HorizonXI Wiki - User contributions [en]

Recollections

2025-12-31T18:31:26Z

.riverking:

{{Quest Header|nd
| Start = Chumimi
| Start Location = {{Location|Heavens Tower|map=Basement}}
| Start Location Add = at the Star Tree Farm
| Type = AF
| Requirements=[[Black Mage]] Level: 50+
| Items Needed=[[Bag of Seeds]] [[Whine Cellar Key]]
| Description = Some strange occurrence from twenty years ago is now casting a shadow on the growth of the star tree saplings. Two of the ex-ministers may have an idea of the cause. After receiving instructions from them, head to Jeuno and then on to the Northlands.
| Title=
| Repeatable=af
| Rewards=[[Wizard's Sabots]]
| Previous=[[The Three Magi]]
| Next=[[The Root of the Problem]] and [[Borghertz's Sorcerous Hands]]
}}
==Walkthrough==
*As a level 50+ [[Black Mage]], head to [[Heavens Tower]] in [[Windurst Walls]] and talk to [[Chumimi]] in the basement.
**Zoning out of the tower is required after finishing the previous quest (Relogging also works).
'''Note: After this step, you no longer have to be a [[Black Mage]] for this quest.'''
*'''(Optional)''' Travel to [[Ru'Lude Gardens]] and talk to [[Laityn]] at {{Position|Ru'Lude Gardens|G-9}} to get another cutscene.
===[[Crawlers' Nest]]===
*Travel to [[Crawlers' Nest]] and kill a [[Water Elemental]] or [[Fire Elemental]] to obtain a [[Bag of Seeds]].
**These can be found in the {{Location Tooltip|area=Crawlers' Nest|text=basement "ring" area|map=Map 3}} which is accessed through the tunnel at {{Location|Crawlers' Nest|map=Map 1|J-10}}, labeled "B" on player-modded map.
**To avoid wasting time, use the [[Weather Reporter]] NPCs to find out when there will be weather in [[Rolanberry Fields]] (the fields share weather with [[Crawlers' Nest]]).
*After you obtain the [[Bag of Seeds]], go back to [[Heavens Tower]] in [[Windurst Walls]] and trade it to [[Chumimi]].
===[[Castle Zvahl]]===
*Next, go to [[Castle Zvahl Baileys]] and kill [[Demon Commander]]s, [[Demon General]]s, [[Demon Magistrate]]s, or [[Demon Chancellor]]s until one of them drops a [[Whine Cellar Key]].
**Can be found on {{Location|Castle Zvahl Baileys|map=Map 3}} on the bottom floor of each corner drop.
*Bring the key to [[Castle Zvahl Keep]].
*Upon entering [[Castle Zvahl Keep]], follow the right wall and enter the first Iron Bar Gate to the north at {{Position|Castle Zvahl Keep|H-7}}.
*Bear right and trade the key to the locked ''Ore Door'' on the left, before the next iron bar gate.
*After the cutscene you will obtain {{KeyItem}}[[Foe Finder Mark I]], return to [[Chumimi]] in [[Heavens Tower]] in [[Windurst Walls]] for your reward.

{{spoiler2}}

Category:Scythes

2025-12-04T22:00:34Z

.riverking: /* Scythes by Level */

{{tocright}}[[Category:Tailwind]]
Scythes are two-handed weapons, and are the primary weapon of the [[Dark Knight]]. [[Beastmaster]], and [[Warrior]]. [[Black Mage]] are also able to use scythes, though they typically favor other weapons. Scythes are a high damage and high delay two-handed weapon, and focus primarily on damage output over enfeebling weaponskills or additional effects.

The scythe's weaponskills are usually single or double hit attacks, although the infamous weaponskill [[Guillotine]] is a 4-hit attack. The single hit weaponskills generally have more reliable, although lower average, damage than multi-hit skills, but will benefit greatly from abilities such as [[Sneak Attack]]. When using [[Guillotine]], however, it is important to remember that how many hits connecting determines a majority of the damage, so as with all multi-hit weaponskills, accuracy is paramount.

== Job Ratings==
{{Job ratings table|Scythe}}

<div style="max-width: 1000px";>

==Equipment that Enhances this Skill==
{| class="ffxi-table wide-table sortable"
|-
!Name
!Lvl
!Slot
!Effects
!Jobs
|-
|[[Scythe Belt]] {{rare|nc}}
|30
|[[:Category:Waist|Waist]]
|[[Latent Effect]]: '''Scythe Skill''' +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Abyssal Earring]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|72
|[[:Category:Earrings|Ear]]
|[[INT]] +2, '''Scythe Skill''' +5, [[Great Sword Skill]] +5, [[Dark Magic Skill]] +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Justice Torque]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|73
|[[:Category:Neck|Neck]]
|[[STR]] +5, '''Scythe Skill''' +7, [[Great Katana Skill]] +7
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|}</div>

==Weapon Skills==
{{WeaponSkillsTable|Scythes}}

==Scythes by Level==
<tailwind-table>
{|
|-
! Name
! class="text-center" | Level
! class="text-center" | Damage
! class="text-center" | Delay
! class="text-center" | DPS
! Description
! Jobs
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 1.75
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 1.91
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 26
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 3.32
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Keen Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
| Enchantment: Accuracy+3 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Legionnaire's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 495
| class="text-center" | 3.27
| STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Serpette]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 32
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 3.64
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Serpette +1]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 33
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 3.86
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Plantreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.75
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bastokan Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 28
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.50
| MP+4 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Republic Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 29
| class="text-center" | 465
| class="text-center" | 3.74
| MP+6 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lucent Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
| Enchantment: Delay:475 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 39
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.56
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Cruel Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.68
| INT+2 MND-2 {{Resist Light}}-2 {{Resist Dark}}+2 Additional effect: Impairs evasion
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Platoon Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.34
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 35
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 4.38
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 36
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Webcutter]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.00
| Enhances effect of "Resist Slow" Additional effect vs. vermin: "Stun"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Frostreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.25
| {{Resist Ice}}+6 Additional effect: Ice damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mercenary Captain's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 51
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 5.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Federation Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 498
| class="text-center" | 6.39
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+12
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Windurstian Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 52
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 6.08
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Harvester]]
| class="text-center" | 37
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 6.63
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: Weight
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mutilator]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 7.41
| Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 64
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.27
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Raven Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.73
| STR+2 INT+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.25
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 59
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Antlion Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 8.33
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Jet Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
| Enchantment: TP+100 <100/100 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mandibular Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Falcastra]]
| class="text-center" | 47
| class="text-center" | 66
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 8.50
| DEX+4 AGI-4
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Barbarian's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 49
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.64
| Accuracy-5 Attack+25
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 78
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 9.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 489
| class="text-center" | 9.69
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.20
| "Weapon Bash"+8
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 9.59
| "Weapon Bash"+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Demonslicer]]
| class="text-center" | 55
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.25
| {{Resist Dark}}+12 Additional effect: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
| INT+1 Converts 10 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle +1]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.92
| INT+2 Converts 15 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vassago's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.55
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Rusty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.50
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[A l'Outrance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.50
| Additional effect vs. beasts: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.11
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.53
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ascention]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.88
| {{Resist Fire}}+8 {{Resist Light}}+8 Additional effect vs. undead: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Blackjack]]
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| MP+20 INT+4 Dark magic skill +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Faucheuse]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Physical damage taken -5% Set: Increases Evasion and HP recovered while healing Reduces Enmity
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vendetta]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Enhances "Beast Killer" effect Set: Increases STR, Attack, Ranged Attack, "Magic Atk. Bonus"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Goshisho's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.00
| Vs. undead: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Havoc Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.64
| STR+2 VIT-2 INT+4 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[King Maker]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.63
| MP+20 CHR+5
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Moliones's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 11.38
| STR+3 Set: Increases Accuracy Enhances "Souleater" effect
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Naigama]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.18
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Naigama +1]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 10.53
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Rune Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
| Latent effect: HP+10 Critical hit rate +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Volunteer's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Assault: DMG:99 Attack+6
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Fourth Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 10.72
| Accuracy+7 Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Scythe of Trials]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.25
| Latent effect: HP+20 {{Resist Lightning}}+10 {{Resist Light}}+10
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Senior Gold Musketeer's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 83
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.38
| Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect Citizens of Bastok: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Storm Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Depending on day: Increases elemental weapon skill damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zareehkl Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.34
| Latent effect: Increases rate of "Triple Attack"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Garuda's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| AGI+4 Latent effect: Accuracy+13
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Martial Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| TP Bonus
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mighty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 494
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| INT+2 On Windsdays: DMG:94 {{Resist Wind}}+15
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Y's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.76
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Blizzard Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2 Enchantment: "Blizzard" <50/50 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Gravedigger]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.06
| Latent effect: DMG:87 Critical hit rate +6%
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lyft Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.14
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Orichalcum Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Perdu Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.54
| Latent effect: DMG:93
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Triton's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Accuracy+3 Magic Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Enforcer]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
| STR+3 DEX+3 Evasion-6 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Suzaku's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 11.00
| {{Resist Fire}}+10 Accuracy+5 Enhances "Bird Killer" effect Additional effect: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Tredecim Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[White Joker]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.66
| INT+4 "Magic Atk. Bonus"+8
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Apocalypse]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 12.05
| Accuracy+20 "Catastrophe" Additional effect: Blindness
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bahamut's Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.00
| Occasionally attacks 2 to 3 times
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bec de Faucon]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.70
| In Dynamis: "Catastrophe"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dweomer Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dynamis Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.32
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+9
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Farmhand]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.52
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
| Magic Accuracy+20 Augments "Absorb" spells "Insurgency" Aftermath: Increases Acc./Atk. Occasionally attacks twice
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Memento Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+7
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ogre Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
|
| [[BLM]]
|-
| [[Relic Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scarecrow Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.75
| "Double Attack"+1% Additional effect vs. birds: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Severance]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 77
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.75
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Stigma]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.98
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ultimatum]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Vengeance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 45
| class="text-center" | 518
| class="text-center" | 5.21
|
| [[DRK]]
|}
</tailwind-table>

{{NavEquipment}}
{{CategoryTOC}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Serpette +1

2025-12-04T21:54:16Z

.riverking:

"A Shantotto Ascension" content
<div class="ashantottoascension">
{{Item Sections}}<section begin="Item Image"/>{{Item Image|Serpette +1.png}}<section end="Item Image"/>
==Statistics==
{{Item Statistics
| weapon type = Scythe
| name = Serpette +1
| type = Weapon
| damage = 33
| delay = 513
| level = 12
| jobs = [[DRK]]
}}

==Horizon Changes {{changes}} ==
None
==Other Uses==
{{Used In
| resale price = {{Resale Price|253}}
}}

==Synthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipes
| recipe 1 =
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Bonecraft
| cap = ~45
| subcraft = Woodworking
| subcraft cap =
| result = Serpette
| hq result = Serpette +1
| crystal = Wind
| ingredient = Bukktooth
| ingredient quantity = 1
| ingredient 2 = Giant Femur
| ingredient 2 quantity = 2
| ingredient 3 = Ash Lumber
| ingredient 4 = Grass Cloth
}}
}}
==Used in Recipes==
None
==Desynthesis Recipes==
None
==Obtained from Desynthesis==
None
==How to Obtain==
{{AH|Weapons|Scythes}}

{{Crafted Only}}

Serpette

2025-12-04T21:53:54Z

.riverking:

"A Shantotto Ascension" content
<div class="ashantottoascension">
{{Item Sections}}<section begin="Item Image"/>{{Item Image|Serpette.png}}<section end="Item Image"/>
==Statistics==
{{Item Statistics
| weapon type = Scythe
| name = Serpette
| type = Weapon
| damage = 32
| delay = 528
| level = 12
| jobs = [[DRK]]
}}

==Horizon Changes {{changes}} ==
None
==Other Uses==
{{Used In
| resale price = {{Resale Price|223}}
}}

==Synthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipes
| recipe 1 =
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Bonecraft
| cap = ~45
| subcraft = Woodworking
| subcraft cap =
| result = Serpette
| hq result = Serpette +1
| crystal = Wind
| ingredient = Bukktooth
| ingredient quantity = 1
| ingredient 2 = Giant Femur
| ingredient 2 quantity = 2
| ingredient 3 = Ash Lumber
| ingredient 4 = Grass Cloth
}}
}}
==Used in Recipes==
None
==Desynthesis Recipes==
None
==Obtained from Desynthesis==
None
==How to Obtain==
{{AH|Weapons|Scythes}}

{{Crafted Only}}
</div>

Category:Scythes

2025-12-04T21:44:45Z

.riverking: /* Scythes by Level */

{{tocright}}[[Category:Tailwind]]
Scythes are two-handed weapons, and are the primary weapon of the [[Dark Knight]]. [[Beastmaster]], and [[Warrior]]. [[Black Mage]] are also able to use scythes, though they typically favor other weapons. Scythes are a high damage and high delay two-handed weapon, and focus primarily on damage output over enfeebling weaponskills or additional effects.

The scythe's weaponskills are usually single or double hit attacks, although the infamous weaponskill [[Guillotine]] is a 4-hit attack. The single hit weaponskills generally have more reliable, although lower average, damage than multi-hit skills, but will benefit greatly from abilities such as [[Sneak Attack]]. When using [[Guillotine]], however, it is important to remember that how many hits connecting determines a majority of the damage, so as with all multi-hit weaponskills, accuracy is paramount.

== Job Ratings==
{{Job ratings table|Scythe}}

<div style="max-width: 1000px";>

==Equipment that Enhances this Skill==
{| class="ffxi-table wide-table sortable"
|-
!Name
!Lvl
!Slot
!Effects
!Jobs
|-
|[[Scythe Belt]] {{rare|nc}}
|30
|[[:Category:Waist|Waist]]
|[[Latent Effect]]: '''Scythe Skill''' +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Abyssal Earring]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|72
|[[:Category:Earrings|Ear]]
|[[INT]] +2, '''Scythe Skill''' +5, [[Great Sword Skill]] +5, [[Dark Magic Skill]] +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Justice Torque]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|73
|[[:Category:Neck|Neck]]
|[[STR]] +5, '''Scythe Skill''' +7, [[Great Katana Skill]] +7
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|}</div>

==Weapon Skills==
{{WeaponSkillsTable|Scythes}}

==Scythes by Level==
<tailwind-table>
{|
|-
! Name
! class="text-center" | Level
! class="text-center" | Damage
! class="text-center" | Delay
! class="text-center" | DPS
! Description
! Jobs
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 1.75
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 1.91
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 26
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 3.32
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Keen Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
| Enchantment: Accuracy+3 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Legionnaire's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 495
| class="text-center" | 3.27
| STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Serpette]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 32
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 3.64
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Serpette +1]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 33
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 3.86
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Plantreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.75
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bastokan Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 28
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.50
| MP+4 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Republic Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 29
| class="text-center" | 465
| class="text-center" | 3.74
| MP+6 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lucent Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
| Enchantment: Delay:475 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 39
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.56
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Cruel Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.68
| INT+2 MND-2 {{Resist Light}}-2 {{Resist Dark}}+2 Additional effect: Impairs evasion
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Platoon Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.34
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 35
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 4.38
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 36
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Webcutter]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.00
| Enhances effect of "Resist Slow" Additional effect vs. vermin: "Stun"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Frostreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.25
| {{Resist Ice}}+6 Additional effect: Ice damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mercenary Captain's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 51
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 5.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Federation Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 498
| class="text-center" | 6.39
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+12
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Windurstian Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 52
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 6.08
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Harvester]]
| class="text-center" | 37
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 6.63
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: Weight
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mutilator]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 7.41
| Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 64
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.27
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Raven Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.73
| STR+2 INT+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.25
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 59
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Antlion Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 8.33
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Jet Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
| Enchantment: TP+100 <100/100 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mandibular Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Falcastra]]
| class="text-center" | 47
| class="text-center" | 66
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 8.50
| DEX+4 AGI-4
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Barbarian's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 49
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.64
| Accuracy-5 Attack+25
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 78
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 9.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 489
| class="text-center" | 9.69
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.20
| "Weapon Bash"+8
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 9.59
| "Weapon Bash"+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Demonslicer]]
| class="text-center" | 55
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.25
| {{Resist Dark}}+12 Additional effect: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
| INT+1 Converts 10 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle +1]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.92
| INT+2 Converts 15 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vassago's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.55
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Rusty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.50
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[A l'Outrance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.50
| Additional effect vs. beasts: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.11
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.53
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ascention]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.88
| {{Resist Fire}}+8 {{Resist Light}}+8 Additional effect vs. undead: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Blackjack]]
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| MP+20 INT+4 Dark magic skill +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Faucheuse]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Physical damage taken -5% Set: Increases Evasion and HP recovered while healing Reduces Enmity
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vendetta]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Enhances "Beast Killer" effect Set: Increases STR, Attack, Ranged Attack, "Magic Atk. Bonus"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Goshisho's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.00
| Vs. undead: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Havoc Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.64
| STR+2 VIT-2 INT+4 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[King Maker]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.63
| MP+20 CHR+5
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Moliones's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 11.38
| STR+3 Set: Increases Accuracy Enhances "Souleater" effect
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Naigama]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.18
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Naigama +1]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 10.53
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Rune Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
| Latent effect: HP+10 Critical hit rate +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Volunteer's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Assault: DMG:99 Attack+6
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Fourth Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 10.72
| Accuracy+7 Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Scythe of Trials]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.25
| Latent effect: HP+20 {{Resist Lightning}}+10 {{Resist Light}}+10
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Senior Gold Musketeer's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 83
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.38
| Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect Citizens of Bastok: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Storm Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Depending on day: Increases elemental weapon skill damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zareehkl Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.34
| Latent effect: Increases rate of "Triple Attack"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Garuda's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| AGI+4 Latent effect: Accuracy+13
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Martial Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| TP Bonus
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mighty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 494
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| INT+2 On Windsdays: DMG:94 {{Resist Wind}}+15
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Y's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.76
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Blizzard Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2 Enchantment: "Blizzard" <50/50 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Gravedigger]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.06
| Latent effect: DMG:87 Critical hit rate +6%
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lyft Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.14
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Orichalcum Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Perdu Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.54
| Latent effect: DMG:93
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Triton's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Accuracy+3 Magic Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Enforcer]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
| STR+3 DEX+3 Evasion-6 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Suzaku's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 11.00
| {{Resist Fire}}+10 Accuracy+5 Enhances "Bird Killer" effect Additional effect: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Tredecim Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[White Joker]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.66
| INT+4 "Magic Atk. Bonus"+8
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Apocalypse]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 12.05
| Accuracy+20 "Catastrophe" Additional effect: Blindness
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bahamut's Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.00
| Occasionally attacks 2 to 3 times
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bec de Faucon]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.70
| In Dynamis: "Catastrophe"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dweomer Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dynamis Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.32
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+9
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Farmhand]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.52
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
| Magic Accuracy+20 Augments "Absorb" spells "Insurgency" Aftermath: Increases Acc./Atk. Occasionally attacks twice
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Memento Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+7
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ogre Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
|
| [[BLM]]
|-
| [[Relic Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scarecrow Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.75
| "Double Attack"+1% Additional effect vs. birds: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Severance]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 77
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.75
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Stigma]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.98
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ultimatum]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Vengeance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 45
| class="text-center" | 518
| class="text-center" | 5.21
|
| [[DRK]]
|}
</tailwind-table>

{{NavEquipment}}
{{CategoryTOC}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

File:Serpette +1.png

2025-12-04T21:37:06Z

.riverking:

Serpette +1

2025-12-04T21:36:09Z

.riverking: Creation of Page

{{Item Sections}}<section begin="Item Image"/>{{Item Image|Serpette +1.png}}<section end="Item Image"/>
==Statistics==
{{Item Statistics
| weapon type = Scythe
| name = Serpette +1
| type = Weapon
| damage = 33
| delay = 513
| level = 12
| jobs = [[DRK]]
}}

==Horizon Changes {{changes}} ==
None
==Other Uses==
{{Used In
| resale price = {{Resale Price|253}}
}}

==Synthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipes
| recipe 1 =
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Bonecraft
| cap = ~45
| subcraft = Woodworking
| subcraft cap =
| result = Serpette
| hq result = Serpette +1
| crystal = Wind
| ingredient = Bukktooth
| ingredient quantity = 1
| ingredient 2 = Giant Femur
| ingredient 2 quantity = 2
| ingredient 3 = Ash Lumber
| ingredient 4 = Grass Cloth
}}
}}
==Used in Recipes==
None
==Desynthesis Recipes==
None
==Obtained from Desynthesis==
None
==How to Obtain==
{{AH|Weapons|Scythes}}

{{Crafted Only}}

Serpette

2025-12-04T21:35:22Z

.riverking:

{{Item Sections}}<section begin="Item Image"/>{{Item Image|Serpette.png}}<section end="Item Image"/>
==Statistics==
{{Item Statistics
| weapon type = Scythe
| name = Serpette
| type = Weapon
| damage = 32
| delay = 528
| level = 12
| jobs = [[DRK]]
}}

==Horizon Changes {{changes}} ==
None
==Other Uses==
{{Used In
| resale price = {{Resale Price|223}}
}}

==Synthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipes
| recipe 1 =
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Bonecraft
| cap = ~45
| subcraft = Woodworking
| subcraft cap =
| result = Serpette
| hq result = Serpette +1
| crystal = Wind
| ingredient = Bukktooth
| ingredient quantity = 1
| ingredient 2 = Giant Femur
| ingredient 2 quantity = 2
| ingredient 3 = Ash Lumber
| ingredient 4 = Grass Cloth
}}
}}
==Used in Recipes==
None
==Desynthesis Recipes==
None
==Obtained from Desynthesis==
None
==How to Obtain==
{{AH|Weapons|Scythes}}

{{Crafted Only}}

Serpette

2025-12-04T21:34:55Z

.riverking:

{{Item Sections}}<section begin="Item Image"/>{{Item Image|Serpette.png}}<section end="Item Image"/>
==Statistics==
{{Item Statistics
| weapon type = Scythe
| name = Serpette
| type = Weapon
| damage = 32
| delay = 528
| level = 12
| jobs = [[DRK]]
}}

==Horizon Changes {{changes}} ==
None
==Other Uses==
{{Used In
| resale price = {{Resale Price|223}}
}}

==Synthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipes
| recipe 1 =
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Bonecraft
| cap = ~45
| subcraft = Woodworking
| subcraft cap =
| result = Serpette
| hq result = Serpette +1
| crystal = Wind
| ingredient = Bukktooth
| ingredient quantity = 1
| ingredient 2 = Giant Femur
| ingredient 2 quantity = 2
| ingredient 3 = Ash Lumber
| ingredient 4 = Grass Cloth
}}
}}
==Used in Recipes==
None
==Desynthesis Recipes==
None
==Obtained from Desynthesis==
None
==How to Obtain==
{{AH|Weapons|Scythes}}

{{Crafted Only}}

Serpette

2025-12-04T21:33:57Z

.riverking: Creation of Page

{{Item Sections}}<section begin="Item Image"/>{{Item Image|Serpette.png}}<section end="Item Image"/>
==Statistics==
{{Item Statistics
| weapon type = Scythe
| name = Serpette
| type = Weapon
| damage = 32
| delay = 528
| level = 12
| jobs = [[DRK]]
}}

==Horizon Changes {{changes}} ==
None
==Other Uses==
{{Used In
| resale price = 223
}}

==Synthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipes
| recipe 1 =
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Bonecraft
| cap = ~45
| subcraft = Woodworking
| subcraft cap =
| result = Serpette
| hq result = Serpette +1
| crystal = Wind
| ingredient = Bukktooth
| ingredient quantity = 1
| ingredient 2 = Giant Femur
| ingredient 2 quantity = 2
| ingredient 3 = Ash Lumber
| ingredient 4 = Grass Cloth
}}
}}
==Used in Recipes==
None
==Desynthesis Recipes==
None
==Obtained from Desynthesis==
None
==How to Obtain==
{{AH|Weapons|Scythes}}

{{Crafted Only}}

File:Serpette.png

2025-12-04T21:24:55Z

.riverking:

Category:Scythes

2025-12-04T21:22:38Z

.riverking:

{{tocright}}[[Category:Tailwind]]
Scythes are two-handed weapons, and are the primary weapon of the [[Dark Knight]]. [[Beastmaster]], and [[Warrior]]. [[Black Mage]] are also able to use scythes, though they typically favor other weapons. Scythes are a high damage and high delay two-handed weapon, and focus primarily on damage output over enfeebling weaponskills or additional effects.

