 2-cartridge burst at the first minute, which can be challenging for beginners. Instead, the 1-2-3 No Mercy and 1 No Mercy rotations are clean and efficient, with no significant difference in DPS. This approach ensures that you can handle different encounter types with ease and confidence.
Mastering the Gunbreaker rotation involves following a few key rules of thumb to maximize your effectiveness:
1. Use No Mercy every time it’s available: This is your primary source of damage boost, so never let it sit unused.
2. Use Gnashing Fang combo, Double Down, Blasting Zone, Bow Shock, and Sonic Break in every No Mercy window: These are your main skills to press every minute, ensuring you deal significant damage.
3. Use Gnashing Fang and Blasting Zone whenever available: With a 30-second cooldown, these abilities will also be used outside the No Mercy window to maintain consistent damage output.
4. Use Bloodfest and Lion Heart combo every time inside the No Mercy window: This combo occurs every 2 minutes. Since Lion Heart is your hardest-hitting skill, always use it within the No Mercy window to maximize its impact.
5. Don’t overcap your cartridge: Use Burst Strike for a single target or Fated Circle for two or more targets when your cartridge is about to be full to avoid wasting potential damage.
6. Use Burst Strike every time you have an extra cartridge inside the No Mercy window: For the highest potency possible, prioritize Burst Strike over your 1-2-3 combo during No Mercy windows.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your Gunbreaker rotation is both effective and efficient, allowing you to make the most out of every encounter.
Here's an example of how your rotation should look. Remember, practice makes perfect:
● You can finish the 2-minute burst with the full cartridge which isn’t available at level 90.
● When you overcap the cartridge with the solid barrel, you will have to spend it on the Burst Strike first.
● Put the extra cartridge to spend inside the No Mercy window, so that you can use the Burst Strike for the potency gain.
● In certain cases, you can go for the Gnashing Fang combo (GF) instead of focusing on the Burst Strike as the spender.
● Before the Burst Strike spender, you would want to pot for the potency gain.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your rotation is efficient and effective, maximizing your damage output and making the most of your Gunbreaker's abilities.
To truly maximize your Gunbreaker rotation and overall gameplay experience in Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail, it’s essential to have the right resources at your disposal. Don’t forget to buy FFXIV Gil from MMOPixel. Having enough Gil ensures you can afford the best gear, essential materials, and other items that make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
By investing in Gil, you’ll be able to focus more on mastering your Gunbreaker skills and less on the grind, enhancing your overall experience in the game. Happy crafting and battling, adventurer!
Mastering the slow Gunbreaker rotation at level 100 in FFXIV Dawntrail is all about understanding the right timings and maximizing your damage output. By following these tips and rotation examples, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a top-tier Gunbreaker. Remember to keep an eye on your cooldowns, utilize your cartridges effectively, and maintain a consistent rotation.
Happy tanking, and for all your Gil needs, make sure to buy FFXIV Gil from MMOPixel to keep your adventure seamless and fun! Investing in Gil will ensure you have the resources needed to enhance your gameplay experience, making your journey through Eorzea even more enjoyable.