The scythe's weaponskills are usually single or double hit attacks, although the infamous weaponskill [[Guillotine]] is a 4-hit attack. The single hit weaponskills generally have more reliable, although lower average, damage than multi-hit skills, but will benefit greatly from abilities such as [[Sneak Attack]]. When using [[Guillotine]], however, it is important to remember that how many hits connecting determines a majority of the damage, so as with all multi-hit weaponskills, accuracy is paramount.

== Job Ratings==
{{Job ratings table|Scythe}}

<div style="max-width: 1000px";>

==Equipment that Enhances this Skill==
{| class="ffxi-table wide-table sortable"
|-
!Name
!Lvl
!Slot
!Effects
!Jobs
|-
|[[Scythe Belt]] {{rare|nc}}
|30
|[[:Category:Waist|Waist]]
|[[Latent Effect]]: '''Scythe Skill''' +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Abyssal Earring]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|72
|[[:Category:Earrings|Ear]]
|[[INT]] +2, '''Scythe Skill''' +5, [[Great Sword Skill]] +5, [[Dark Magic Skill]] +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Justice Torque]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|73
|[[:Category:Neck|Neck]]
|[[STR]] +5, '''Scythe Skill''' +7, [[Great Katana Skill]] +7
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|}</div>

==Weapon Skills==
{{WeaponSkillsTable|Scythes}}

==Scythes by Level==
<tailwind-table>
{|
|-
! Name
! class="text-center" | Level
! class="text-center" | Damage
! class="text-center" | Delay
! class="text-center" | DPS
! Description
! Jobs
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 1.75
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 1.91
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 26
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 3.32
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Keen Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
| Enchantment: Accuracy+3 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Legionnaire's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 495
| class="text-center" | 3.27
| STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Serpette]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 32
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 3.64
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Serpette +1]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 33
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 3.86
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Plantreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.75
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bastokan Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 28
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.50
| MP+4 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Republic Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 29
| class="text-center" | 465
| class="text-center" | 3.74
| MP+6 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lucent Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
| Enchantment: Delay:475 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 39
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.56
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Cruel Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.68
| INT+2 MND-2 {{Resist Light}}-2 {{Resist Dark}}+2 Additional effect: Impairs evasion
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Platoon Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.34
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 35
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 4.38
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 36
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Webcutter]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.00
| Enhances effect of "Resist Slow" Additional effect vs. vermin: "Stun"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Frostreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.25
| {{Resist Ice}}+6 Additional effect: Ice damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mercenary Captain's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 51
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 5.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Federation Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 498
| class="text-center" | 6.39
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+12
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Windurstian Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 52
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 6.08
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Harvester]]
| class="text-center" | 37
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 6.63
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: Weight
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Beluga]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 63
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 7.54
| HP+12 MP+12 Additional effect: Water damage
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mutilator]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 7.41
| Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 64
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.27
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Raven Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.73
| STR+2 INT+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.25
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 59
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Antlion Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 8.33
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Jet Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
| Enchantment: TP+100 <100/100 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mandibular Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Falcastra]]
| class="text-center" | 47
| class="text-center" | 66
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 8.50
| DEX+4 AGI-4
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Barbarian's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 49
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.64
| Accuracy-5 Attack+25
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 78
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 9.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 489
| class="text-center" | 9.69
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.20
| "Weapon Bash"+8
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 9.59
| "Weapon Bash"+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Demonslicer]]
| class="text-center" | 55
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.25
| {{Resist Dark}}+12 Additional effect: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
| INT+1 Converts 10 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle +1]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.92
| INT+2 Converts 15 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vassago's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.55
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Rusty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.50
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[A l'Outrance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.50
| Additional effect vs. beasts: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.11
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.53
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ascention]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.88
| {{Resist Fire}}+8 {{Resist Light}}+8 Additional effect vs. undead: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Blackjack]]
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| MP+20 INT+4 Dark magic skill +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Faucheuse]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Physical damage taken -5% Set: Increases Evasion and HP recovered while healing Reduces Enmity
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vendetta]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Enhances "Beast Killer" effect Set: Increases STR, Attack, Ranged Attack, "Magic Atk. Bonus"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Goshisho's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.00
| Vs. undead: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Havoc Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.64
| STR+2 VIT-2 INT+4 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[King Maker]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.63
| MP+20 CHR+5
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Moliones's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 11.38
| STR+3 Set: Increases Accuracy Enhances "Souleater" effect
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Naigama]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.18
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Naigama +1]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 10.53
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Rune Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
| Latent effect: HP+10 Critical hit rate +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Volunteer's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Assault: DMG:99 Attack+6
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Fourth Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 10.72
| Accuracy+7 Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Scythe of Trials]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.25
| Latent effect: HP+20 {{Resist Lightning}}+10 {{Resist Light}}+10
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Senior Gold Musketeer's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 83
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.38
| Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect Citizens of Bastok: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Storm Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Depending on day: Increases elemental weapon skill damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zareehkl Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.34
| Latent effect: Increases rate of "Triple Attack"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Garuda's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| AGI+4 Latent effect: Accuracy+13
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Martial Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| TP Bonus
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mighty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 494
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| INT+2 On Windsdays: DMG:94 {{Resist Wind}}+15
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Y's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.76
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Blizzard Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2 Enchantment: "Blizzard" <50/50 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Gravedigger]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.06
| Latent effect: DMG:87 Critical hit rate +6%
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lyft Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.14
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Orichalcum Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Perdu Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.54
| Latent effect: DMG:93
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Triton's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Accuracy+3 Magic Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Enforcer]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
| STR+3 DEX+3 Evasion-6 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Suzaku's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 11.00
| {{Resist Fire}}+10 Accuracy+5 Enhances "Bird Killer" effect Additional effect: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Tredecim Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[White Joker]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.66
| INT+4 "Magic Atk. Bonus"+8
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Apocalypse]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 12.05
| Accuracy+20 "Catastrophe" Additional effect: Blindness
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bahamut's Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.00
| Occasionally attacks 2 to 3 times
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bec de Faucon]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.70
| In Dynamis: "Catastrophe"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dweomer Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dynamis Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.32
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+9
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Farmhand]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.52
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
| Magic Accuracy+20 Augments "Absorb" spells "Insurgency" Aftermath: Increases Acc./Atk. Occasionally attacks twice
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Memento Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+7
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ogre Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
|
| [[BLM]]
|-
| [[Relic Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scarecrow Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.75
| "Double Attack"+1% Additional effect vs. birds: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Severance]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 77
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.75
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Stigma]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.98
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ultimatum]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Vengeance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 45
| class="text-center" | 518
| class="text-center" | 5.21
|
| [[DRK]]
|}
</tailwind-table>

{{NavEquipment}}
{{CategoryTOC}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Category:Scythes

2025-12-04T21:17:01Z

.riverking: Undo revision 114641 by .riverking (talk)

{{tocright}}[[Category:Tailwind]]
Scythes are two-handed weapons, and are the primary weapon of the [[Dark Knight]]. [[Beastmaster]], and [[Warrior]]. [[Black Mage]] are also able to use scythes, though they typically favor other weapons. Scythes are a high damage and high delay two-handed weapon, and focus primarily on damage output over enfeebling weaponskills or additional effects.

The scythe's weaponskills are usually single or double hit attacks, although the infamous weaponskill [[Guillotine]] is a 4-hit attack. The single hit weaponskills generally have more reliable, although lower average, damage than multi-hit skills, but will benefit greatly from abilities such as [[Sneak Attack]]. When using [[Guillotine]], however, it is important to remember that how many hits connecting determines a majority of the damage, so as with all multi-hit weaponskills, accuracy is paramount.

== Job Ratings==
{{Job ratings table|Scythe}}

<div style="max-width: 1000px";>

==Equipment that Enhances this Skill==
{| class="ffxi-table wide-table sortable"
|-
!Name
!Lvl
!Slot
!Effects
!Jobs
|-
|[[Scythe Belt]] {{rare|nc}}
|30
|[[:Category:Waist|Waist]]
|[[Latent Effect]]: '''Scythe Skill''' +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Abyssal Earring]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|72
|[[:Category:Earrings|Ear]]
|[[INT]] +2, '''Scythe Skill''' +5, [[Great Sword Skill]] +5, [[Dark Magic Skill]] +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Justice Torque]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|73
|[[:Category:Neck|Neck]]
|[[STR]] +5, '''Scythe Skill''' +7, [[Great Katana Skill]] +7
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|}</div>

==Weapon Skills==
{{WeaponSkillsTable|Scythes}}

==Scythes by Level==
<tailwind-table>
{|
|-
! Name
! class="text-center" | Level
! class="text-center" | Damage
! class="text-center" | Delay
! class="text-center" | DPS
! Description
! Jobs
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 1.75
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 1.91
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 26
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 3.32
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Keen Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
| Enchantment: Accuracy+3 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lgn. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 495
| class="text-center" | 3.27
| STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Serpette]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 32
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 3.64
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Serpette +1]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 33
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 3.86
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Plantreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.75
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bastokan Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 28
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.50
| MP+4 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Republic Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 29
| class="text-center" | 465
| class="text-center" | 3.74
| MP+6 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lucent Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
| Enchantment: Delay:475 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 39
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.56
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Cruel Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.68
| INT+2 MND-2 {{Resist Light}}-2 {{Resist Dark}}+2 Additional effect: Impairs evasion
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Platoon Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.34
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 35
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 4.38
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 36
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Webcutter]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.00
| Enhances effect of "Resist Slow" Additional effect vs. vermin: "Stun"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Frostreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.25
| {{Resist Ice}}+6 Additional effect: Ice damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mrc.Cpt. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 51
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 5.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Federation Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 498
| class="text-center" | 6.39
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+12
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Win. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 52
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 6.08
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Harvester]]
| class="text-center" | 37
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 6.63
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: Weight
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Beluga]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 63
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 7.54
| HP+12 MP+12 Additional effect: Water damage
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mutilator]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 7.41
| Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 64
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.27
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Raven Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.73
| STR+2 INT+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.25
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 59
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Antlion Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 8.33
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Jet Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
| Enchantment: TP+100 <100/100 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mandibular Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Falcastra]]
| class="text-center" | 47
| class="text-center" | 66
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 8.50
| DEX+4 AGI-4
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brb. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 49
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.64
| Accuracy-5 Attack+25
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 78
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 9.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 489
| class="text-center" | 9.69
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.20
| "Weapon Bash"+8
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 9.59
| "Weapon Bash"+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Demonslicer]]
| class="text-center" | 55
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.25
| {{Resist Dark}}+12 Additional effect: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
| INT+1 Converts 10 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle +1]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.92
| INT+2 Converts 15 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vassago's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.55
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Rusty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.50
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[A l'Outrance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.50
| Additional effect vs. beasts: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.11
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dst. Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.53
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ascention]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.88
| {{Resist Fire}}+8 {{Resist Light}}+8 Additional effect vs. undead: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Blackjack]]
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| MP+20 INT+4 Dark magic skill +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Faucheuse]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Physical damage taken -5% Set: Increases Evasion and HP recovered while healing Reduces Enmity
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vendetta]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Enhances "Beast Killer" effect Set: Increases STR, Attack, Ranged Attack, "Magic Atk. Bonus"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Goshisho's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.00
| Vs. undead: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Havoc Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.64
| STR+2 VIT-2 INT+4 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[King Maker]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.63
| MP+20 CHR+5
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Moliones's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 11.38
| STR+3 Set: Increases Accuracy Enhances "Souleater" effect
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Naigama]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.18
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Naigama +1]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 10.53
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Rune Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
| Latent effect: HP+10 Critical hit rate +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Volunt. Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Assault: DMG:99 Attack+6
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Fourth Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 10.72
| Accuracy+7 Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Scythe of Trials]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.25
| Latent effect: HP+20 {{Resist Lightning}}+10 {{Resist Light}}+10
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Snr.Msk. Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 83
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.38
| Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect Citizens of Bastok: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Storm Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Depending on day: Increases elemental weapon skill damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zareehkl Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.34
| Latent effect: Increases rate of "Triple Attack"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Garuda's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| AGI+4 Latent effect: Accuracy+13
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Martial Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| TP Bonus
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mighty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 494
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| INT+2 On Windsdays: DMG:94 {{Resist Wind}}+15
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Y's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.76
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Blizzard Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2 Enchantment: "Blizzard" <50/50 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Gravedigger]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.06
| Latent effect: DMG:87 Critical hit rate +6%
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lyft Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.14
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Orichalcum Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Perdu Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.54
| Latent effect: DMG:93
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Triton's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Accuracy+3 Magic Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Enforcer]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
| STR+3 DEX+3 Evasion-6 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Suzaku's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 11.00
| {{Resist Fire}}+10 Accuracy+5 Enhances "Bird Killer" effect Additional effect: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Tredecim Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[White Joker]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.66
| INT+4 "Magic Atk. Bonus"+8
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Apocalypse]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 12.05
| Accuracy+20 "Catastrophe" Additional effect: Blindness
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bahamut's Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.00
| Occasionally attacks 2 to 3 times
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bec de Faucon]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.70
| In Dynamis: "Catastrophe"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dweomer Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dynamis Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.32
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+9
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Farmhand]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.52
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
| Magic Accuracy+20 Augments "Absorb" spells "Insurgency" Aftermath: Increases Acc./Atk. Occasionally attacks twice
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Memento Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+7
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ogre Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
|
| [[BLM]]
|-
| [[Relic Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scarecrow Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.75
| "Double Attack"+1% Additional effect vs. birds: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Severance]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 77
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.75
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Stigma]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.98
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ultimatum]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Vengeance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 45
| class="text-center" | 518
| class="text-center" | 5.21
|
| [[DRK]]
|}
</tailwind-table>

{{NavEquipment}}
{{CategoryTOC}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Category:Scythes

2025-12-04T21:14:19Z

.riverking: /* Scythes by Level */

{{tocright}}[[Category:Tailwind]]
Scythes are two-handed weapons, and are the primary weapon of the [[Dark Knight]]. [[Beastmaster]], and [[Warrior]]. [[Black Mage]] are also able to use scythes, though they typically favor other weapons. Scythes are a high damage and high delay two-handed weapon, and focus primarily on damage output over enfeebling weaponskills or additional effects.

The scythe's weaponskills are usually single or double hit attacks, although the infamous weaponskill [[Guillotine]] is a 4-hit attack. The single hit weaponskills generally have more reliable, although lower average, damage than multi-hit skills, but will benefit greatly from abilities such as [[Sneak Attack]]. When using [[Guillotine]], however, it is important to remember that how many hits connecting determines a majority of the damage, so as with all multi-hit weaponskills, accuracy is paramount.

== Job Ratings==
{{Job ratings table|Scythe}}

<div style="max-width: 1000px";>

==Equipment that Enhances this Skill==
{| class="ffxi-table wide-table sortable"
|-
!Name
!Lvl
!Slot
!Effects
!Jobs
|-
|[[Scythe Belt]] {{rare|nc}}
|30
|[[:Category:Waist|Waist]]
|[[Latent Effect]]: '''Scythe Skill''' +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Abyssal Earring]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|72
|[[:Category:Earrings|Ear]]
|[[INT]] +2, '''Scythe Skill''' +5, [[Great Sword Skill]] +5, [[Dark Magic Skill]] +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Justice Torque]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|73
|[[:Category:Neck|Neck]]
|[[STR]] +5, '''Scythe Skill''' +7, [[Great Katana Skill]] +7
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|}</div>

==Weapon Skills==
{{WeaponSkillsTable|Scythes}}

==Scythes by Level==
<tailwind-table>
{|
|-
! Name
! class="text-center" | Level
! class="text-center" | Damage
! class="text-center" | Delay
! class="text-center" | DPS
! Description
! Jobs
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 1.75
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 1.91
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 26
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 3.32
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Keen Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
| Enchantment: Accuracy+3 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Legionnaire's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 495
| class="text-center" | 3.27
| STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Serpette]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 32
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 3.64
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Serpette +1]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 33
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 3.86
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Plantreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.75
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bastokan Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 28
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.50
| MP+4 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Republic Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 29
| class="text-center" | 465
| class="text-center" | 3.74
| MP+6 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lucent Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
| Enchantment: Delay:475 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 39
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.56
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Cruel Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.68
| INT+2 MND-2 {{Resist Light}}-2 {{Resist Dark}}+2 Additional effect: Impairs evasion
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Platoon Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.34
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 35
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 4.38
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 36
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Webcutter]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.00
| Enhances effect of "Resist Slow" Additional effect vs. vermin: "Stun"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Frostreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.25
| {{Resist Ice}}+6 Additional effect: Ice damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mercenary Captain's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 51
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 5.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Windurstian Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 498
| class="text-center" | 6.39
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+12
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Federation Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 52
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 6.08
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Harvester]]
| class="text-center" | 37
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 6.63
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: Weight
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Beluga]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 63
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 7.54
| HP+12 MP+12 Additional effect: Water damage
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mutilator]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 7.41
| Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 64
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.27
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Raven Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.73
| STR+2 INT+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.25
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 59
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Antlion Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 8.33
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Jet Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
| Enchantment: TP+100 <100/100 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mandibular Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Falcastra]]
| class="text-center" | 47
| class="text-center" | 66
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 8.50
| DEX+4 AGI-4
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Barbarian's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 49
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.64
| Accuracy-5 Attack+25
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 78
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 9.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 489
| class="text-center" | 9.69
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.20
| "Weapon Bash"+8
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 9.59
| "Weapon Bash"+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Demonslicer]]
| class="text-center" | 55
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.25
| {{Resist Dark}}+12 Additional effect: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
| INT+1 Converts 10 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle +1]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.92
| INT+2 Converts 15 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vassago's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.55
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Rusty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.50
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[A l'Outrance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.50
| Additional effect vs. beasts: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.11
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.53
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ascention]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.88
| {{Resist Fire}}+8 {{Resist Light}}+8 Additional effect vs. undead: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Blackjack]]
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| MP+20 INT+4 Dark magic skill +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Faucheuse]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Physical damage taken -5% Set: Increases Evasion and HP recovered while healing Reduces Enmity
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vendetta]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Enhances "Beast Killer" effect Set: Increases STR, Attack, Ranged Attack, "Magic Atk. Bonus"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Goshisho's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.00
| Vs. undead: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Havoc Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.64
| STR+2 VIT-2 INT+4 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[King Maker]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.63
| MP+20 CHR+5
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Moliones's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 11.38
| STR+3 Set: Increases Accuracy Enhances "Souleater" effect
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Naigama]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.18
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Naigama +1]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 10.53
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Rune Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
| Latent effect: HP+10 Critical hit rate +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Volunteer's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Assault: DMG:99 Attack+6
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Fourth Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 10.72
| Accuracy+7 Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Scythe of Trials]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.25
| Latent effect: HP+20 {{Resist Lightning}}+10 {{Resist Light}}+10
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Senior Gold Musketeer's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 83
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.38
| Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect Citizens of Bastok: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Storm Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Depending on day: Increases elemental weapon skill damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zareehkl Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.34
| Latent effect: Increases rate of "Triple Attack"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Garuda's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| AGI+4 Latent effect: Accuracy+13
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Martial Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| TP Bonus
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mighty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 494
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| INT+2 On Windsdays: DMG:94 {{Resist Wind}}+15
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Y's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.76
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Blizzard Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2 Enchantment: "Blizzard" <50/50 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Gravedigger]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.06
| Latent effect: DMG:87 Critical hit rate +6%
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lyft Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.14
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Orichalcum Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Perdu Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.54
| Latent effect: DMG:93
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Triton's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Accuracy+3 Magic Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Enforcer]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
| STR+3 DEX+3 Evasion-6 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Suzaku's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 11.00
| {{Resist Fire}}+10 Accuracy+5 Enhances "Bird Killer" effect Additional effect: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Tredecim Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[White Joker]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.66
| INT+4 "Magic Atk. Bonus"+8
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Apocalypse]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 12.05
| Accuracy+20 "Catastrophe" Additional effect: Blindness
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bahamut's Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.00
| Occasionally attacks 2 to 3 times
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bec de Faucon]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.70
| In Dynamis: "Catastrophe"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dweomer Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dynamis Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.32
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+9
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Farmhand]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.52
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
| Magic Accuracy+20 Augments "Absorb" spells "Insurgency" Aftermath: Increases Acc./Atk. Occasionally attacks twice
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Memento Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+7
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ogre Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
|
| [[BLM]]
|-
| [[Relic Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scarecrow Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.75
| "Double Attack"+1% Additional effect vs. birds: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Severance]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 77
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.75
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Stigma]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.98
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ultimatum]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Vengeance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 45
| class="text-center" | 518
| class="text-center" | 5.21
|
| [[DRK]]
|}
</tailwind-table>

{{NavEquipment}}
{{CategoryTOC}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Brz. Zaghnal +1

2025-12-04T21:09:42Z

.riverking: Dup Page

Category:Scythes

2025-12-04T21:08:15Z

.riverking: /* Scythes by Level */

{{tocright}}[[Category:Tailwind]]
Scythes are two-handed weapons, and are the primary weapon of the [[Dark Knight]]. [[Beastmaster]], and [[Warrior]]. [[Black Mage]] are also able to use scythes, though they typically favor other weapons. Scythes are a high damage and high delay two-handed weapon, and focus primarily on damage output over enfeebling weaponskills or additional effects.

The scythe's weaponskills are usually single or double hit attacks, although the infamous weaponskill [[Guillotine]] is a 4-hit attack. The single hit weaponskills generally have more reliable, although lower average, damage than multi-hit skills, but will benefit greatly from abilities such as [[Sneak Attack]]. When using [[Guillotine]], however, it is important to remember that how many hits connecting determines a majority of the damage, so as with all multi-hit weaponskills, accuracy is paramount.

== Job Ratings==
{{Job ratings table|Scythe}}

<div style="max-width: 1000px";>

==Equipment that Enhances this Skill==
{| class="ffxi-table wide-table sortable"
|-
!Name
!Lvl
!Slot
!Effects
!Jobs
|-
|[[Scythe Belt]] {{rare|nc}}
|30
|[[:Category:Waist|Waist]]
|[[Latent Effect]]: '''Scythe Skill''' +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Abyssal Earring]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|72
|[[:Category:Earrings|Ear]]
|[[INT]] +2, '''Scythe Skill''' +5, [[Great Sword Skill]] +5, [[Dark Magic Skill]] +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Justice Torque]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|73
|[[:Category:Neck|Neck]]
|[[STR]] +5, '''Scythe Skill''' +7, [[Great Katana Skill]] +7
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|}</div>

==Weapon Skills==
{{WeaponSkillsTable|Scythes}}

==Scythes by Level==
<tailwind-table>
{|
|-
! Name
! class="text-center" | Level
! class="text-center" | Damage
! class="text-center" | Delay
! class="text-center" | DPS
! Description
! Jobs
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 1.75
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 1.91
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 26
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 3.32
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Keen Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
| Enchantment: Accuracy+3 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lgn. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 495
| class="text-center" | 3.27
| STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Serpette]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 32
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 3.64
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Serpette +1]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 33
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 3.86
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Plantreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.75
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bastokan Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 28
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.50
| MP+4 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Republic Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 29
| class="text-center" | 465
| class="text-center" | 3.74
| MP+6 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lucent Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
| Enchantment: Delay:475 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 39
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.56
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Cruel Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.68
| INT+2 MND-2 {{Resist Light}}-2 {{Resist Dark}}+2 Additional effect: Impairs evasion
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Platoon Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.34
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 35
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 4.38
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 36
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Webcutter]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.00
| Enhances effect of "Resist Slow" Additional effect vs. vermin: "Stun"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Frostreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.25
| {{Resist Ice}}+6 Additional effect: Ice damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mrc.Cpt. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 51
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 5.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Federation Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 498
| class="text-center" | 6.39
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+12
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Win. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 52
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 6.08
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Harvester]]
| class="text-center" | 37
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 6.63
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: Weight
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Beluga]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 63
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 7.54
| HP+12 MP+12 Additional effect: Water damage
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mutilator]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 7.41
| Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 64
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.27
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Raven Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.73
| STR+2 INT+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.25
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 59
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Antlion Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 8.33
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Jet Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
| Enchantment: TP+100 <100/100 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mandibular Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Falcastra]]
| class="text-center" | 47
| class="text-center" | 66
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 8.50
| DEX+4 AGI-4
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brb. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 49
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.64
| Accuracy-5 Attack+25
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 78
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 9.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 489
| class="text-center" | 9.69
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.20
| "Weapon Bash"+8
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 9.59
| "Weapon Bash"+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Demonslicer]]
| class="text-center" | 55
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.25
| {{Resist Dark}}+12 Additional effect: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
| INT+1 Converts 10 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle +1]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.92
| INT+2 Converts 15 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vassago's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.55
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Rusty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.50
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[A l'Outrance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.50
| Additional effect vs. beasts: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.11
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dst. Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.53
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ascention]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.88
| {{Resist Fire}}+8 {{Resist Light}}+8 Additional effect vs. undead: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Blackjack]]
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| MP+20 INT+4 Dark magic skill +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Faucheuse]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Physical damage taken -5% Set: Increases Evasion and HP recovered while healing Reduces Enmity
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vendetta]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Enhances "Beast Killer" effect Set: Increases STR, Attack, Ranged Attack, "Magic Atk. Bonus"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Goshisho's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.00
| Vs. undead: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Havoc Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.64
| STR+2 VIT-2 INT+4 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[King Maker]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.63
| MP+20 CHR+5
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Moliones's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 11.38
| STR+3 Set: Increases Accuracy Enhances "Souleater" effect
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Naigama]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.18
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Naigama +1]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 10.53
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Rune Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
| Latent effect: HP+10 Critical hit rate +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Volunt. Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Assault: DMG:99 Attack+6
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Fourth Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 10.72
| Accuracy+7 Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Scythe of Trials]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.25
| Latent effect: HP+20 {{Resist Lightning}}+10 {{Resist Light}}+10
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Snr.Msk. Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 83
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.38
| Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect Citizens of Bastok: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Storm Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Depending on day: Increases elemental weapon skill damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zareehkl Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.34
| Latent effect: Increases rate of "Triple Attack"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Garuda's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| AGI+4 Latent effect: Accuracy+13
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Martial Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| TP Bonus
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mighty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 494
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| INT+2 On Windsdays: DMG:94 {{Resist Wind}}+15
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Y's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.76
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Blizzard Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2 Enchantment: "Blizzard" <50/50 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Gravedigger]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.06
| Latent effect: DMG:87 Critical hit rate +6%
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lyft Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.14
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Orichalcum Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Perdu Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.54
| Latent effect: DMG:93
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Triton's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Accuracy+3 Magic Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Enforcer]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
| STR+3 DEX+3 Evasion-6 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Suzaku's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 11.00
| {{Resist Fire}}+10 Accuracy+5 Enhances "Bird Killer" effect Additional effect: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Tredecim Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[White Joker]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.66
| INT+4 "Magic Atk. Bonus"+8
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Apocalypse]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 12.05
| Accuracy+20 "Catastrophe" Additional effect: Blindness
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bahamut's Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.00
| Occasionally attacks 2 to 3 times
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bec de Faucon]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.70
| In Dynamis: "Catastrophe"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dweomer Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dynamis Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.32
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+9
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Farmhand]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.52
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
| Magic Accuracy+20 Augments "Absorb" spells "Insurgency" Aftermath: Increases Acc./Atk. Occasionally attacks twice
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Memento Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+7
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ogre Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
|
| [[BLM]]
|-
| [[Relic Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scarecrow Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.75
| "Double Attack"+1% Additional effect vs. birds: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Severance]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 77
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.75
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Stigma]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.98
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ultimatum]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Vengeance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 45
| class="text-center" | 518
| class="text-center" | 5.21
|
| [[DRK]]
|}
</tailwind-table>

{{NavEquipment}}
{{CategoryTOC}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Category:Scythes

2025-12-04T21:07:08Z

.riverking: /* Scythes by Level */

{{tocright}}[[Category:Tailwind]]
Scythes are two-handed weapons, and are the primary weapon of the [[Dark Knight]]. [[Beastmaster]], and [[Warrior]]. [[Black Mage]] are also able to use scythes, though they typically favor other weapons. Scythes are a high damage and high delay two-handed weapon, and focus primarily on damage output over enfeebling weaponskills or additional effects.

The scythe's weaponskills are usually single or double hit attacks, although the infamous weaponskill [[Guillotine]] is a 4-hit attack. The single hit weaponskills generally have more reliable, although lower average, damage than multi-hit skills, but will benefit greatly from abilities such as [[Sneak Attack]]. When using [[Guillotine]], however, it is important to remember that how many hits connecting determines a majority of the damage, so as with all multi-hit weaponskills, accuracy is paramount.

== Job Ratings==
{{Job ratings table|Scythe}}

<div style="max-width: 1000px";>

==Equipment that Enhances this Skill==
{| class="ffxi-table wide-table sortable"
|-
!Name
!Lvl
!Slot
!Effects
!Jobs
|-
|[[Scythe Belt]] {{rare|nc}}
|30
|[[:Category:Waist|Waist]]
|[[Latent Effect]]: '''Scythe Skill''' +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Abyssal Earring]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|72
|[[:Category:Earrings|Ear]]
|[[INT]] +2, '''Scythe Skill''' +5, [[Great Sword Skill]] +5, [[Dark Magic Skill]] +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Justice Torque]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|73
|[[:Category:Neck|Neck]]
|[[STR]] +5, '''Scythe Skill''' +7, [[Great Katana Skill]] +7
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|}</div>

==Weapon Skills==
{{WeaponSkillsTable|Scythes}}

==Scythes by Level==
<tailwind-table>
{|
|-
! Name
! class="text-center" | Level
! class="text-center" | Damage
! class="text-center" | Delay
! class="text-center" | DPS
! Description
! Jobs
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 1.75
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 1.91
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Hoe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
| {{Resist Earth}}+3
| All Jobs
|-
| [[Lost Sickle]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
|
| All Jobs
|-
| [[Lost Sickle +1]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 2
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 0.23
| Additional effect: "Death"
| All Jobs
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 26
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 3.32
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Keen Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
| Enchantment: Accuracy+3 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lgn. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 495
| class="text-center" | 3.27
| STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Serpette]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 32
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 3.64
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Serpette +1]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 33
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 3.86
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Plantreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.75
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bastokan Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 28
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.50
| MP+4 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Republic Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 29
| class="text-center" | 465
| class="text-center" | 3.74
| MP+6 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lucent Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
| Enchantment: Delay:475 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 39
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.56
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Cruel Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.68
| INT+2 MND-2 {{Resist Light}}-2 {{Resist Dark}}+2 Additional effect: Impairs evasion
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Platoon Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.34
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 35
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 4.38
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 36
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Webcutter]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.00
| Enhances effect of "Resist Slow" Additional effect vs. vermin: "Stun"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Frostreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.25
| {{Resist Ice}}+6 Additional effect: Ice damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mrc.Cpt. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 51
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 5.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Federation Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 498
| class="text-center" | 6.39
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+12
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Win. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 52
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 6.08
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Harvester]]
| class="text-center" | 37
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 6.63
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: Weight
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Beluga]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 63
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 7.54
| HP+12 MP+12 Additional effect: Water damage
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mutilator]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 7.41
| Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 64
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.27
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Raven Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.73
| STR+2 INT+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.25
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 59
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Antlion Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 8.33
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Jet Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
| Enchantment: TP+100 <100/100 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mandibular Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Falcastra]]
| class="text-center" | 47
| class="text-center" | 66
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 8.50
| DEX+4 AGI-4
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brb. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 49
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.64
| Accuracy-5 Attack+25
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 78
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 9.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 489
| class="text-center" | 9.69
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.20
| "Weapon Bash"+8
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 9.59
| "Weapon Bash"+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Demonslicer]]
| class="text-center" | 55
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.25
| {{Resist Dark}}+12 Additional effect: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
| INT+1 Converts 10 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle +1]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.92
| INT+2 Converts 15 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vassago's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.55
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Rusty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.50
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[A l'Outrance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.50
| Additional effect vs. beasts: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.11
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dst. Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.53
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ascention]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.88
| {{Resist Fire}}+8 {{Resist Light}}+8 Additional effect vs. undead: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Blackjack]]
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| MP+20 INT+4 Dark magic skill +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Faucheuse]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Physical damage taken -5% Set: Increases Evasion and HP recovered while healing Reduces Enmity
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vendetta]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Enhances "Beast Killer" effect Set: Increases STR, Attack, Ranged Attack, "Magic Atk. Bonus"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Goshisho's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.00
| Vs. undead: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Havoc Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.64
| STR+2 VIT-2 INT+4 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[King Maker]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.63
| MP+20 CHR+5
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Moliones's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 11.38
| STR+3 Set: Increases Accuracy Enhances "Souleater" effect
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Naigama]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.18
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Naigama +1]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 10.53
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Rune Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
| Latent effect: HP+10 Critical hit rate +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Volunt. Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Assault: DMG:99 Attack+6
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Fourth Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 10.72
| Accuracy+7 Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Scythe of Trials]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.25
| Latent effect: HP+20 {{Resist Lightning}}+10 {{Resist Light}}+10
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Snr.Msk. Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 83
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.38
| Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect Citizens of Bastok: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Storm Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Depending on day: Increases elemental weapon skill damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zareehkl Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.34
| Latent effect: Increases rate of "Triple Attack"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Garuda's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| AGI+4 Latent effect: Accuracy+13
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Martial Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| TP Bonus
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mighty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 494
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| INT+2 On Windsdays: DMG:94 {{Resist Wind}}+15
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Y's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.76
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Blizzard Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2 Enchantment: "Blizzard" <50/50 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Gravedigger]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.06
| Latent effect: DMG:87 Critical hit rate +6%
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lyft Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.14
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Orichalcum Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Perdu Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.54
| Latent effect: DMG:93
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Triton's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Accuracy+3 Magic Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Enforcer]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
| STR+3 DEX+3 Evasion-6 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Suzaku's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 11.00
| {{Resist Fire}}+10 Accuracy+5 Enhances "Bird Killer" effect Additional effect: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Tredecim Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[White Joker]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.66
| INT+4 "Magic Atk. Bonus"+8
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Apocalypse]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 12.05
| Accuracy+20 "Catastrophe" Additional effect: Blindness
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bahamut's Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.00
| Occasionally attacks 2 to 3 times
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bec de Faucon]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.70
| In Dynamis: "Catastrophe"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dweomer Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dynamis Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.32
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+9
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Farmhand]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.52
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
| Magic Accuracy+20 Augments "Absorb" spells "Insurgency" Aftermath: Increases Acc./Atk. Occasionally attacks twice
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Memento Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+7
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ogre Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
|
| [[BLM]]
|-
| [[Relic Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scarecrow Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.75
| "Double Attack"+1% Additional effect vs. birds: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Severance]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 77
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.75
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Stigma]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.98
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ultimatum]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Vengeance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 45
| class="text-center" | 518
| class="text-center" | 5.21
|
| [[DRK]]
|}
</tailwind-table>

{{NavEquipment}}
{{CategoryTOC}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Category:Scythes

2025-12-04T21:05:21Z

.riverking:

{{tocright}}[[Category:Tailwind]]
Scythes are two-handed weapons, and are the primary weapon of the [[Dark Knight]]. [[Beastmaster]], and [[Warrior]]. [[Black Mage]] are also able to use scythes, though they typically favor other weapons. Scythes are a high damage and high delay two-handed weapon, and focus primarily on damage output over enfeebling weaponskills or additional effects.

The scythe's weaponskills are usually single or double hit attacks, although the infamous weaponskill [[Guillotine]] is a 4-hit attack. The single hit weaponskills generally have more reliable, although lower average, damage than multi-hit skills, but will benefit greatly from abilities such as [[Sneak Attack]]. When using [[Guillotine]], however, it is important to remember that how many hits connecting determines a majority of the damage, so as with all multi-hit weaponskills, accuracy is paramount.

== Job Ratings==
{{Job ratings table|Scythe}}

<div style="max-width: 1000px";>

==Equipment that Enhances this Skill==
{| class="ffxi-table wide-table sortable"
|-
!Name
!Lvl
!Slot
!Effects
!Jobs
|-
|[[Scythe Belt]] {{rare|nc}}
|30
|[[:Category:Waist|Waist]]
|[[Latent Effect]]: '''Scythe Skill''' +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Abyssal Earring]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|72
|[[:Category:Earrings|Ear]]
|[[INT]] +2, '''Scythe Skill''' +5, [[Great Sword Skill]] +5, [[Dark Magic Skill]] +5
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|[[Justice Torque]] {{rare|nc}}{{exclusive|nc}}
|73
|[[:Category:Neck|Neck]]
|[[STR]] +5, '''Scythe Skill''' +7, [[Great Katana Skill]] +7
|[[Jobs|All Jobs]]
|-
|}</div>

==Weapon Skills==
{{WeaponSkillsTable|Scythes}}

==Scythes by Level==
<tailwind-table>
{|
|-
! Name
! class="text-center" | Level
! class="text-center" | Damage
! class="text-center" | Delay
! class="text-center" | DPS
! Description
! Jobs
|-
| [[Bronze Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 1.75
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brz. Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 1.91
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Hoe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
| {{Resist Earth}}+3
| All Jobs
|-
| [[Lost Sickle]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
|
| All Jobs
|-
| [[Lost Sickle +1]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 2
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 0.23
| Additional effect: "Death"
| All Jobs
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brass Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 26
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 3.32
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Keen Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 25
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.13
| Enchantment: Accuracy+3 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lgn. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 10
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 495
| class="text-center" | 3.27
| STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Serpette]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 32
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 3.64
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Serpette +1]]
| class="text-center" | 12
| class="text-center" | 33
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 3.86
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Plantreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 14
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.75
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bastokan Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 28
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.50
| MP+4 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Republic Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 15
| class="text-center" | 29
| class="text-center" | 465
| class="text-center" | 3.74
| MP+6 STR+2 VIT-1
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lucent Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
| Enchantment: Delay:475 <50/50 0:30/[30:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 38
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 4.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 18
| class="text-center" | 39
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.56
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Cruel Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 4.68
| INT+2 MND-2 {{Resist Light}}-2 {{Resist Dark}}+2 Additional effect: Impairs evasion
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Platoon Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.34
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 35
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 4.38
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 20
| class="text-center" | 36
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 4.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Webcutter]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.00
| Enhances effect of "Resist Slow" Additional effect vs. vermin: "Stun"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Frostreaper]]
| class="text-center" | 27
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 5.25
| {{Resist Ice}}+6 Additional effect: Ice damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mrc.Cpt. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 30
| class="text-center" | 51
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 5.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Federation Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 498
| class="text-center" | 6.39
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+12
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Win. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 34
| class="text-center" | 52
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 6.08
| In areas outside own nation's control: MP+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Harvester]]
| class="text-center" | 37
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 6.63
| Additional effect vs. plantoids: Weight
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Beluga]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 63
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 7.54
| HP+12 MP+12 Additional effect: Water damage
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mutilator]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 7.41
| Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 64
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.27
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Raven Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 40
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 7.73
| STR+2 INT+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.25
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mythril Zaghnal +1]]
| class="text-center" | 42
| class="text-center" | 59
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 7.60
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Antlion Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 68
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 8.33
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Jet Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
| Enchantment: TP+100 <100/100 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Mandibular Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 46
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 8.02
|
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Falcastra]]
| class="text-center" | 47
| class="text-center" | 66
| class="text-center" | 466
| class="text-center" | 8.50
| DEX+4 AGI-4
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Brb. Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 49
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.64
| Accuracy-5 Attack+25
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 78
| class="text-center" | 502
| class="text-center" | 9.32
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bone Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 53
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 489
| class="text-center" | 9.69
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.20
| "Weapon Bash"+8
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Smiting Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 54
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 9.59
| "Weapon Bash"+10
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Demonslicer]]
| class="text-center" | 55
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.25
| {{Resist Dark}}+12 Additional effect: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
| INT+1 Converts 10 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Ivory Sickle +1]]
| class="text-center" | 57
| class="text-center" | 81
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.92
| INT+2 Converts 15 HP to MP
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vassago's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 58
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.55
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Rusty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 60
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 7.50
|
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[A l'Outrance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 62
| class="text-center" | 76
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.50
| Additional effect vs. beasts: Darkness damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Darksteel Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.11
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dst. Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 65
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.53
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ascention]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 67
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 9.88
| {{Resist Fire}}+8 {{Resist Light}}+8 Additional effect vs. undead: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Blackjack]]
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| MP+20 INT+4 Dark magic skill +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Faucheuse]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Physical damage taken -5% Set: Increases Evasion and HP recovered while healing Reduces Enmity
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Vendetta]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 69
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Enhances "Beast Killer" effect Set: Increases STR, Attack, Ranged Attack, "Magic Atk. Bonus"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Goshisho's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.00
| Vs. undead: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Havoc Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.64
| STR+2 VIT-2 INT+4 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[King Maker]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.63
| MP+20 CHR+5
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Moliones's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 11.38
| STR+3 Set: Increases Accuracy Enhances "Souleater" effect
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Naigama]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 85
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.18
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Naigama +1]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 10.53
| Additional effect: MP drain
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Rune Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
| Latent effect: HP+10 Critical hit rate +5
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Volunt. Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 70
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Assault: DMG:99 Attack+6
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Fourth Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 84
| class="text-center" | 470
| class="text-center" | 10.72
| Accuracy+7 Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Scythe of Trials]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.25
| Latent effect: HP+20 {{Resist Lightning}}+10 {{Resist Light}}+10
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Snr.Msk. Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 83
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.38
| Enhances "Resist Paralyze" effect Citizens of Bastok: Accuracy+7
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Storm Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 87
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.88
| Depending on day: Increases elemental weapon skill damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Zareehkl Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 71
| class="text-center" | 91
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.34
| Latent effect: Increases rate of "Triple Attack"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Garuda's Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.78
| AGI+4 Latent effect: Accuracy+13
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Martial Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| TP Bonus
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Mighty Zaghnal]]
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 494
| class="text-center" | 10.45
| INT+2 On Windsdays: DMG:94 {{Resist Wind}}+15
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Y's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 72
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 10.76
| HP-5% Accuracy+5
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Blizzard Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2 Enchantment: "Blizzard" <50/50 0:30/[10:00, 0:30]>
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Scythe +1]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Additional effect: HP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Gravedigger]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 490
| class="text-center" | 9.06
| Latent effect: DMG:87 Critical hit rate +6%
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Lyft Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.14
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Orichalcum Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 97
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.02
| Accuracy+2 Magic Accuracy+2
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Perdu Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.54
| Latent effect: DMG:93
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Triton's Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 73
| class="text-center" | 98
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 11.46
| Accuracy+3 Magic Accuracy+3
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Enforcer]] {{Rare|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
| STR+3 DEX+3 Evasion-6 Additional effect: MP drain
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Suzaku's Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 88
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 11.00
| {{Resist Fire}}+10 Accuracy+5 Enhances "Bird Killer" effect Additional effect: Fire damage
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Tredecim Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 95
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.80
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[White Joker]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 74
| class="text-center" | 89
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 10.66
| INT+4 "Magic Atk. Bonus"+8
| [[WAR]] / [[BLM]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Apocalypse]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 513
| class="text-center" | 12.05
| Accuracy+20 "Catastrophe" Additional effect: Blindness
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Bahamut's Zaghnal]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 24
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 3.00
| Occasionally attacks 2 to 3 times
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Bec de Faucon]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 103
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 11.70
| In Dynamis: "Catastrophe"
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Death Sickle]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 90
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.23
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dweomer Scythe]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 92
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.45
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Dynamis Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 82
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 9.32
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+9
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Farmhand]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.52
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Liberator]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
| Magic Accuracy+20 Augments "Absorb" spells "Insurgency" Aftermath: Increases Acc./Atk. Occasionally attacks twice
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Memento Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 0.11
| In Dynamis: {{Resist Ice}}+7
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ogre Sickle]]
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 80
| class="text-center" | 501
| class="text-center" | 9.58
|
| [[BLM]]
|-
| [[Relic Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 1
| class="text-center" | 999
| class="text-center" | 0.06
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Scarecrow Scythe]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 86
| class="text-center" | 480
| class="text-center" | 10.75
| "Double Attack"+1% Additional effect vs. birds: "Bind"
| [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
|-
| [[Severance]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 77
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.75
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Stigma]] {{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 79
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 8.98
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Ultimatum]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 93
| class="text-center" | 528
| class="text-center" | 10.57
|
| [[DRK]]
|-
| [[Vengeance]] {{Rare|no}}{{Ex|no}}
| class="text-center" | 75
| class="text-center" | 45
| class="text-center" | 518
| class="text-center" | 5.21
|
| [[DRK]]
|}
</tailwind-table>

{{NavEquipment}}
{{CategoryTOC}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Brz. Zaghnal +1

2025-12-04T21:04:10Z

.riverking:

{{Item Sections}}
<section begin="Item Image"/>{{Item Image|Bronze Zaghnal +1.png|Bronze Zaghnal}}<section end="Item Image"/>
==Statistics==
{{Item Statistics
| type = weapon
| weapon type = Scythe
| name = Bronze zaghnal +1
| damage = 15
| delay = 470
| level = 1
| jobs = [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
}}
==Horizon Changes {{changes}}==
{{HorizonChangesBox}}
==Other Uses==
{{Used In
| guild points value = {{Guild Points Value|86|1600}}{{verification}}
| resale price = {{Resale Price|87}} {{verification}}

}}

==Synthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Smithing
| cap = 8
| subcraft = Woodworking
| subcraft cap = 6
| result = Bronze Zaghnal
| hq result = Bronze Zaghnal +1
| crystal = Fire
| ingredient = Ash Lumber
| ingredient 2 = Bronze Ingot
| ingredient 2 quantity = 2
| ingredient 3 = Grass Cloth
}}

==Used in Recipes==
None
==Desynthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Smithing
| cap = 8
| result = Grass Thread
| yield = 3
| hq result = Ash Lumber
| hq yield = 1
| hq 2 result = Bronze Ingot
| hq 3 yield = 2
| crystal = Lightning
| ingredient = Bronze Zaghnal
}}
==Obtained from Desynthesis==
{{rl|None}}
==How to Obtain==
{{AH|Weapons|Scythes}}

Brz. Zaghnal +1

2025-12-04T21:03:40Z

.riverking: Creation of Page

{{Item Sections}}
<section begin="Item Image"/>{{Item Image|Bronze Zaghnal +1.png|Bronze Zaghnal}}<section end="Item Image"/>
==Statistics==
{{Item Statistics
| type = weapon
| weapon type = Scythe
| name = Bronze zaghnal +1
| damage = 15
| delay = 470
| level = 1
| jobs = [[WAR]] / [[DRK]] / [[BST]]
}}
==Horizon Changes {{changes}}==
{{HorizonChangesBox}}
==Other Uses==
{{Used In
| guild points value = {{Guild Points Value|86|1600}}{{verification}}
| resale price = {{Resale Price|87}} {{verification}}

}}

==Synthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Smithing
| cap = 8
| subcraft = Woodworking
| subcraft cap = 6
| result = Bronze Zaghnal
| hq result = Bronze Zaghnal +1
| crystal = Fire
| ingredient = Ash Lumber
| ingredient 2 = Bronze Ingot
| ingredient 2 quantity = 2
| ingredient 3 = Grass Cloth
}}

==Used in Recipes==
{{rl|Brass Zaghnal|Goldsmithing|15}}
==Desynthesis Recipes==
{{Synthesis Recipe
| craft = Smithing
| cap = 8
| result = Grass Thread
| yield = 3
| hq result = Ash Lumber
| hq yield = 1
| hq 2 result = Bronze Ingot
| hq 3 yield = 2
| crystal = Lightning
| ingredient = Bronze Zaghnal
}}
==Obtained from Desynthesis==
{{rl|None}}
==How to Obtain==
{{AH|Weapons|Scythes}}

File:Bronze Zaghnal +1.png

2025-12-04T21:02:16Z

.riverking:

Category:Horizon Changes

2025-12-04T20:53:54Z

.riverking: /* Dark Knight */

{{Tocright}}
HorizonXI is an '''era+''' Final Fantasy XI private server. '''Era+''' means that there are many custom changes and additions made by the development team in an attempt to balance the game more fairly and to make some lesser used content more relevant. This page contains a list of all '''KNOWN''' custom changes.

== Jobs ==
=== [[Warrior]] ===
<section begin=Warrior/>
* Minor changes to [[Warrior#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Starts the game with an {{Item Tooltip|Onion Greataxe}} instead of an {{Item Tooltip|Onion Sword}}.
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Ragnarok}}.
<section begin=Defender/>*[[Defender]] provides -25% enmity loss reduction when taking damage (works with WAR sub job). Additionally gives a +10% chance to block with a shield for WAR main job only. <section end=Defender/><section end=Warrior/>
<section begin=Provoke/>* [[Provoke]] now receives an additional 250 [[Enmity|cumulative enmity (CE)]] when [[Defender]] is active and Warrior is set as the main job. This number is reduced to +180 when Warrior is set as the support job.<section end=Provoke/>

=== [[Monk]] ===
<section begin=Monk/>
* Minor changes to [[Monk#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* The [[Artifact Weapon]] [[Beat Cesti]] has been replaced with the custom item {{Item Tooltip|Tekko Kagi}}.
* Moderate changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Spharai}}.
<section begin=Boost/>* [[Boost]] has a larger [[attack]] bonus of 20%, a longer recast of 30 seconds, and a duration 3 minutes. {{Verification}}<section end=Boost/>
<section begin=Focus/>* [[Focus]] is learned at level 15 instead of 25, and has a 3 minute duration. {{Verification}}<section end=Focus/>
<section begin=Dodge/>* [[Dodge]] is learned at level 25, has a 3 minute duration, and increases [[Guarding Skill|guard rate]] by ???. {{Verification}}<section end=Dodge/>
<section begin=Chakra/>* [[Chakra]]'s recast time has been reduced to 2 minutes, down from 3. It also removes multiple status effects the player is inflicted with.<section end=Chakra/>
<section begin=Chi Blast/>
* [[Chi Blast]] now also removes 1 mob buff ([[Dispel]]). Testing is required to see whether this effect is random. {{Verification}}
* [[Boost|Boost's]] effect on [[Chi Blast]] has been lessened from retail.<section end=Chi Blast/><section end=Monk/>

=== [[White Mage]] ===
<section begin=White Mage/>
* Minor changes to [[White Mage#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Mjollnir}}.
* +3 to base [[MP Recovered While Healing|MP recovery rate]], for a total of +7, upon reaching level 75.
<section begin=Devotion/>* [[Devotion]] is available at level 45 instead of via merits.<section end=Devotion/>
<section begin=Divine Veil/>* [[Divine Veil]] can also double the potency and duration of the next [[Regen]] spell, as well as its usual effects, while the job ability [[Divine Seal]] is active.<section end=Divine Veil/>
<section begin=Clear Mind WHM/>* Higher levels of [[Clear Mind]] can be obtained at lower levels than normal, and the effects of certain tiers are increased. {{Verification}}<section end=Clear Mind WHM/>
<section begin=Banish-Effect (Merit)/>* The [[Banish Effect (Merit)]] category has been buffed and its effects against [[:Category:Undead|undead]] now extend to [[Cure]] spells and [[Holy]]. - [[Patch Notes: October 13th 2023|Version 1.2]]<section end=Banish-Effect (Merit)/>
<section end=White Mage/>

{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Reraise}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Haste}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Banish}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Protectra V}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Shellra V}}

=== [[Black Mage]] ===
<section begin=Black Mage/>
* Minor changes to [[Black Mage#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]] and significant changes to {{Item Tooltip|Casting Wand}}.
* Major changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Claustrum}}.
* +2 to base [[MP Recovered While Healing|MP recovery rate]], for a total of +6, upon reaching level 75.
<section end=Black Mage/>
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Elemental Magic}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Elemental Debuffs}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Magic Burst}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Poison}}

=== [[Red Mage]] ===
<section begin=Red Mage/>
* Minor changes to [[Red Mage#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]] and significant changes to {{Item Tooltip|Fencing Degen}}.
* Starts the game with an {{Item Tooltip|Onion Sword}} instead of an {{Item Tooltip|Onion Dagger}}
* Major changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Mandau}}, including the new [[Adaptive Effect]].
* 30% reduction in enmity gained from casting [[Enfeebling Magic]] while your main job is Red Mage.
* [[Fast Cast]] has had its recast reduction halved (cast time reduction is unaffected).
* +1 to base [[MP Recovered While Healing|MP recovery rate]], for a total of +5, upon reaching level 75.
<section begin=Convert/>* [[Convert]] has had its recast increased from 10 to 13 minutes.
* The group 1 merit [[Convert Recast|Convert Recast Reduction]] now only reduces the recast by 12 seconds, down from 20.<section end=Convert/><section end=Red Mage/>
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Elemental Magic}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Refresh}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Poison}}

=== [[Thief]] ===
<section begin=Thief/>
* Minor changes to [[Thief#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Major changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Mandau}}, including the new [[Adaptive Effect]].
* [[Treasure Hunter]] has been removed from {{Item Tooltip|Thief's Knife}} and has moved to the custom item {{Item Tooltip|Nanaa's Charm}}.
<section begin=Perfect Dodge/>* The player's [[Accuracy]] and [[Ranged Accuracy]] when using [[Perfect Dodge]] are increased by 999.<section end=Perfect Dodge/>
<section begin=Sneak Attack/>* Many elemental type [[:Category:Weapon Skills|weapon skills]] have been changed to the "hybrid" type and will now stack with [[Sneak Attack]].<section end=Sneak Attack/>
<section begin=Triple Attack/>* [[Triple Attack]] is unlocked at level 30 instead of 55.<section end=Triple Attack/>
<section begin=Assassin/>* [[Assassin]] is unlocked at level 50 instead of 60.<section end=Assassin/>
<section begin=Accomplice/>* [[Accomplice]] was not available in the current era, can now be used on an alliance (it was party only on retail), has had its level reduced from 65 to 45 and no longer shares a recast timer with [[Collaborator]].<section end=Accomplice/>
<section begin=Collaborator/>* [[Collaborator]] was not available in the current era, can now be used on an alliance (it was party only on retail), has had its level reduced from 65 to 45 and its recast time increased from 1 to 5 minutes. It no longer shares a recast timer with [[Accomplice]] and it now ''redirects 50%'' of the [[Thief]]'s enmity to their chosen target. Note that the chat log will state that you stole the target's enmity per its retail effect, but its intended effect of redirecting enmity to the target is performed.<section end=Collaborator/>
<section begin=Bully/>* [[Bully]] was not available in the current era, has had its level reduced from 93 to 40, its recast has been lowered from 3 to 1 minute. The ability has been completely reworked, now giving a guaranteed status bolt additional effect proc on monsters within 15 levels of the [[Thief]]. On [[Notorious Monster]]s, the chance of landing a status effect bolt has been increased but not guaranteed. The omni-directional sneak attack portion has been removed.<section end=Bully/>
<section begin=Mug/>* [[Mug]] grants a critical hit rate bonus of 5% on the target monster for 30 seconds. Recast time reduced from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. This activates as a bewildered daze regardless of success of mug; its in-game message reads the "<target>'s Bewildered Daze effect wears off." after 30 seconds. <section end=Mug/><section end=Thief/>

=== [[Paladin]] ===
<section begin=Paladin/>
* Minor changes to [[Paladin#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Ragnarok}}.
<section begin=Holy Circle/>* [[Holy Circle]] increased damage for party member against [[:Category:Undead|undead]] mobs. Protects against [[Aggro|blood aggro]] but further testing is required to ascertain how. {{Verification}} Recast has also been doubled to 10 minutes.<section end=Holy Circle/>
<section begin=Chivalry/>* [[Chivalry]] is available at level 45. It was originally a merit ability. Its recast has also been reduced from 20 to 15 minutes.<section end=Chivalry/>
<section begin=Shield Bash/>* The accuracy of the stun component of the job ability [[Shield Bash]] has been increased. It will now provide a similar stun rate to the job ability [[Weapon Bash]]. [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023| - Version 1.2]]<section end=Shield Bash/>
<section begin=Cover/>* The job ability [[Cover]] is now usable on alliance members. [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023| Version 1.2]]
<section end=Cover/>
<section begin=Auto-Refresh-Paladin/>* [[Auto Refresh]]'s level has been reduced to 25, down from 35. It wasn't available until the [[Treasures of Aht Urhgan]] era.<section end=Auto-Refresh-Paladin/>
<section Begin=Shield Mastery/><ul><li class="toaulive">[[Shield Mastery]] wasn't available until the [[Treasures of Aht Urhgan]] era.</li></ul><section end=Shield Mastery/><section end=Paladin/>
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Clubs}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Shields}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Banish}}
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Enlight}}

=== [[Dark Knight]] ===
<section begin=Dark Knight/>
* Moderate changes to [[Dark Knight#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Minor change to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Apocalypse}}.
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Ragnarok}}.
<section begin=Arcane Circle/>* [[Arcane Circle]] has a damage bonus against arcana for all parties members as well as providing protection against [[Aggro|magic aggro]]. The recast of this ability has also been doubled to 10 minutes.
<section begin=Arcane Circle-Recast/>* [[Arcane Circle Recast]] merits now decrease its recast time by 20 seconds per merit, instead of 10.<section end=Arcane Circle-Recast/><section end=Arcane Circle/>
<ul><li class="toau"><section begin=Desperate Blows/>[[Desperate Blows]] was a merit ability in era.</li><li class="toaulive">[[Desperate Blows]] was a merit ability in era and wasn't available until the [[Treasures of Aht Urhgan]] era.</li></ul><section end=Desperate Blows/>
<section begin=Souleater/>* [[Souleater]] now has a recast time of 5 minutes, instead of 6.
<section begin-Souleater-Recast/>* [[Souleater Recast]] merits now decreases its recast by 10 seconds per merit, instead of 12.<section end=Souleater-Recast/><section end=Souleater/>
<section begin=Last Resort/>* [[Last Resort]]'s duration has been doubled from 30 to 60 seconds.<section end=Last Resort/><section end=Dark Knight/>
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Poison}}

=== [[Beastmaster]] ===
<section begin=Beastmaster/>
* Moderate changes to [[Beastmaster#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Guttler}}.
<section begin=Save My Son/>* The night flowers that need to be examined while doing the [[Save My Son]] quest can be examined as early as 16:00 and as late as 06:00 hours in game. This may or may not be a bug.<section end=Save My Son/>
<section begin=Ready/>* [[Ready]] wasn't available until 2009. There are only 45 seconds between charges as opposed to 60 seconds when it was available. A maximum of 3 charges still applies but this is now attained after 2 minutes and 25 seconds has passed as opposed to 3 minutes.
* Every physical and magical damage dealing TP move is no longer imbued with Skillchain Attributes/Magic Burst Properties.<section end=Ready/>
<section begin=Call Beast/>* Pets will persist through a player zoning.
* All HQ [[Jug Pet|Familiars]] now cap at 75.
<section end=Call Beast/>
<section begin=Pet Items/>* [[:Category:Pet Items|Pet food]] has been buffed to provide increased HP/stats etc. to pets.<section end=Pet Items/><section end=Beastmaster/>


=== [[Bard]] ===
<section begin=Bard/>
* Minor changes to [[Bard#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Mandau}}.<section end=Bard/>

=== [[Ranger]] ===
<section begin=Ranger/>
* Moderate changes to [[Ranger#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Yoichinoyumi}}.
<section begin=Eagle Eye Shot/>* [[Eagle Eye Shot]] now has 100% accuracy (it could miss in era).<section end=Eagle Eye Shot/>
<section begin=Scavenge/>* [[Scavenge]] is the updated 2013 version that allows for recovering spent ammo and not fletchings, arrowheads etc.<section end=Scavenge/>
<section begin=Camouflage/>* [[Camouflage|Camouflage]] grants an [[enmity]] reduction on the next attack.<section end=Camouflage/>
<section begin=Velocity Shot/>*[[Velocity Shot]] wasn't available until the Wings of the Goddess era.<section end=Velocity Shot/><section end=Ranger/>
<section begin=Dead Aim/>* [[Dead Aim]] is available via the {{Item Tooltip|Sharpshooter's Ring}} and wasn't available during the current era.<section end=Dead Aim/>

=== [[Samurai]] ===
<section begin=Samurai/>
* Minor changes to [[Samurai#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Yoichinoyumi}}.
<section begin=Hasso/>* [[Hasso]] was't available in the CoP era. It now shares a recast time of 45 seconds with [[Seigan]]. The bonus effects of [[Zanshin]] appears to no longer be in effect {{verification}}.<section end=Hasso/>
<section begin=Seigan/>* [[Seigan]] - was't available in the CoP era. It now shares a recast time of 45 seconds with [[Hasso]]. The bonus effects of [[Zanshin]] appears to no longer be in effect {{verification}}.<section end=Seigan/>
<section begin=Warding Circle/>* [[Warding Circle]] increases party-wide damage dealt against Demon enemies.<section end=Warding Circle/>
<section begin=Zanshin/>*[[Zanshin]] - Doesn't gain the activation rate bonus from Hasso/Seigan. It has been reported that it no longer activates on attacks that are guarded, countered or deal 0 damage. {{verification}}<section end=Zanshin/><section end=Samurai/>

=== [[Ninja]] ===
<section begin=Ninja/>
* Minor changes to [[Ninja#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
<section begin=Mijin Gakure/>* [[Mijin Gakure]] has been replaced with {{Item Tooltip|Mikage}}. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]<section end=Mijin Gakure/>
<section begin=Utsusemi: Ni/>* [[Utsusemi: Ni]] has had its recast increased by 15 seconds.<section end=Utsusemi: Ni/>
<section begin=Utsusemi: Ichi/>* [[Utsusemi: Ichi]] has had its recast increased by 15 seconds.<section end=Utsusemi: Ichi/>
*<section begin=Yonin/>[[Yonin]] is learned at Level 20 instead of 40, is modified to reduce [[attack]] by 15%, increase [[enmity]] by 10, reduce recast of [[Utsusemi]] by 10 seconds, and reduce enemy critical chance. It does not grant nor enhances the job trait [[Ninja Tool Expertise]].<section end=Yonin/>
<section begin=Ninja Tool Expertise/>* [[Ninja Tool Expertise]] is learned at Level 40 as a trait. <section end=Ninja Tool Expertise/><section end=Ninja/>
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Ninjutsu}}

=== [[Dragoon]] ===
<section begin=Dragoon/>
* Moderate changes to [[Dragoon#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Moderate changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Gungnir}}.
<section begin=Ancient Circle/>* [[Ancient Circle]] now increases damage dealt by the party to dragon enemies. Its recast time has been increased to 10 minutes.<section end=Ancient Circle/>
<section begin=Steady Wing/>* [[Steady Wing]] was not available in the current era and its level has been reduced from 95 to 30.<section end=Steady Wing/><section end=Dragoon/>

=== [[Summoner]] ===
<section begin=Summoner/>
* Moderate changes to [[Summoner#Job_Specific_Equipment|Artifact Armor]].
* Significant changes to the relic weapon {{Item Tooltip|Claustrum}}.
*<section begin=Whispering Wind/>[[Whispering Wind]] is now available from level 38 and additionally removes some status ailments including: [[Blind (Status Effect)|Blind]], [[Poison (Status Effect)|Poison]], [[Paralysis]], [[Disease]], [[Virus]], [[Petrification]], [[Sleep (Status Effect)|Sleep]], [[Silence (Status Effect)|Silence]] and [[Slow (Status Effect)|Slow]].<section end=Whispering Wind/>
*<section begin=Spring Water/>[[Spring Water]] now gives an AoE 2 MP per tick [[Refresh (Status Effect)|refresh]].<section end=Spring Water/>
*<section begin=Crimson Howl/>[[Crimson Howl]]'s duration has been increased to 3 minutes.<section end=Crimson Howl/>
*<section begin=Ecliptic Growl/>[[Ecliptic Growl]] level has swapped with [[Ecliptic Howl]] and is now unlocked at level 54 as opposed to 43 in era.<section end=Ecliptic Growl/>
*<section begin=Ecliptic Howl/>[[Ecliptic Howl]] level has swapped with [[Ecliptic Growl]] and is now unlocked at level 43 as opposed to 54 in era.<section end=Ecliptic Howl/><section end=Summoner/>
*<section begin=Shining Ruby/>[[Shining Ruby]]'s effect can now overwrite itself.<section end=Shining Ruby/>
*<section begin=Hastega (Blood Pact)/>The value of [[Hastega (Blood Pact)]] has been increased to be inline with the [[White Magic]] spell [[Haste]]. This means the two will be interchangeable and can overwrite each other. The MP cost has also been increased to 129 in era, up from 112.<section end=Hastega (Blood Pact)/>

== Combat ==
<section begin=Attack&Accuracy/>* [[Attack]] and [[Accuracy]] modifiers have been adjusted as part of a general balancing pass on Horizon. The purpose of these adjustments is to compensate for current and future player power while keeping in mind the addition of new items, job abilities, traits, and merits in the future. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023| Version 1.2]]<section end=Attack&Accuracy/>
:[[File:Attack&Accuracy_modifiers_1.2.png]]
* Many [[Clubs]] had their damage increased.
<section begin=Damage Type Weakness/>* All damage type (piercing, blunt, slashing) bonuses are reduced from 25% to 12.5% against monsters with a particular weakness to one of the types, e.g. birds now only take 12.5% extra damage.<section end=Damage Type Weakness/>
<section begin=TP/>* [[TP]] is measured in 1000% increments whereas in era this was in 100%.<section end=TP/>
<section begin=Paralyze (Status Effect)/>* If the status effect [[Paralyze (Status Effect)|paralyze]] procs whilst a player attempts to use a scroll, the scroll will no longer be lost.<section end=Paralyze (Status Effect)/>
=== Experience Points ===
* Horizon uses Wings of the Goddess [[EXP]] rates.
* [[Level Sync]] is available and limited to 10 levels before an [[EXP]] penalty begins to take effect. See the level sync page for more information.
* All [[Experience Scrolls]] give triple the amount of [[EXP]]. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Update. 1.1]]

=== [[Weapon Skills]] ===
* Every [[weapon]] type will now obtain its first [[Weapon Skill|weapon skill]] at skill level 5 instead of skill level 10. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023| Version 1.2]]
* [[Skillchain]] damage against mobs no longer has a chance of being resisted against non NM/HNM/endgame bosses.
* Many [[Weapon Skills]] have had their properties changed, but their in-game tooltips do not reflect these changes as of now.
* Most elemental weapon skills have been changed to [[Hybrid Weapon Skills|hybrid]] and will stack with [[Sneak Attack]].

----
Click on a weapon type to display changes to the respective Weapon Skills
<center>
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====[[:Category:Archery|Archery]]====
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====[[:Category:Great Katana|Great Katana]]====
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====[[:Category:Marksmanship|Marksmanship]]====
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====[[:Category:Polearms|Polearm]]====
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====[[:Category:Swords|Sword]]====
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----

=== Signet ===
<section begin=Signet/><ul><li class="toaulive"> The [[Treasures of Aht Urhgan]] Signet bonus changes are in effect.</li>
<li class="toaulive">[[Signet]] now gives a bonus to [[HP Recovered While Healing]].</li>
<li> Signet gives a bonus to EXP rates in [[Chains of Promathia|CoP]] areas only, at the following level ranges:
<ul><li>Level 50-59: 5%</li>
<li>Level 60-69: 7.5%</li>
<li>Level 70-75: 10%</li></ul>
<li>There is an additional bonus to EXP when XPing in a "territory not controlled by your home nation" of 5% starting at level 50, but only in [[Chains of Promathia|CoP]] areas.</li></ul><section end=Signet/>

== Spells and Magic ==
<section begin=MP Recovered While Healing/>* Base [[MP Recovered While Healing|MP recovery rate]] starts at 12 per tick. Each [[tick]] thereafter increases by 4. This effect was originally 1 per tick.
* Certain jobs have a further increase to their base [[MP Recovered While Healing|MP recovery rate]] and MP/tick scaling, due to increases to the scaling of [[Clear Mind]].
At level 75, these changes are:
** [[Red Mage]]: +1 for a total of 5 [[MP Recovered While Healing|MP recovery rate]] scaling per tick
** [[Black Mage]] and [[Summoner]]: +2 for a total of 6 [[MP Recovered While Healing|MP recovery rate]] scaling per tick
** [[White Mage]]: +3 for a total of 7 [[MP Recovered While Healing|MP recovery rate]] scaling per tick<section end=MP Recovered While Healing/>
<section begin=Magic Burst/>* [[Magic Burst]]s receive an extra +35 [[Magic Accuracy]], +35 [[Magic Attack]] and reduced [[Enmity|enmity]] generation, except on notorious monsters.<section end=Magic Burst/>

=== White Magic ===
<section begin=White Magic/>Changes to the [[:Category:White Magic|White Magic]] spells:
<section begin=Reraise/>* [[Reraise]] is available to [[White Mage]]s at level 25 instead of 33.<section end=Reraise/>
<section begin=Haste/>* [[Haste]] has had its recast reduced from 20 to 18 seconds. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]<section end=Haste/>
<section begin=Banish/>* The effect of [[Banish]] has been 'era+'ed' to inhibit the target undead monster's TP gain.<section end=Banish/>
<section begin=Protectra V/>* [[Protectra V]] is now obtained via scrolls and not merits.<section end=Protectra V/>
<section begin=Shellra V/>* [[Shellra V]] is now obtained via scrolls and not merits.<section end=Shellra V/>
<section begin=Refresh/>* The cost of [[Refresh]] has been increased from 40 to 50 [[MP]] and its recast time has been decreased from 18 to 16 seconds. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]<section end=Refresh/>
<section begin=Enlight/>* [[Enlight]] wasn't originally in the [[Chains of Promathia]] era and was a level 85 spell on retail when it did become available. On Horizon is can be learnt by [[Paladin]]s at level 40.<section end=Enlight/><section end=White Magic/>

=== Black Magic ===
<section begin=Elemental Magic/>* ''Some'' [[:Category:Elemental Magic|Elemental magic]] scrolls bought from vendors have reduced prices. The amount needs further investigation but appears to be around 40%. Scrolls with reduced prices can be found to be marked as such on the wiki.<section end=Elemental Magic/>
<section begin=Elemental Debuffs/>* [[Elemental Debuff]]s have had their base duration extended from 90 seconds to 120 seconds.<section end=Elemental Debuffs/>
<section begin=Poison/>* [[Poison]]'s [[Damage Over Time|DoT]] effect has been increased from 1 per [[tick]] to 4 per [[tick]].<section end=Poison/>
* [[Bind]]'s duration is floored at 5 seconds.

=== Ninjutsu ===
<section begin=Ninjutsu/>
* Ichi elemental wheel spells are learnable at 12 but only usable from level 15.
* [[Ninjutsu]] [[Magic Burst]]s receive an extra +50 [[Magic Accuracy]], +35 [[Magic Attack]] and reduced [[Enmity|enmity]] generation, except on notorious monsters. {{verification}}
*The resistance down on an elemental [[ninjutsu]] is -30 regardless of the level of the ninjutsu. The resistance down lasts for 15 seconds, but can be potentially extended to 25 seconds through [[Merit Points]].
* Elemental wheel spells receiving a total of +25 magic accuracy. - [[Patch_Notes:_April_14th_2023 #JOB BALANCING|Update 1.1]]
* All Ninjustu have +15 magic accuracy, with a further +10 for all elemental wheel spells (+25 m.acc total.) This effect is increased to +50 extra magic accuracy on [[Magic Burst Bonus|magic bursts]], on all [[:Category:Notorious Monsters|non-notorious monsters]].
<section begin=Hojo:Ni/>* [[Hojo: Ni]] provides +40 [[Enmity|cumulative enmity (CE)]] and +450 [[Enmity|volatile enmity (VE)]]. Essentially CE is halved and VE is doubled compared to retail/era.<section end=Hojo:Ni/>
<section begin=Kurayami:Ni/>* [[Kurayami: Ni]] provides +40 [[Enmity|cumulative enmity (CE)]] and +450 [[Enmity|volatile enmity (VE)]]. Essentially CE is halved and VE is doubled compared to retail/era.<section end=Kurayami:Ni/><section end=Ninjutsu/>

== Weapons ==
* Many weapons have had weapon skill properties changed to increase their skill chain utility.
<section begin=Clubs/>* Paladins are able to use most [[Clubs|clubs]] now. Changes have also been made to club weapon skills to make them a viable choice for Paladins.<section end=Clubs/>
* {{Item Tooltip|Octave Club}} has been changed and has replaced the Kraken Club.

* Relic weapons: please review the [[Relic Weapons]] page for a complete list of known changes.
* {{Item Tooltip|Rune Chopper}} had its Latent Effect: Haste reduced from 9% to 2%.
=== Thief ===
* {{Item Tooltip|Thief's Knife}} has been significantly reworked and now provides +18 [[damage]] and [[Occasionally Attacks X Times|occassionally attacks 2 times]]. The original [[Treasure Hunter]] +1 effect can now be obtained via {{Item Tooltip|Nanaa's Charm}}.

=== Samurai ===
<section begin=Hagun/>* [[Hagun]]: DMG decreased from 75 to 64.
** As a result of the damage change, Hagun's DPS has decreased from 10 to 8.53 with a major indirect nerf to weapon skills due to the high natural Attack+ percentages given by weapon skills such as [[Tachi: Gekko]].<section end=Hagun/>
=== Ninja ===
* The recipes for [[Shuriken]], [[Juji Shuriken]], [[Manji Shuriken]] and [[Fuma Shuriken]] have been changed.
** These can now be bundled together in a pouch, each via a synthesis recipe.

== Armor ==
<section begin=Shields/>* [[Shield]]s have been buffed and now have an increased block rate and damage reduction when blocking.<section end=Shields/>
* All earrings from [[RoZ Rewards]] have been changed.
* All rings from [[CoP Rewards]] have been changed except for {{Item Tooltip|Rajas Ring}}.
* {{Item Tooltip|Stealth Earring}} now has the ''enhances "[[Dual Wield]]" effect'' that {{Item Tooltip|Suppanomimi}} used to have.
* Added [[Shepherd's Armor Set]] for pet jobs.
* {{Item Tooltip|Speed Belt}} effect reduced to 5% haste.
* [[Armada Hauberk Set|Armada Set]] gained a small haste buff of +1~2% per piece.
* Many of the [[LVL 30 JSE Accessories]] for [[Support Job]]s were modified in an attempt attempt to offer more optimal enhancements.
** WHM: Mace Belt has been renamed to {{Item Tooltip|Healer's Belt}}, and its [[latent effect]] was changed from ''[[Club Skill]] +5'' to ''[[Enmity]] -2''.
** THF: Dagger Belt has been renamed to {{Item Tooltip|Pilferer's Belt}}, and its latent effect was changed from ''[[Dagger Skill]] +5'' to ''[[Accuracy]] +3''.
** PLD: {{Item Tooltip|Shield Belt}} latent effect was changed from ''[[Shield Skill]] +5'' to ''Enhances [[Shield Mastery]]''.
** BRD: {{Item Tooltip|Song Belt}} latent effect was changed from ''[[Singing Skill]] +5'' to ''Madrigal +1''.
** RDM: Rapier Belt has been renamed to {{Item Tooltip|Warlock's Belt}}, and its latent effect was changed from ''[[Sword Skill]] +5'' to ''[[Enspell|Enspell Damage]] +3''.
** BLM: Staff Belt has been renamed to {{Item Tooltip|Wizard's Belt}}, and its latent effect was changed from ''[[Staff Skill]] +5'' to ''[[INT]] +2''.
** DRG: Lance Belt has been renamed to {{Item Tooltip|Wyvern Belt}}, and its latent effect was changed from ''[[Polearm Skill]] +5'' to ''[[Haste]] +2%''.
* Most [[Artifact Armor]] has had a small stat buff added to "less desireable pieces".
* All [[Artifact Weapons]] were changed to level 40, with some adjustments.
* Many endgame armor pieces were modified from era (e.g. {{Item Tooltip|Koenig Cuirass}}).
* Some [[Conquest]] items were changed.
* [[Exp Rings]] have been modified to provide more charges, reduced cooldowns etc. See page for further information.
* Level 30 [[latent effect]] earrings have been changed.
* {{Item Tooltip|Yinyang Robe}} now drops in the BCNM [[Waking the Beast]]. - [[Patch Notes: June 4th 2023|Update 06/04/2023]]
* The recipe for {{Item Tooltip|Sonic Belt}} has been adjusted.
* {{Item Tooltip|Checkered Scarf}} now reduces maximum HP by 12 instead, and gives +1 to HP and MP recovered while healing.

=== Feet ===
<section begin=Trotter Boots/>* {{Item Tooltip|Trotter Boots}} can now be obtained via HorizonXI's custom [[HENM|Hyper Empty Notorious Monsters]] (HENM).<section end=Trotter Boots/>
<section begin=Evokers Boots/>* {{Item Tooltip|Evoker's Boots}} now have the [[Hidden Effect]] Summoning Magic Casting time -1.<section end=Evokers Boots/>

=== Rings ===
<section begin=Nation Ring/>* Players no longer start with their corresponding nation's ring (e.g. {{Item Tooltip|San d'Orian Ring}}). Instead they are awarded upon completing Nation Mission 1-3.<section end=Nation Ring/>

=== Back ===
{{#section:Wyvern Mantle|Wyvern Mantle}}

=== Custom Gear ===
* [[Buffalo Armor Set]]
* {{Item Tooltip|Carapace Bullet}}
* {{Item Tooltip|Deflecting Band}}
* {{Item Tooltip|Dilation Ring}}
* {{Item Tooltip|Ducal Aketon}}
* {{Item Tooltip|Horus's Helm}}
* {{Item Tooltip|Luftpause Mark}}
* {{Item Tooltip|Overlord's Ring}}
* {{Item Tooltip|Rucke's Rung}}
* {{Item Tooltip|Sprinter's Belt}}

== Items ==
* [[Notorious Monster]]s drop the non RA/EX versions of gear and weapons if possible.
* Warp rings are no longer usable.
* {{Item Tooltip|Laurel Crown}} is now cosmetic and not able to teleport.
* Some items are stackable that weren't in era, e.g. {{Item Tooltip|Yagudo Necklace}}.
* Coffer Keys and Chest Keys have had their drop rates adjusted across the board. It is believed that they have been increased from "Rare" to "Uncommon". Further drop rate information can be founds [[Drop Rate|here]]. - [[Patch Notes: December 24th 2022]]

=== Drops ===
* [[Kirin]] now drops {{Item Tooltip|Shellra V}}.

=== Food ===
* {{Item Tooltip|Tuna Sushi}} and {{Item Tooltip|Fatty Tuna Sushi}} reworked to give positive stats to [[pets]]. - [[Patch Notes: January 20th 2023|01/20/2023]]
* {{Item Tooltip|Ikra Gunkan}} and its {{Item Tooltip|Ikra Gunkan +1|+1}} version have been reworked to better suit tanking roles.

== Quests, Missions, & Battlefields ==
=== New Quests ===
* [[Fill In]] awards the custom item {{Item Tooltip|Nanaa's Charm}}, which grants [[Treasure Hunter]] +1.
* [[Dyer's Woad Quest]] added. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|updated version 1.1]]
* Custom [[Omni Aketon|quest]] for the multi-nation {{Item Tooltip|Ducal Aketon}}.

=== Quest Updates ===
* Some quest cooldowns removed, allowing them to be repeated quickly.
* [[Chocobo's Wounds]] now only requires about one Vana'diel hour (2.5 minutes) between trades.
* [[Eco-Warrior (Bastok)]], [[Eco-Warrior (San d'Oria)]] and [[Eco-Warrior (Windurst)]] now award {{Item Tooltip|Dragon Chronicles}} upon completion, which awards between 4,500 and 9,000 EXP.

=== Battlefields ===

* Multiple adjustments made to loot pools of various [[BCNM]]s. Notable changes are:
** {{Item Tooltip|Protectra V}} and {{Item Tooltip|Shellra V}}
** {{Item Tooltip|Enlight}}

* New HorizonXI specific items added to [[BCNM]]s such as:
** [[Shepherd's Armor Set]]

==== BCNM ====
* [[Early Bird Catches The Wyrm]] - {{Item Tooltip|Wyrm Beard}} now has a 50% chance of dropping. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Update 1-1]]
* [[Steamed Sprouts]] - {{Item Tooltip|Morbolger Vine}} now has a chance to drop. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Update 1-1]]
<section begin=Under Observation/>* Scrolls no longer drop from [[Under Observation]] and have been replace with items "that fetch reasonable amounts of gil from vendor NPCs". - [[Patch Notes: June 15th 2024| Version 1.2.2]]<section end=Under Observation/>

==== KSNM ====
* [[Contaminated Colosseum]] - {{Item Tooltip|Morbolger Vine}} now has a 100% chance of dropping. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Update 1-1]]

==== Quest Battlefields ====
* [[Waking the Beast]]
** Difficulty of the fight has been increased. - [[Patch Notes: June 4th 2023|Update 06/04/2023]]
** Drop rate of weapons has been increased. - [[Patch Notes: June 4th 2023|Update 06/04/2023]]
** {{Item Tooltip|Yinyang Robe}} has been added as a possible drop. - [[Patch Notes: June 4th 2023|Update 06/04/2023]]

== Custom Content ==
=== HENM ===
* The custom tiered endgame content [[HENM|Hyper Empty Notorious Monsters]] (HENM) has been added. Adventurers must obtain a certain amount of clears of each tier before they can progress to the next. Various rewards are available from each tier. Progress is reset weekly.
=== Horizon Adventuring Assistance Program===
* The [[Horizon Adventuring Assistance Program]] (HAAP) was added to reward players who have cleared certain content when they help those who haven't.

=== Horizon Adventurer Rewards Program ===
* [[Horizon Adventurer Rewards Program]] (HARP) was implemented to reward players who assisted in the beta testing of HorizonXI.

== Crafting, Gathering, Fishing ==
* Many gathered items (such as ores) are now stackable.
* Many 'NPC-able' recipes e.g. {{Item Tooltip|Darksteel Pick}} have had their NPC price reduced.
* The delay between HELM attempts has been lowered by 1 second. - [[Patch Notes: January 6th 2023|01/06/2023]]

=== Chocobo Digging ===
* Now has visible skill-up messages when undertaking in the activity.
* Real life daily limit in place.
* Loot pools have been changed to increase the amount of profitable locations. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

=== Clamming ===
* Clamming loot pools have been reworked to make the activity more worthwhile.

=== Excavation ===
* Pools in [[Tahrongi Canyon]], [[Maze of Shakhrami]], [[Attohwa Chasm]] and [[Korroloka Tunnel]] have been adjusted to increase the value of harvesting. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

=== Fishing ===
<section begin=Fishing/>* [[Fishing]] is only available once adventurers have obtained level 15.
* Fishing Pools respawn at set intervals, thought to be at the in-game time of: 00:00, 4:00, 6:00, 7:00, 17:00, 18:00 and 20:00, but needs verification. {{verification}}
* The log will say you have Moghancement: Fishing Skill HorizonXI specific changes as a HorizonXI QoL change so you can recognize it's working as a +1 fishing skill.<section end=Fishing/>

=== Harvesting ===
* Pools in [[West Sarutabaruta]] and [[Giddeus]] have been adjusted to increase the value of harvesting. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* May now be done in [[Beaucedine Glacier]]. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

=== Logging ===
* Pools in [[Buburimu Peninsula]], [[Lufaise Meadows]], [[Misareaux Coast]], [[Yuhtunga Jungle]] and [[Yhoator Jungle]] have been adjusted to increase the value of logging. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

=== Mining ===
* [[Oldton Movalpolos]] and [[Newton Movalpolos]] Mining Points have had their item pools adjusted to increase the value of mining in these zones. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

== Monsters ==
* [[Undead]] mobs spawn at 17:00 [[Time of Day|in-game time]] instead of 20:00.
<section begin=Treants/>* The monster family [[:category:Treants|Treants]] are now weak to [[Slashing|slashing]] damage. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023|Patch 1.2 part 1]]<section end=Treants/>
<section begin=Morbols/>* The monster family [[:Category:Morbols|morbols]] are now weak to [[Slashing|slashing]] damage. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023|Patch 1.2 part 1]]<section end=Morbols/>
<section begin=Funguars/>* The monster family [[:Category:Funguars|funguars]] are now weak to [[Slashing|slashing]] damage. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023|Patch 1.2 part 1]]<section end=Funguars/>
<section begin=Crabs/>* The monster family [[:Category:Crabs|crabs]] are now weak to [[Blunt|blunt]] damage. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023|Patch 1.2 part 1]]<section end=Crabs/>
<section begin=Uragnites/>* The monster family [[:Category:Uragnites|uragnites]] are now weak to [[Blunt|blunt]] damage. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023|Patch 1.2 part 1]]<section end=Uragnites/>
<section begin=beastmens seal/>* Beastmen seals weren't storable with [[Shami]] until September 2008. [https://www.bg-wiki.com/ffxi/The_History_of_Final_Fantasy_XI/2008 source].
* [[Beastmen's Seal]]s no longer drop from any level one mobs. - [[Patch Notes: June 15th 2024|Patch 1.2.2]]<section end=beastmens seal/>
<section begin=kindreds seal/>* Kindred seals weren't storable with [[Shami]] until September 2008. [https://www.bg-wiki.com/ffxi/The_History_of_Final_Fantasy_XI/2008 source].<section end=kindreds seal/>

=== Regular Mobs ===
* Mob distribution in some zones has been changed. Instances of both mobs being moved and/or removed.
* [[:Category:Horizon Custom Content/Monsters|New mobs]] have been added to many zones to increase the amount of xping locations.
* The respawn time of certain [[Respawn Time|Dungeon]] type mobs has been reduced to 5 minutes, in line with outdoor zone respawn times. However, this change is '''NOT''' across the board for all dungeon mobs. Mob pages are continually updated when respawn times are verified.

=== Notorious Monsters ===
* The [[???]] for [[Forced Spawn]] notorious monsters have a respawn time of 2 minutes, as of [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023|Patch 1.2 part 1]].
** "The respawn time of many ???s across the world has been lowered to 2 minutes. This includes many ???s used in end game content." It is currently unknown whether this change applies to some or all NM ??? pops.
* Various notorious monsters have claimshield in place.

== Endgame ==
===Sky===
* [[Despot]] has a 2 hour cooldown (reduced) before the lottery re-opens. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* [[Steam Cleaner]] has a 2 hour cooldown (reduced) before the lottery re-opens. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* [[Zipacna]] respawns 2-3 hours (reduced) after its previous death. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* [[Mother Globe]] respawns 2-3 hours (reduced) after its previous death. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* [[Faust]] respawns 2-3 hours (reduced) after its previous death. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* [[Curtana]] ??? respawns 2-3 hours (reduced) after being found. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* [[Ullikummi]] is force spawned by trading a diorite to its corresponding ???. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* [[Diorite]]s drop from [[Aura Statue]]s at a rate of 1%. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

* [[Kirin]] will always drop at least 1 abjuration. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

===Limbus===
* [[Cosmo-Cleanse]] can be obtained just short of every 72 hours. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* The Armoury Crate spawned by defeating [[Proto-Ultima]] will now always drop a [[Silver Chip]], [[Cerulean Chip]], or [[Orchid Chip]]. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* The damage of Proto-Ultima's [[Holy II]] has been increased. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* [[Citadel Buster]] will now always begin casting once Proto-Ultima reaches 20% health. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

===Sea===
* [[Ix'aern (Dark Knight)]] will not reraise itself more than 20 times per spawn. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]

===Dynamis===
* The level range of monsters in Dynamis zones has been tightened and the maximum level range of Dynamis monsters has been increased. The purpose of this change is to make Dynamis monsters more challenging. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
* New NPCs added: [[Billrox]], [[Bronzvox]] and [[Sheltrix]]. Each will convert one hundred pieces of Dynamis Currency into single pieces of currency. - [[Patch Notes: April 14th 2023|Version 1.1]]
<section begin=Dynamis/>* [[Dynamis - Bastok]], [[Dynamis - Jeuno]], [[Dynamis - San d'Oria]] & [[Dynamis - Windurst]] have had their average ancient currency yields lowered by roughly eight percent. - [[Patch Notes: June 15th 2024|Version 1.2.2]]
* [[Dynamis - Buburimu]], [[Dynamis - Qufim]] & [[Dynamis - Valkurm]] have had their average ancient currency yields increased by roughly sixty percent. - [[Patch Notes: June 15th 2024|Version 1.2.2]]<section end=Dynamis/>
==== [[Dynamis Lord]] ====
* Now drops at least ONE 100 piece.

==== [[Dynamis - Tavnazia]] ====
* The era+ item {{Item Tooltip|Sack of Dream Sand}} has been confirmed to drop from [[Diabolos Heart]]. It is suspected but needs verification that is also drops from Diabolos Club/Diamond/Spade.
* The era+ items [[Dream Collar]] and [[Dream Ribbon]] are confirmed to drop from [[Diabolos Spade]]. It is suspected but needs verification that is also drops from Diabolos Club/Diamond/Heart.

=== HNM ===
*The three kings have been moved back to their original zones of [[Dragon's Aery]], [[Valley of Sorrows]], and [[Behemoth's Dominion]]. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023|Update 11/17/2023]]
* The three kings have had their respawn changed to be every 22-23 hours, with 10 minute spawn windows.
==== [[Aspidochelone]] ====
* Now drops the custom item {{Item Tooltip|Ancient Adamantoise Egg}}.
* See [[Aspidochelone|Aspid's]] page for information it's era+ mechanic changes.


== System ==
* All [[Auction House]]s are linked and each character has a 21 item limit.
* [[Bazaar]] tax is set to 10% across the world.
* Yells only appear in the log whilst being inside a town or city zone.
* Items inside a players [[Storage]] can be accessed in [[Jeuno]] as well as their home nation.
<section begin=Mog Wardrobe/>* [[Mog Wardrobe]]s 1 & 2 can be obtained via certain progress conditions. See the page for further details. This wasn't available until well beyond Horizon's current era.
* Wardrobe 8 is now available but only for storing cosmetic items. - [[Patch Notes: November 17th 2023| Version 1.2]]<section end=Mog Wardrobe/>
<section begin=Mog Satchel/>* [[Mog Satchel]] is available by linking your [https://discord.gg/horizonxi Discord] and in-game character.<section end=Mog Satchel/>
* Players may have 2 linkshells equipped at the same time.
* Key items sort into 4 categories: [[:Category:Temporary_Key_Items|Temporary Key Items]], [[:Category:Permanent Key Items|Permanent Key Items]], [[:Category:Claim_Slips|Claim Slips]] and [[:Category:Magical_Maps|Magical Maps]]. These categories were only introduced in June 2007 ([https://www.bg-wiki.com/ffxi/The_History_of_Final_Fantasy_XI/2007 source]).
* Macro books were only introduced in November 2007 ([https://www.bg-wiki.com/ffxi/The_History_of_Final_Fantasy_XI/2007 source]).
* [[Mog House]] exit cutscenes are disabled and Mog House home points are enabled.
<section begin=rareex/>* [[Exclusive]] items '''cannot''' be delivered to characters on the same account unlike on retail where they can.<section end=rareex/>
* {{Item Tooltip|Lynx Leather}} for the quest [[The Gobbiebag Part VII]] was only available during the Wings of the Goddess era but can be obtained on Horizon via the crafting of [[HENM]] drops.

=== Commands ===
<section begin=Commands/>* New [[:Category:Commands|command]] - [[Command/!unstuck|!unstuck]]
* New [[:Category:Commands|command]] - [[Command/!uptime|!uptime]]
* The command [[Command/bstpet|bstpet]] is available. It was only available much later than the CoP era.<section end=Commands/>

=== NPCs: ===
* All [[Outpost Teleportation]] NPCs have been located in their era accurate positions. Their locations were adjusted in December 2008 ([https://www.bg-wiki.com/ffxi/The_History_of_Final_Fantasy_XI/2008 source]).
* New [[Outpost Teleportation]] NPCs have been added to Jeuno. See [[Twinkstix]]/[[Burnstix]]/[[Sprinkstix]].
* Two new Warp Tarus have been added to [[Windurst Woods]] - [[Port Windurst]]. See [[Polo-Colo]]/[[Mumbo-Bumbo]].
* The [[Chocobo]] rental NPCs in [[Yhoator Jungle]] and [[Eastern Altepa Desert]] are out of era, only being introduced in June 2007 ([https://www.bg-wiki.com/ffxi/The_History_of_Final_Fantasy_XI/2007 source])!
* [[Nomad Moogle]]s in Selbina and Mhaura were only added in June 2008 ([https://www.bg-wiki.com/ffxi/The_History_of_Final_Fantasy_XI/2008 source]).

== Claimed adjustments from their website. ==

=== Server Settings ===

* '''Launch Expansion''': Chains of Promathia ("CoP")
* '''Level Cap''': 75
* '''Launch Patch Date''': April 17, 2006 (day before ToAU update)
* '''Accounts/Characters''': 1 account (single box) and 3 characters per IP address
* '''Movement Speed''': 40 - Level 75 cap era default movement speed (-20% speed)
* '''Experience Rates''': 1.0 - Wings of the Goddess (“WoTG”) EXP rates
* '''Crafting Rates''': 1.0
* '''Level Sync''': Launch System - Unlimited Sync with scaling penalty (see “System: Level Sync” section below)
* '''Equipment Scaling (Level Sync)''': Disabled
* '''Auction House''': Stocked by players - 21 item limit per character
* '''Fishing''': Enabled
* '''Gardening''': Enabled
* '''Chocobo Digging''': Enabled
* '''Dynamis''': CoP era with 71 hour lockout (reduced from 72), rumors state it is an entirely new system built by the devs from scratch.
* '''Claim Shield''': Added to prominent NMs to provide a fair playing experience for all players. HorizonXI uses a lottery based claim shield system where each person has the opportunity to act on the mob once for a chance to claim the monster. After all players have acted and the claim window has closed, the monster will randomly select one person who acted on it and give them the claim. Multiple actions taken on a monster during the lottery do not increase your chances at claiming - each person can only enter the claim lottery once before the lottery window ends.
* '''Inventory Expansions''': Mog Wardrobes 1 and 2, and Mog Satchel to be unlocked by completing certain objectives (see “System: Inventory Expansion” section below)
* '''Treasure Hunter''': Era accurate (we used SE's official Treasure Hunter chart to build our system)
* '''Era accurate drop rates''': Drop rates for all items have been adjusted to reflect the era experience more accurately

== Verification Needed ==
* [[Counterstance]] reduces more defense than normal and doesn't give any positive buffs.
* Gravity movement speed issues. Fixed with update on 03/03/2023? {{Verification}}

== Horizon/Retail DATs Comparison ==
This section will be viewable following completion of the code rebase to ensure the highest accuracy of the data.

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2025-12-03T17:42:10Z

.riverking: /* Elemental Magic */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. Deals damage and heals you so can't complain. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Mission Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% MND'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

<big><big><center>'''Weapons'''</center></big></big>

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2025-12-03T17:01:20Z

.riverking: /* Spells */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. Deals damage and heals you so can't complain. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% MND'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

<big><big><center>'''Weapons'''</center></big></big>

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2025-12-03T17:00:15Z

.riverking: /* Abilities */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% MND'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

<big><big><center>'''Weapons'''</center></big></big>

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2025-11-17T21:18:51Z

.riverking:

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% MND'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

<big><big><center>'''Weapons'''</center></big></big>

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2025-11-17T21:18:21Z

.riverking:

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% MND'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

<big><big><center>'''Weapons'''</center></big></big>

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Test

https://horizonffxi.wiki/w/index.php?title=Special:Equipsets&race=1&mlvl=75&slvl=37&mjob=8&sjob=12&merits=eyIyIjoiOCIsIjgiOiI1IiwiODYiOiI4IiwiMTY1IjoiNCJ9&equipment=MTgwNTIsMXwwLDF8MCwxfDE4MTM5LDF8MTM5MjgsMXwxNTQ5NiwxfDE0ODEzLDF8MTQ3NDEsMXwxNDM3MSwxfDE0MDIyLDF8MTMzMDUsMXwxNTU0MywxfDEzNjkwLDF8MTUyOTQsMXwxNTQwMSwxfDE1MzU5LDE%3D

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2025-11-17T20:21:45Z

.riverking: /* Weapon skills */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% MND'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

<big><big><center>'''Weapons'''</center></big></big>

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2025-11-17T20:21:01Z

.riverking: /* Weapon skills */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

<big><big><center>'''Weapons'''</center></big></big>

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T21:15:10Z

.riverking: /* Weapons and X-Hit */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

<big><big><center>'''Weapons'''</center></big></big>

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T21:14:16Z

.riverking: /* Merits */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big><center>'''Group 1 Merits'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big><center>'''General Merits'''</center></big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T21:13:35Z

.riverking: /* Weapon skills */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big>'''Group 1 Merits'''</big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big>'''General Merits'''</big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big><center>'''Scythe'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big><center>'''Great Sword'''</center></big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T21:12:38Z

.riverking: /* Weapon skills */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big>'''Group 1 Merits'''</big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big>'''General Merits'''</big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.

<big><big>'''Scythe'''</big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

<big><big>'''Great Sword'''</big></big>
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T21:12:02Z

.riverking: /* Merits */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
<big><big>'''Group 1 Merits'''</big></big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

<big><big>'''General Merits'''</big></big>

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T21:11:04Z

.riverking: /* Sub Jobs */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
<big>'''Samurai'''</big>

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

<big>'''Ninja'''</big>

I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

<big>'''Thief'''</big>

Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 
Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

<big>'''Warrior'''</big>

Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM

<big>'''Ranger'''</big>

If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.

<big>'''Dragoon'''</big>

Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

=== General Merit Points ===

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T21:03:30Z

.riverking: /* Weapon skills */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
=== Samurai ===

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

=== General Merit Points ===

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''[[Guillotine]]'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''[[Cross Reaper]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Spiral Hell]]'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''[[Catastrophe]]'''
| Requires [[Apocalypse]]. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''[[Shockwave]]'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''[[Spinning Slash]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''[[Ground Strike]]'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''[[Scourge]]'''
| Requires [[Ragnarok]]. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:59:23Z

.riverking: /* Introduction */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =

Hello! My IGN is '''Riverking''', and I’m a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI. I’ve taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame, serving as both a tank and a damage dealer (DD).

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD, capable of far more than most people realize. A skilled Dark Knight can contribute the following to your team:

# '''Heavy DD''' – ignoring everything else below, you’ll still deal excellent damage with proper gear.
# '''Crowd Control''' – Dark Knight can contribute multiple forms of crowd control:
#* '''Sleeps and Binds''' – I frequently use Sleep in Dynamis if needed, and I’ve successfully landed Bind on Byakko many times. Well-placed crowd control can prevent full party wipes.
#* '''Stuns''' – With access to two stuns, Dark Knight has powerful tools to interrupt enemy abilities, stun is one of the strongest tools in the game.
# '''Tanking Ability''' – I’ve tanked in HNMs, HENMs, Sea, and Sky content.
# '''Debuff with Absorbs''' – Situational but can be very useful in the right scenario.

If you’re looking for more insights into Dark Knight, check out the fantastic guide by [https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras], which was made for Eden. However, I wanted to create a guide tailored to Horizon XI, as we are still in the pre-ToAU era and have unique Era+ changes.

Thank you for reading! If you notice any errors or have feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Discord: .riverking

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
=== Samurai ===

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

=== General Merit Points ===

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:51:03Z

.riverking:

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into all parts of endgame as both a tank and a DD.

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
=== Samurai ===

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

=== General Merit Points ===

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:48:39Z

.riverking: /* Samurai */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
=== Samurai ===

The '''[[Samurai]]''' subjob is the most commonly used for '''[[Dark Knight]]''', and for good reason. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it’s so impactful:

1. '''[[Hasso]]'''
provides +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. While there’s a penalty for using it (explained in the Spells section), the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

2. '''[[Meditate]]'''
generates 600 TP every three minutes. Need I say more?

3. '''[[Zanshin]]'''
can proc after a miss and will swing again. Effectively increasing your overall accuracy.

4. '''[[Store TP]]'''
is crucial for achieving your desired X-Hit build. You gain +15 Store TP from this trait.

5. '''[[Third Eye]]'''
Grants a free "shadow" every 60 seconds, which is invaluable for mitigating damage when you pull hate. Technically not a shadow, you can't anticipate spells. But it's great for any single target physical hit.

6. '''[[Seigan]]'''
Works in conjunction with Third Eye. It allows a chance that Third Eye won't be consumed when hit, and it can also trigger a counterattack, providing a free hit. (Which is blunt damage btw. Looking at you SE Apollyon Slimes)

'''Note:'''
'''[[Hasso]]''' and '''[[Seigan]]''' function like stances. They have a short recast time and long duration, allowing for 100% uptime. However, they share a recast timer, meaning you must choose between an offensive stance (Hasso) and a defensive stance (Seigan).

For any Dark Knight using a two-handed weapon, Samurai is the clear choice for subjob.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

=== General Merit Points ===

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:38:10Z

.riverking: /* Dragoon */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg and at low level as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

=== General Merit Points ===

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:37:31Z

.riverking: /* Group 1 Merits */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Merit !! Effect !! Recommendation
|-
| '''Souleater Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.
If you're a Souleater enthusiast or tanking on DRK, this is excellent for accessing spike enmity more often.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Last Resort Effect
|-
| '''Last Resort Recast''' || Reduces the recast of Last Resort by 10 seconds per upgrade.
This is highly recommended for all Dark Knights, especially with the addition of Desperate Blows.
|| '''5/5'''
|-
| '''Last Resort Effect''' || Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.
Fully merited, it provides an additional +10% Attack.
|| '''5/5 or 0/5''' – Choose between this or Souleater Recast
|-
| '''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast''' || Minimal usefulness. Not recommended.
|| '''0/5'''
|}

=== General Merit Points ===

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:35:54Z

.riverking: /* General Merit Points */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===

'''1. Scythe Skill''':
Increases your Scythe Skill by +16 when fully capped. This is essential for maximizing your damage. Skill level directly translate into accuracy and attack. 

'''2. Critical Hit Rate''':
Increases your critical hit rate by +5% when fully capped. Critical hits are a major factor in boosting your overall damage output. 

'''3. Strength''':
Strength is one of the most impactful attributes in the game due to it being involved in so many formulas. Maxing out your STR merits will improve your damage. 

'''4. Max HP''':
More HP means more damage for your Souleater ability, and it also helps you survive longer in fights. If you plan on tanking, then do this before STR. 

'''5. Dark Skill''':
Boosting your Dark Magic skill increases the potency of Drains and enhances the accuracy of Absorb spells. 
'''The remaining points can be allocated however you prefer.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:27:59Z

.riverking: /* Weapons and X-Hit */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===
'''1. Scythe Skill'''
* Provides +16 Scythe Skill when capped - this is a must have.
'''2. Critical Hit Rate'''
* Provides +5% critical hit rate when capped. Critical hits are a huge boon to your damage.
'''3. Strength'''
* Strength is one of the most potent attributes in the game. Very worth getting your STR merited.
'''4. Max HP'''
* The more HP you have the more damage your Souleater does. Also you have more HP so you'll die less.
'''5. Dark Skill'''
* Increases your Dark skill will make your Drains more potent and increase the accuracy of your Absorb spells. Very nice.

'''Do whatever you want with your remaining points.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit refers to the number of attacks needed to generate 1000 TP, which allows you to perform a weapon skill. Optimizing your X-Hit build significantly boosts your overall DPS.

'''How do we reduce our X-Hit?''' 
For '''scythes''', the goal is to achieve a 6-hit build. We accomplish this by stacking '''Store TP''', and this is where '''/SAM''' shines, providing +15 Store TP as a base.

For '''great swords''', the goal is typically a 7-hit build, though some swords can reach a 6-hit. However, you should be careful not to sacrifice too many other stats to achieve it.

The maximum Store TP you can stack is +28, achieved by combining /SAM, Rajas Ring, Atilla's Earring, Brutal Earring, and eating Carbonara.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

''' <big>Weapons</big>'''

{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:13:07Z

.riverking: /* Test( Ignore ) */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===
'''1. Scythe Skill'''
* Provides +16 Scythe Skill when capped - this is a must have.
'''2. Critical Hit Rate'''
* Provides +5% critical hit rate when capped. Critical hits are a huge boon to your damage.
'''3. Strength'''
* Strength is one of the most potent attributes in the game. Very worth getting your STR merited.
'''4. Max HP'''
* The more HP you have the more damage your Souleater does. Also you have more HP so you'll die less.
'''5. Dark Skill'''
* Increases your Dark skill will make your Drains more potent and increase the accuracy of your Absorb spells. Very nice.

'''Do whatever you want with your remaining points.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
=== Weapons ===
{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

=== X-Hit ===
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit is how many hits you require to gain 1000% TP to be able to execute a weapon skill. Your X-hit contributes greatly to your DPS as a whole. 
'''How do we increase our X-Hit?''' 
The goal for scythe is a 6-hit and we gain that via [[Store TP]] which is another reason why /SAM is so good because it gives us a foundation of +15 [[Store TP]] 
The goal for great sword is generally a 7-hit but on some swords, you can hit 6-hit. Just don't sacrifice too much for it.

The most Store TP we can get is +28 with /SAM, Rajas, Atilla, Brutal, and Carbonara. {{verification}}
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:12:48Z

.riverking: /* Test( Ignore ) */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===
'''1. Scythe Skill'''
* Provides +16 Scythe Skill when capped - this is a must have.
'''2. Critical Hit Rate'''
* Provides +5% critical hit rate when capped. Critical hits are a huge boon to your damage.
'''3. Strength'''
* Strength is one of the most potent attributes in the game. Very worth getting your STR merited.
'''4. Max HP'''
* The more HP you have the more damage your Souleater does. Also you have more HP so you'll die less.
'''5. Dark Skill'''
* Increases your Dark skill will make your Drains more potent and increase the accuracy of your Absorb spells. Very nice.

'''Do whatever you want with your remaining points.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
=== Weapons ===
{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

=== X-Hit ===
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit is how many hits you require to gain 1000% TP to be able to execute a weapon skill. Your X-hit contributes greatly to your DPS as a whole. 
'''How do we increase our X-Hit?''' 
The goal for scythe is a 6-hit and we gain that via [[Store TP]] which is another reason why /SAM is so good because it gives us a foundation of +15 [[Store TP]] 
The goal for great sword is generally a 7-hit but on some swords, you can hit 6-hit. Just don't sacrifice too much for it.

The most Store TP we can get is +28 with /SAM, Rajas, Atilla, Brutal, and Carbonara. {{verification}}
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

= Test( Ignore ) =
 
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - [http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321 FFXIAH Set Link]</big>
|-
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png|center|200px]]
!
'''Goal:''' The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste.
|}
 
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
 
<big> New Format</big>
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Slot !! Best in Slot !! Alternatives
|-
| **Head** || Homam Zuchetto || Optical Hat, Horus Helm, Ace's Helm
|-
| **Body** || Adaman Hauberk || Haubergeon/+1, Assault Jerkin
|-
| **Hands** || Homam Manopolas || Dusk Gloves, Dusk Gloves +1
|-
| **Legs** || Homam Cosciales || Adaman Breeches, Thick Breeches/+1
|-
| **Feet** || Dusk Ledelsens +1 || Homam Gambieras, Dusk Ledelsens
|-
| **Neck** || Peacock Charm || Royal Guard's Collar, Justice Torque
|-
| **Waist** || Speed Belt || Swift Belt, Quick Belt
|-
| **Earrings** || Brutal Earring || Assault Earring, Abyssal Earring
|-
| **Ring 1** || Toreador's Ring || Blitz Ring, Rajas Ring
|-
| **Ring 2** || Rajas Ring || Victory Ring, Triumph Ring
|-
| **Back** || Amemet Mantle +1 || Forager's Mantle
|-
| **Weapon** || Tredecim Scythe || Death Scythe +1, Orichalcum Scythe
|}

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:12:03Z

.riverking: /* Gear Set */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===
'''1. Scythe Skill'''
* Provides +16 Scythe Skill when capped - this is a must have.
'''2. Critical Hit Rate'''
* Provides +5% critical hit rate when capped. Critical hits are a huge boon to your damage.
'''3. Strength'''
* Strength is one of the most potent attributes in the game. Very worth getting your STR merited.
'''4. Max HP'''
* The more HP you have the more damage your Souleater does. Also you have more HP so you'll die less.
'''5. Dark Skill'''
* Increases your Dark skill will make your Drains more potent and increase the accuracy of your Absorb spells. Very nice.

'''Do whatever you want with your remaining points.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
=== Weapons ===
{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

=== X-Hit ===
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit is how many hits you require to gain 1000% TP to be able to execute a weapon skill. Your X-hit contributes greatly to your DPS as a whole. 
'''How do we increase our X-Hit?''' 
The goal for scythe is a 6-hit and we gain that via [[Store TP]] which is another reason why /SAM is so good because it gives us a foundation of +15 [[Store TP]] 
The goal for great sword is generally a 7-hit but on some swords, you can hit 6-hit. Just don't sacrifice too much for it.

The most Store TP we can get is +28 with /SAM, Rajas, Atilla, Brutal, and Carbonara. {{verification}}
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

= Test( Ignore ) =
 
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - [http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321 FFXIAH Set Link]</big>
|-
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png|center|200px]]
!
'''Goal:''' The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste.
|}
 
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Gear Set ===

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Slot !! Best in Slot !! Alternatives
|-
| **Head** || Homam Zuchetto || Optical Hat, Horus Helm, Ace's Helm
|-
| **Body** || Adaman Hauberk || Haubergeon/+1, Assault Jerkin
|-
| **Hands** || Homam Manopolas || Dusk Gloves, Dusk Gloves +1
|-
| **Legs** || Homam Cosciales || Adaman Breeches, Thick Breeches/+1
|-
| **Feet** || Dusk Ledelsens +1 || Homam Gambieras, Dusk Ledelsens
|-
| **Neck** || Peacock Charm || Royal Guard's Collar, Justice Torque
|-
| **Waist** || Speed Belt || Swift Belt, Quick Belt
|-
| **Earrings** || Brutal Earring || Assault Earring, Abyssal Earring
|-
| **Ring 1** || Toreador's Ring || Blitz Ring, Rajas Ring
|-
| **Ring 2** || Rajas Ring || Victory Ring, Triumph Ring
|-
| **Back** || Amemet Mantle +1 || Forager's Mantle
|-
| **Weapon** || Tredecim Scythe || Death Scythe +1, Orichalcum Scythe
|}

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:11:15Z

.riverking: /* Gear Set */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===
'''1. Scythe Skill'''
* Provides +16 Scythe Skill when capped - this is a must have.
'''2. Critical Hit Rate'''
* Provides +5% critical hit rate when capped. Critical hits are a huge boon to your damage.
'''3. Strength'''
* Strength is one of the most potent attributes in the game. Very worth getting your STR merited.
'''4. Max HP'''
* The more HP you have the more damage your Souleater does. Also you have more HP so you'll die less.
'''5. Dark Skill'''
* Increases your Dark skill will make your Drains more potent and increase the accuracy of your Absorb spells. Very nice.

'''Do whatever you want with your remaining points.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
=== Weapons ===
{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

=== X-Hit ===
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit is how many hits you require to gain 1000% TP to be able to execute a weapon skill. Your X-hit contributes greatly to your DPS as a whole. 
'''How do we increase our X-Hit?''' 
The goal for scythe is a 6-hit and we gain that via [[Store TP]] which is another reason why /SAM is so good because it gives us a foundation of +15 [[Store TP]] 
The goal for great sword is generally a 7-hit but on some swords, you can hit 6-hit. Just don't sacrifice too much for it.

The most Store TP we can get is +28 with /SAM, Rajas, Atilla, Brutal, and Carbonara. {{verification}}
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

=== Gear Set ===
 
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - [http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321 FFXIAH Set Link]</big>
|-
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png|center|200px]]
!
'''Goal:''' The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste.
|}
 
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Gear Set ===

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Slot !! Best in Slot !! Alternatives
|-
| **Head** || Homam Zuchetto || Optical Hat, Horus Helm, Ace's Helm
|-
| **Body** || Adaman Hauberk || Haubergeon/+1, Assault Jerkin
|-
| **Hands** || Homam Manopolas || Dusk Gloves, Dusk Gloves +1
|-
| **Legs** || Homam Cosciales || Adaman Breeches, Thick Breeches/+1
|-
| **Feet** || Dusk Ledelsens +1 || Homam Gambieras, Dusk Ledelsens
|-
| **Neck** || Peacock Charm || Royal Guard's Collar, Justice Torque
|-
| **Waist** || Speed Belt || Swift Belt, Quick Belt
|-
| **Earrings** || Brutal Earring || Assault Earring, Abyssal Earring
|-
| **Ring 1** || Toreador's Ring || Blitz Ring, Rajas Ring
|-
| **Ring 2** || Rajas Ring || Victory Ring, Triumph Ring
|-
| **Back** || Amemet Mantle +1 || Forager's Mantle
|-
| **Weapon** || Tredecim Scythe || Death Scythe +1, Orichalcum Scythe
|}

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:10:41Z

.riverking: /* test (ignore) */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===
'''1. Scythe Skill'''
* Provides +16 Scythe Skill when capped - this is a must have.
'''2. Critical Hit Rate'''
* Provides +5% critical hit rate when capped. Critical hits are a huge boon to your damage.
'''3. Strength'''
* Strength is one of the most potent attributes in the game. Very worth getting your STR merited.
'''4. Max HP'''
* The more HP you have the more damage your Souleater does. Also you have more HP so you'll die less.
'''5. Dark Skill'''
* Increases your Dark skill will make your Drains more potent and increase the accuracy of your Absorb spells. Very nice.

'''Do whatever you want with your remaining points.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
=== Weapons ===
{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

=== X-Hit ===
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit is how many hits you require to gain 1000% TP to be able to execute a weapon skill. Your X-hit contributes greatly to your DPS as a whole. 
'''How do we increase our X-Hit?''' 
The goal for scythe is a 6-hit and we gain that via [[Store TP]] which is another reason why /SAM is so good because it gives us a foundation of +15 [[Store TP]] 
The goal for great sword is generally a 7-hit but on some swords, you can hit 6-hit. Just don't sacrifice too much for it.

The most Store TP we can get is +28 with /SAM, Rajas, Atilla, Brutal, and Carbonara. {{verification}}
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

=== Gear Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - [http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321 FFXIAH Set Link]</big>
|-
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png|center|200px]]
!
'''Goal:''' The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste.
|}
 
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Gear Set ===

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Slot !! Best in Slot !! Alternatives
|-
| **Head** || Homam Zuchetto || Optical Hat, Horus Helm, Ace's Helm
|-
| **Body** || Adaman Hauberk || Haubergeon/+1, Assault Jerkin
|-
| **Hands** || Homam Manopolas || Dusk Gloves, Dusk Gloves +1
|-
| **Legs** || Homam Cosciales || Adaman Breeches, Thick Breeches/+1
|-
| **Feet** || Dusk Ledelsens +1 || Homam Gambieras, Dusk Ledelsens
|-
| **Neck** || Peacock Charm || Royal Guard's Collar, Justice Torque
|-
| **Waist** || Speed Belt || Swift Belt, Quick Belt
|-
| **Earrings** || Brutal Earring || Assault Earring, Abyssal Earring
|-
| **Ring 1** || Toreador's Ring || Blitz Ring, Rajas Ring
|-
| **Ring 2** || Rajas Ring || Victory Ring, Triumph Ring
|-
| **Back** || Amemet Mantle +1 || Forager's Mantle
|-
| **Weapon** || Tredecim Scythe || Death Scythe +1, Orichalcum Scythe
|}

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:09:43Z

.riverking: /* test (ignore) */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===
'''1. Scythe Skill'''
* Provides +16 Scythe Skill when capped - this is a must have.
'''2. Critical Hit Rate'''
* Provides +5% critical hit rate when capped. Critical hits are a huge boon to your damage.
'''3. Strength'''
* Strength is one of the most potent attributes in the game. Very worth getting your STR merited.
'''4. Max HP'''
* The more HP you have the more damage your Souleater does. Also you have more HP so you'll die less.
'''5. Dark Skill'''
* Increases your Dark skill will make your Drains more potent and increase the accuracy of your Absorb spells. Very nice.

'''Do whatever you want with your remaining points.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
=== Weapons ===
{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

=== X-Hit ===
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit is how many hits you require to gain 1000% TP to be able to execute a weapon skill. Your X-hit contributes greatly to your DPS as a whole. 
'''How do we increase our X-Hit?''' 
The goal for scythe is a 6-hit and we gain that via [[Store TP]] which is another reason why /SAM is so good because it gives us a foundation of +15 [[Store TP]] 
The goal for great sword is generally a 7-hit but on some swords, you can hit 6-hit. Just don't sacrifice too much for it.

The most Store TP we can get is +28 with /SAM, Rajas, Atilla, Brutal, and Carbonara. {{verification}}
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

=test (ignore)=
=== Gear Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - [http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321 FFXIAH Set Link]</big>
|-
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png|center|200px]]
!
'''Goal:''' The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Gear Set ===

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Slot !! Best in Slot !! Alternatives
|-
| **Head** || Homam Zuchetto || Optical Hat, Horus Helm, Ace's Helm
|-
| **Body** || Adaman Hauberk || Haubergeon/+1, Assault Jerkin
|-
| **Hands** || Homam Manopolas || Dusk Gloves, Dusk Gloves +1
|-
| **Legs** || Homam Cosciales || Adaman Breeches, Thick Breeches/+1
|-
| **Feet** || Dusk Ledelsens +1 || Homam Gambieras, Dusk Ledelsens
|-
| **Neck** || Peacock Charm || Royal Guard's Collar, Justice Torque
|-
| **Waist** || Speed Belt || Swift Belt, Quick Belt
|-
| **Earrings** || Brutal Earring || Assault Earring, Abyssal Earring
|-
| **Ring 1** || Toreador's Ring || Blitz Ring, Rajas Ring
|-
| **Ring 2** || Rajas Ring || Victory Ring, Triumph Ring
|-
| **Back** || Amemet Mantle +1 || Forager's Mantle
|-
| **Weapon** || Tredecim Scythe || Death Scythe +1, Orichalcum Scythe
|}

Dark Knight Guide by Riverking

2024-10-28T20:04:09Z

.riverking: /* test */

<div class="toaulive">
= Introduction =
Hello! My IGN is Riverking and I'm a Dark Knight main on Horizon XI that has taken Dark Knight into end game content. Only just recently have I found link shells for this content so soon enough I will have completed everything on Dark Knight. This is what I've done thus far on Dark Knight on Horizon. 

1. All HNMs 
2. All T1 HENMs 
3. All of Sky 
4. All of Sea/Limbus 
5. All of Dynamis 

Dark Knight is an incredibly versatile heavy DD that can do more than people realize. A competent Dark Knight will bring the following to your team: 

1. Heavy DD - even if you don't use your utility, you will still do excellent damage when geared 
2. Sleeps and Binds - I sleep enemies in Dyna and I've even landed a bind on Byakko multiple times. These things can prevent full party wipes when well-placed 
3. Two Stuns - Stuns are '''very''' good 
4. Able to Tank - I've tanked on HNMs, HENMs, Sea and Sky. 
5. Debuff with Absorbs - situational but can be beneficial 

'''[https://classicffxi.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight_Guide_by_Falaras Falaras] has a fantastic guide for Dark Knight that was created for Eden. However I wanted to create one from the perspective of Horizon as we aren't in ToAU-era yet and we have unique Era+ changes here on Horizon. Thank you for reading!'''

'''If you see any errors or criticisms please reach out to me on Discord: .riverking'''

= Horizon Changes {{changes}} =
{{#section:Category:Horizon Changes|Dark Knight}}
<div class="flex-container">
<div class="flex-container-item-2>

= Abilities =
'''[[Blood Weapon]]'''
 
'''Level''': 1 '''Recast''': 2:00:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
A [[Dark Knight]]'s [[Two Hour Ability]]. When activated it will drain HP equal to the damage dealt to the target. Does not work on undead.

Useful in a Zerging situation in conjunction with [[Souleater]]. Without a multihit weapon like BZagh, Ridill, MKris, or KClub it is actually fairly weak. However, it has saved my life before in a pinch. It has also completely let me down too.

'''[[Arcane Circle]]'''{{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 5 '''Recast''': 10:00 '''Duration''': 3:00
 
Grants a 15% bonus to resistance, defense, and attack against Arcana to party members within area of effect.

Grants +15 [[Arcana Killer]] to you and each of your party members.

On Horizon, Arcane Circle will also provide protection against magic aggro during it's duration. For example, you can use Arcane Circle and your WHM can cast Protectra on your party while right next to an elemental and you will not get aggro.

'''Enhances "Arcane Circle" effect''' found on [[Chaos Sollerets]] and [[Chaos Sollerets +1]] will add 50s to the duration of Arcane Circle.

'''[[Last Resort]] and [[Desperate Blows]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 15 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 1:00
 
When active, increases attack by roughly 15% and decreases defense by the same amount.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you. Use this ability on cooldown but use it '''before''' you attack the enemy to prevent you gaining all that enmity.

'''[[Desperate Blows]]''' is a group 2 merit from the ToAU expansion. It has been Era+'d into our trait pool as a direct buff to DRK. This trait reduces the delay for two-handed weapons while [[Last Resort]] is active. This is considered "job ability" haste and will grant 15% JA Haste to you.

'''Enhances "Last Resort" effect''' found on [[Abyss Sollerets]] and [[Abyss Sollerets +1]] decreases the defense penalty by 10%. Due to the fact that you have to keep them equipped to retain this effect - I do '''not''' recommend using them outside of an Enfeebling Set.

'''[[Weapon Bash]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': Instant
 
Instant stun that is 100% accurate(unless the target is immune to stun) on a 5 minute recast. Stuns are incredibly valuable so be sure to look out for opportunties to use this ability. The duration on this stun is longer than the [[Stun]] spell.

Use it selfishly when you inevitably pull hate. Use it to stun -ga spells. Use it to stun dangerous monster TP moves. If you're bad at recognizing situations when you need it just '''use''' it.

'''"Weapon Bash" +10''' found on [[Chaos Gauntlets]] and [[Chaos Gauntlets +1]] simply increases the damage of Weapon Bash by 10. Might as well use it but not that great.

Note: This requires a two-handed weapon. So if you are /NIN with axes or in a zerg using a one-handed weapon. You will not beable to use Weapon Bash.

'''[[Souleater]]''' {{changes}}
 
'''Level''': 30 '''Recast''': 5:00 '''Duration''': 30s
 
Consumed 10% of your HP per hit and converts that amount directly into damage.

While active it also grants the user 25 accuracy.

Will activate on Weapon Skills, including multi-hit ones. Meaning [[Guillotine]] will convert 40% of your current HP into extra damage. It will use your initial HP for all of these conversions. For example, if you have 1000 HP, and you use Souleater+Guillotine, you will be dropped to 600 HP and your Guillotine will do 400 extra damage.

Generates 1300 Cumulative Enmity which means that it can easily pull aggro from the tank onto you.

'''Enhances "Souleater" effect''' is found on [[Chaos Burgeonet]], [[Chaos Burgeonet +1]], and [[Gloom Breastplate]]. This increases the HP consumed by 2% for a total of 12%. One of these items is required to be stay equipped during Souleater's duration to gain this effect. Once you get Haste in your helm slot, it's not worth using the Burgeonets outside of weaponskills. The Gloom Breastplate is preferred once you have Haste in your helm slot.

This is the ability that gives Dark Knight the reputation that it has and every Dark Knight uses their Souleater differently. I've noticed three archetypes of Souleater usage.
=== The Souleater Enthusiast ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater on cooldown. They play a high-risk high-reward game each time they use Souleater and they love it. Healers on the other hand hate this DRK and in their defense it is very taxing on their MP pools.

With coordination and a willing team this DRK can speed things up. Otherwise, they might slow things down.

=== The Weaponskiller ===
This Dark Knight will use Souleater directly before their Weapon Skill. They will likely keep it on until they pull hate then immediately turn it off. They may even wait until the enemy is low HP so that there is virtually no threat to them.

This is a safe way to use Souleater without your party hating you too much. You're losing some potential on the ability but in an uncoordinated setting this is likely preferred by many players.
=== The Scaredy Cat===
This Dark Knight will never use Souleater. They don't even have it macro'd in because they're too scared to use it given Dark Knights reputation to die all the time.

Don't be this Dark Knight. Communicate with your team and work your way into using it for weapon skills. You'll get more comfortable using Souleater the more you use it.

= Spells =
=== Hasso and Seigan ===
You will likely always be in Hasso or Seigan while doing end game content due to /SAM. These abilities will '''increase''' cast times and recast times by 50% which is a massive penalty. If you're in a situation where your group is expecting you to stun or sleep something, then I would make sure that you are removing Hasso or Seigan '''before''' casting your spell. With the duration and recast of Hasso or Seigan you can easily put it back on again post-cast. 
'''[[Drain]]'''
 
'''Level''': 10 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 21
 
Drains HP from the enemy and gives it to you. In my current Drain set I hit for 300 so a decent nuke and it helps the healers out. Magic burst on Compression, Gravitation, or Darkness for even more damage and healing.

Undead are immune to Drain.

'''[[Bind]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 0:40 '''MP''': 8
 
Binds the enemy in place. Use it to help out when something links. I've bound things in EXP and Merit parties. I've bound things in battlefields like 9-2 Sandy missions. I've even bound BYAKKO before.

Just throw it out there when your party needs it.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Aspir]]'''
 
'''Level''': 20 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 10
 
Drains MP from the enemy and gives it to you. Just like with Black Mage - you can use this to help sustain your MP pool when fighting aspir-able enemies. You're not getting a refresh from the RDM most of the time so without a Parade Gorget you'll be tapped.

Undead are immune to Aspir. See the [[Aspir]] page for a list of Aspirable Enemies.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Sleep]]''' and '''[[Sleep II]]'''
 
'''Level''': 30/56 '''Recast''': 0:30/0:30 '''MP''': 19/29
 
Just like with [[Bind]], this can be used to take pressure off of your party in a big way. Having an extra sleep can save lives.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Stun]]'''
 
'''Level''': 37 '''Recast''': 0:45 '''MP''': 25
 
I've said it multiple times so far. Stun is an amazing tool to have in your kit. With a quick cast time, this can stop powerful -ga spells in it's tracks and save your party from wiping.

Stun has a lot of magic accuracy added to it. This makes it very hard for enemies to fully resist its effect. Similar to how elemental magic has many resist states(1/2, 1/4, 1/8) the duration on stun will act similarly and be longer or shorter depending on how well it was resisted.

It is recommended that you cast stun in your Haste gear to lower its recast time.

Also used to tank - I will get into that later.

'''[[Absorb-STR]]''' (And DEX, VIT, AGI, INT, MND, CHR)
 
'''Level''': 43 '''Recast''': 1:00 '''MP''': 33
 
Absorb spells will take a large amount of whatever stat it is and give it directly to you. This amount will decrease over time.

STR is useful to set up for stronger weaponskills 
DEX is useful to give yourself more accuracy 
AGI is useful to lower the enemies evasion 
VIT is useful to lower the enemies defense 
INT is useful to help BLM damage 
MND is useful because Guillotine scales off it 
CHR exists? idk 

'''THAT BEING SAID''' I only absorb when I have nothing to hit. Getting more auto attacks off and TP for WS is more important.

=== Elemental Magic ===
Look. I know it's cool we can cast Fire II and what not - but 99.99% of the time it is a complete waste of time to cast these spells.

If you're fighting something like Shadow Lord and he's currently immune to physical damage and drain is on cooldown, then sure - go ahead and cast some nukes to help push damage. Otherwise, don't cast these spells.

= Sub Jobs =
===Samurai===
'''[[Samurai]]''' is your main subjob for [[Dark Knight]] and I'll outline why very quickly. This isn't new information. 
1. '''[[Hasso]]''' gives us +5 STR, +10 Accuracy, and +10% Job Ability Haste. See the penality in the spells section but it's worth it easily. 
2. '''[[Meditate]]''' gives us 600 TP for free every three minutes. Fantastic ability. 
3. '''[[Zanshin]]''' when it procs gives us another chance to attack after a miss. This increases our accuracy as a whole. 
4. '''[[Store TP]]''' is important for easily getting the X-Hit that we want. When /SAM you get +15 Store TP from the trait. 
5. '''[[Third Eye]]''' grants us a free shadow every 60 seconds. Amazing for when you pull aggro. 
6. '''[[Seigan]]''' works in conjuction with [[Third Eye]] by sometimes not consuming your Third Eye shadow. It can also proc a counter for a free attack. 

'''Note''': [[Hasso]] and [[Seigan]] are like stances, they have a low recast and a long duration allowing for 100% uptime. They also share a recast and only one my be active at a time. This means you have to choose from an offensive stance and a defensive stance.

Samurai will win every time on anything that uses a two-handed weapon.

===Ninja===
I'm not going to go into detail about why Utsusemi is so good in this section. Ninja is our subjob of choice when we need a strong defensive layer in our gameplay. 

Ninja is often used in merit parties to help continue chains. We value the defense that Ninja gives us over the DPS for Samurai so we can extend the EXP chain. 

Ninja is also used for tanking.

===Thief===
Only used on incredibly evasion bosses like HNMs and Skygods. This allows you to guarantee that your weapon skill connects with Sneak Attack. Then you can assist the tanks enmity with Trick Attack. 

Thief has it's uses for sure. Thief becomes less useful when you are more geared.

===Warrior===
Useful when leveling until 50 when you unlock Hasso from /SAM
===Ranger===
If you don't need provoke, Ranger can actually be a low level subjob due to the [[Accuracy Bonus]] trait it gets at 10. I'd only use it from 20-30 if you do want to use it.
===Dragoon===
Only used in a zerg as it provides accuracy and more haste with the Wyvern Earring.

= Merits =
=== Group 1 Merits ===
'''Souleater Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Souleater by 10 seconds per upgrade.

If you're a Souleater enthusiast, then this is the merit for you. If you don't find yourself using Souleater on cooldown, then don't waste your merit points.

If you are tanking on DRK, this is excellent because you will have access to the spike enmity from Souleater more often.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Last Resort Effect

 
'''Last Resort Recast'''
 
Reduces the recast of your Last Resort by 10 seconsd per upgrade.

I would recommend every Dark Knight get 5/5 in this merit. Even without Desparate Blows this would be excellent but with Horizon's include of Desparate Blows it makes this merit so much better.

'''5/5'''

 
'''Last Resort Effect'''
 
Increases the Attack Bonus and Defense Down effect of Last Resort by 2% per upgrade.

Fully merited this provides an additional +10% Attack while in Last Resort.

It's a toss up between Last Resort Effect and Souleater Recast. Every Dark Knight is different - find your playstyle.

'''5/5 or 0/5''' Choose this or Souleater Recast

 
'''Arcane Circle Recast and Weapon Bash Recast'''
 
Just don't.

'''0/5'''
 

=== General Merit Points ===
'''1. Scythe Skill'''
* Provides +16 Scythe Skill when capped - this is a must have.
'''2. Critical Hit Rate'''
* Provides +5% critical hit rate when capped. Critical hits are a huge boon to your damage.
'''3. Strength'''
* Strength is one of the most potent attributes in the game. Very worth getting your STR merited.
'''4. Max HP'''
* The more HP you have the more damage your Souleater does. Also you have more HP so you'll die less.
'''5. Dark Skill'''
* Increases your Dark skill will make your Drains more potent and increase the accuracy of your Absorb spells. Very nice.

'''Do whatever you want with your remaining points.'''

= Weapon skills =
A note on multi-hit weapon skills like Guillotine and Cross Reaper or when Double Attack or Triple Attack procs on your weapon skill:

In weapon skills where multiple hits occur, only the first hit uses the full fTP value, while all additional hits have an fTP of 1.0. For weapon skills where damage varies with TP, only the first hit's fTP increases as TP rises.

This means that Guillotine's total fTP is approximately 3.875 assuming all hits connect.
===Scythe ===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Weapon Skill
! style="min-width: 400px;" | Description
! style="min-width: 150px;" | Modifiers
! style="min-width: 100px;" | fTP
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Other
! style="min-width: 100px;" | Properties
|-
| '''Guillotine'''
| Bread and Butter - use this if you're not opening or closing Darkness. Accuracy is very important for Guillotine. It's also very attack-starved, so eating +ATT food will help a bunch when you have good accuracy gear.
| '''25% STR & 25% MND'''
| '''0.875/0.875/0.875'''
| '''4 Hits''' '''Silences (60s/90s/120s duration)'''
| {{Property| Induration }}
|-
| '''Cross Reaper'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''2.00/2.25/2.50'''
| '''2 Hits'''
| {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Spiral Hell'''
| Used to Open and Close Darkness. Era+'d into Gravitation instead of Distortion.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.375/1.875/3.625'''
|
| {{Property| Gravitation }}{{Changes }} & {{Property| Compression }}{{Changes }}
|-
| '''Catastrophe'''
| Requires Apocalypse. Heals you for a portion of damage dealt. 10% Haste Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''2.75/2.75/2.75'''
|
| {{Property| Darkness }} & {{Property| Gravitation }}
|}

===Great Sword===
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! Weapon Skill
! style="width: 500px;" | Description
! Modifiers
! fTP
! Other
! Properties
|-
| '''Shockwave'''
| This is an AoE weapon skill. Why do I list it here? Because it puts enemies to sleep. It's great for farming. I used it in mission fights when my static didn't have an AoE sleep option, and it works decently. Try it out - it's not perfect, but it's pretty cool.
| '''30% STR & 30% MND'''
| '''1.00/1.00/1.00'''
| '''AoE Sleep''' '''60s/120s/180s Sleep Duration'''
| {{Property| Reverberation }}
|-
| '''Spinning Slash'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light.
| '''30% STR & 30% INT'''
| '''2.50/3.00/3.50'''
| '''1.5 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }}
|-
| '''Ground Strike'''
| Generally used when you are /THF in combination with SATA. Used to Open and Close Light or to Open Darkness. Note: This can OPEN Darkness but it cannot CLOSE Darkness. This is because Distortion is Property B. When you attempt to close Darkness when Gravitation is resonating, the Fragmentation in Property A will take priority, and you will chain Fragmentation instead.
| '''50% STR & 50% INT'''
| '''1.50/1.75/3.00'''
| '''1.75 Attack Modifier'''
| {{Property| Fragmentation }} & {{Property| Distortion }}
|-
| '''Scourge'''
| Requires Ragnarok. Deals critical damage. Chance to crit varies with TP. 10% Critical Hit Aftermath.
| '''40% STR & 40% INT'''
| '''3.00/3.00/3.00'''
| '''Critical hit Aftermath: 10%'''
| {{Property| Light }} & {{Property| Fusion }}
|}

= Weapons and X-Hit=
=== Weapons ===
{| class="horizon-table mw-uncollapsible"
|+
! style="width: 50%;" | Weapon
! style="width: 50%;" | Details
|-
| [[File:Tredecim_Scythe.png|center|500px]]
| Every 13th swing of this scythe is a guaranteed critical hit if it doesn't miss the enemy. Missed swings still count but WS swings are ignored. The scythe has a 'memory', zoning or unequipping it doesn't reset the count. 
This effectively results in Critical Hit Rate +7.69% for standard melee attacks. 
|-
| [[File:Triton'sScythe.png|center|500px]]
| I just checked the Auction House and nobody has even made this scythe on Horizon. Or if they have, they haven't put it on the Auction House. Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working.
|-
| [[File:Death Scythe+1.png|center|500px]]
| I would not buy this scythe as Tredecim Scythe is valued much higher due to the hidden effect working. You might see a very old and hard-to-read graph that says Death Scythe +1 is better than Tredecim Scythe. Don't fall for it. 
|-
| [[File:Apocalypse.jpg|center|500px]]
| I don't have an Apocalypse, so I cannot write from experience. That being said - it has bonkers 103 weapon damage, can still easily 6-hit, comes with +20 Accuracy, and can blind your enemy, which helps the tanks. 
Not to mention '''Catastrophe''' which grants you a '''10%''' equipment haste aftermath, which allows you to change your TP sets to fit in more attack/STR/accuracy as the equipment haste cap is 25%. Oh, and Catastrophe heals you.
|-
| [[File:Balin's_Sword.webp|center|500px]]
| Balin's Sword is a cheap and decent option until you can get Subduer. High damage, decent delay, free 7-hit with /SAM, and extra STR for Spinning Slash. Pretty good!
|-
| [[File:Subduer.webp|center|500px]]
| We prefer the Subduer for the same reason we like the Tredecim Scythe. Critical hits are just that good. You need [[Carbonara]] to reach 7-hit with Subduer.
|-
| [[File:Guide_Ragnarok.png|center|500px]]
| {{changes}} Ragnarok has been buffed significantly on Horizon. 
If you decide to build a Ragnarok instead of an Apocalypse, then you probably like critical hits. We easily 7-hit on the Ragnarok, have a +5% Critical Hit Rate, 93 base damage, and +20 Accuracy. This is Subduer++ just looking at the weapon alone. 
[[Scourge]] gives us an aftermath of +10% Critical Hit Damage. Additionally, the weapon skill can now critical hit at close to 100% chance at 3000% TP.
|}

=== X-Hit ===
'''What is X-Hit?''' 
X-Hit is how many hits you require to gain 1000% TP to be able to execute a weapon skill. Your X-hit contributes greatly to your DPS as a whole. 
'''How do we increase our X-Hit?''' 
The goal for scythe is a 6-hit and we gain that via [[Store TP]] which is another reason why /SAM is so good because it gives us a foundation of +15 [[Store TP]] 
The goal for great sword is generally a 7-hit but on some swords, you can hit 6-hit. Just don't sacrifice too much for it.

The most Store TP we can get is +28 with /SAM, Rajas, Atilla, Brutal, and Carbonara. {{verification}}
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
| Weapon Delay
| Store TP
| X-Hit
| Store TP needed on gear (/SAM)
|-
| 528
| +16
| 6
| +1
|-
| 513
| +20
| 6
| +5
|-
| 480
| +10
| 6/'''7'''
| +28/+0
|-
| 466
| +16
| '''7'''
| +1
|-
| 444
| +26
| '''7'''
| +11
|}
Use this [https://fadedtwilight.org/storetp-calc.html calculator] to find the Store TP you need.

= Gear Sets =

'''<big>Accuracy and Alternate Gear</big>'''

A note on the gear in the sections below and accuracy. The items in my FFXIAH links are the crème de la crème, the very best. Below many sections, you will find alternatives as I know many of these items are unrealistic for most players. Hell, I don't even have many of those items yet. [[Armada Hauberk]] in most cases can just be replaced by [[Haubergeon]] for example.

You will find Dark Knight more enjoyable if you at the very least reach accuracy cap for whatever you are fighting. Sometimes that elusive cap can be hard to find as it just depends on what you're fighting. You can use the Deeps addon to find your hitrate. I'll provide some guidelines that I've noticed from my gameplay so far.

* 375-390 accuracy is needed for some merit camps and dynamis.
* 400-415 accuracy is needed for the other merit camps and parts of dynamis.
* 500+ is needed for Sky bosses.

Utilize [[:category:Food|food]] like sushi to raise your accuracy to the required level. The `/checkparam <me>` command will allow you to see your current accuracy.

=== TP Sets ===
It is generally recommended to have three different TP sets. I will separate them into a Low, Medium, and High Accuracy sets. You can obviously mix and match these items as you see fit. Just try to reach 95% accuracy whenever possible.

In a general sense, your stat priorities for TP should be the following

'''Stat Priorities: Store TP (Until 6 Hit ) > Haste > Accuracy > Attack > Strength.'''

'''Reminder''' that we have 0.70 DEX Accuracy Scaling with two-handed weapons on HorizonXI.

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394322</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Medium.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy set is to maximize Haste and Accuracy without hurting your Haste, STR, and Attack too much.

This set has 409 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

20% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Hollow Earring
|
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Assault Earring
|
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk +1
|Haubergeon +1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|Dusk Gloves+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Rajas Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Forager's Mantle
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP High Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394323</big>
![[File:Guide TP_High.png]]
!
The goal of a high accuracy set is to just maximize accuracy at all costs.

This is used for when your melee damage is not important and getting TP on evasive bosses to set up your Black Mages for a magic burst is the strategy. If there are other enemies to TP on, you can always swap into your Low Accuracy set, get TP, then switch to this for when you're ready to set up the skill chain.

This set has 444 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

5% Equipment Haste
|}

=== Guillotine Set ===
Guillotine is a fickle beast. It does not have an attack bonus like other favorable weapon skills. Every weapon skill in the game has a +100 to accuracy for the first hit. The three remaining hits of guillotine do not benefit from this. Additionally, while it scales with STR and MND it only scales at 25%. 

For comparison, let's look at [[Warrior]]'s [[Steel Cyclone]] which has better scaling, accuracy and attack bonuses.
{| class="horizon-table sortable mw-uncollapsible"
|
| Guillotine(per hit)
| Steel Cyclone
|-
| Scaling
| 25% STR/25% MND
| 50% STR/50% VIT
|-
| Attack Modifier
| 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|-
| Accuracy Bonus
| +100/ 0 / 0 / 0
| +100
|-
| fTP (1000% TP)
| 0.875/1.00/1.00/1.00
| 1.5
|} 

Why do I bring up [[Steel Cyclone]]? Because people are going to look at it and wonder why the hell doesn't my [[Guillotine]] hit that hard. For Steel Cyclone to be good, they mostly just need to pump STR and VIT and call it a day. They've got the first hit accuracy bonus and a 1.5 modifer to their attack making pDIF easier to cap out. Plus, they use Martial Bhuj meaning +1000 TP to the weaponskill. Our [[Spinning Slash]] works similarly which is why it's good if you can't meet the accuracy or attack requires of Guillotine.
 
Guillotine on the other hand needs enough attack to cap pDIF, enough accuracy to not completely whiff your attacks, and then we can worry about stacking STR. We do have a higher fTP at '''3.875''' assuming all four hits connect.
 
Another big reason why we love Guillotine is because it's multi-hit meaning we can get '''four''' [[Souleater]] hits from it.
 
If you want more information on [[Guillotine]] '''stat priority''' then read this [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Knight:_Guide_by_Raenryong/Logic_of_Equipment#WS_Phase Guide]. 
'''TL;DR''' 
'''Accuracy until Cap > Attack/STR until pDIF Cap > STR > Attack post cap'''
 
'''Note on Hecatomb vs Onyx''' 
Both armor sets are excellent for a WS set. Experiment with both and find what you like.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394052</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_1.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set it to cap pDIF with +Attack then pump as much +STR as possible without killing your accuracy.

This set has 389 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+61 STR 
+69 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Ace's Helm
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Justice Torque
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Triumph Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk/+1
|Haubergeon/+1
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Onyx/Black Gadlings
|Chaos Gauntlets +1
|Hecatomb Mittens/+1
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Ruby Ring
|Flame Ring
|Woodsman Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Life Belt
|
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Hecatomb Subligar
|Dusk Trousers
|R.K. Breeches
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Black Sollerets
|Hecatomb Leggings/+1
|Chaos Sollerets +1
|}
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Guillotine Medium Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394362</big>
![[File:Guide Guillotine_2.png]]
!

The goal of a medium accuracy is increase your accuracy without hurting your STR and ATT too much.

This set has 417 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

Make sure you are swapping in an "Enhancing Souleater" piece if Souleater is active.

+50 STR 
+54 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Spinning Slash Set ===
Spinning Slash is the superior weapon skill when your attack and accuracy are '''low''' relative to your opponent. This makes it an excellent weapon skill for under geared or fresh 75 Dark Knights.
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Spinning Slash - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394372</big>
![[File:Guide Spinning_Slash.png]]
!
Goal here is to stack as much STR as possible. Spinning slash is a single hit weapon skill so it greatly benefits from the +100 accuracy bonus all weapon skills have on their first hit. Additionally, it has a 1.5 attack modifier making it much easier to cap pDIF.

STR > Attack > Accuracy > INT

+68 STR 
+47 Attack 
Chance to Double Attack
|}

=== Drain Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Drain - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394358</big>
![[File:Guide Drain.png]]
!
The goal of your drain set is to stack as much Dark Skill as possible.

Dark Skill > Magic Accuracy > INT

It shouldn't have to be said but only use the Pluto/Dark Staff when you don't care about losing TP.

Note: The "Dusksoul Ring" in my FFXIAH link is a placeholder for the [[Overlord's Ring]] which is a HorizonXI custom item.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Dark Staff
|Y's Scythe
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Chaos Burgeonet
|Ace's Helm
|Homam Zuchetto
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Crimson Finger Gauntlets
|Abyss Gauntlets+1
|Abyss Gauntlets
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Abyss Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Abyss Flanchard
|Chaos Flanchard +1
|Chaos Flanchard
|-
|'''Feet'''
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|Dusk Ledelsens
|}

=== Stun Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Stun Set - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394349</big>
![[File:Guide Stun.png]]
!
The goal of this set is to maximize haste and fast cast. You can fill in the blanks with INT and Dark skill if you want but Stun has a large accuracy bonus.

This reduces your casting time and recast of your stun. If you can, be sure to remove Hasso or Seigan before you cast stun. No sense in clicking off Hasso if it means you'll miss the stun window. Some of us have slow hands, okay?

21% Equipment Haste and 7% Fast Cast

Reducing your stun recast from 45s to 27s.
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Head'''
|Horus's Helm
|Patroclus's Helm
|
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas / Dusk Gloves
|Armada Mufflers
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens / Armada Sollerets
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Enfeeble Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enfeeble - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394359</big>
![[File:Guide Enfeeble.png]]
!
Stat Priority: 
Enfeebling Skill >= Macc > INT
 
Don't swap out for an elemental staff that matches the enfeebling spell if you want to keep your TP.
 
Elemental Obi should match the enfeebling spell's element. Otherwise just use R.K Belt
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|NQ Staff that matches
|
|
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Morion Tathlum
|RSE Sachet
|
|-
|'''Head'''
|Crimson Mask
|Homam Zuchetto
|
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Prudence Torque
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Phantom Earring +1
|Phantom Earring
|Morion Earring +1
|-
|Boroka Earring
|Heims Earring
|Magnetic Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Crimson Scale Mail
|Blue Cotehardie +1
|Blue Cotehardie
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Abyss Gauntlets
|
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Diamond Ring
|
|
|-
|Omniscient Ring
|Eremite Ring +1
|
|-
|'''Back'''
|Altruistic Cape
|Federal Army Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|R.K Belt
|Mrc. Cpt Belt
|
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Chaos Flanchard
|
|
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Mountain Gaiters
|RSE Feet
|Homam Gambieras
|}

=== Physical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
Don't swap out for the earth staff if you want to keep your TP.
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

=== Magical Damage Taken Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>MDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394060</big>
![[File:Guide MDT.png]]
!
This set has -25% Magical Damage Taken and chance to annul magical damage. Having one resistance in each element will give you chances to resist spells. Not much but it's something
 
This is a generic MDT set for all elements. If you're looking for specifically a Fire resist set then see the tanking section.
 
Stat Priority: 
1 Resist in each Element > MDT > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] (Just not vs Fire) will work in it's place.
|}
=== Fresh 75 Budget Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fresh 75 - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394394</big>
![[File:Fresh_75.png]]
!
This is a useable budget set that at the very least you should be in once you hit 75 Dark Knight. I noticed that even some of the alternative gear that I listed above could be difficult to acquire for new players.

All of these items are cheap, buyable with conquest, or questable items. There is no excuse to not have at least this set. Please don't use this set for long if at all.

Hasso, Elvaan DEX, and '''NO''' merits: 
Roughly 365 Accuracy 
400+ Accuracy with Squid Sushi
|}

= Tanking =
=== Enmity ===
To pull directly from the BGWiki on Enmity:

* '''Cumulative Enmity (CE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000CE.
**This form of Enmity is decreased by being the target (direct or indirect) of enemy offensive actions. The primary method of decrease is taking damage, with other methods including evading an attack via Utsusemi, being enfeebled, and by being hit with certain "hate-resetting" monster techniques.
**Position on the hate list can be affected by doing things such as zoning and logging out; however, unless the hate list is cleared these will be insufficient to reset your CE.
*'''Volatile Enmity (VE)''' is generated when doing damage or using some spells and abilities to a cap of 10,000VE.
**This form of Enmity decreases over time at a rate of -60VE/second until reaching zero.
**VE is harder to measure than CE because of this decay, but there are plentiful sources of VE for jobs looking to obtain it. Nearly every job in the game has easy access to high-VE job abilities, spells, or the ever-present option of just hitting the monster.
***The Provoke job ability, for example, adds 1800 VE, for a temporary enmity spike which fades out over 30 seconds.
*'''Total Enmity (TE)''' is simply a sum of the player's Cumulative Enmity and Volatile Enmity. The cap on total enmity is 20,000 (10,000 each of CE and VE). A monster with hate will target the player on the hate list with the highest total enmity.
**In the case of identical enmity values between players, a monster will target the player that acted most recently.

'''These are Dark Knight's specific spells and abilities with their era CE/VE values and a ratio to how much TE you get per point of MP:'''
{| class="horizon-table"
!Spell
!CE Value
!VE Value
!TE:MP
|-
![[Stun]]
!180
!1280
!58:1
|-
![[Sleep II]]
!480
!480
!33:1
|-
![[Sleep]]
!320
!240
!29:1
|-
![[Aspir]]
!320
!0
!32:1
|-
![[Bind]]
!1
!640
!80:1
|-
!Absorbs
!1
!640
!19:1
|-
![[Poison]]
!1
!320
!64:1
|-
![[Drain]]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
! DMG[1]
|-
![[Souleater]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|-
![[Last Resort]]
!1
!1300
!JA
|}
[1] DMG simply means that it depends on how much damage you deal. 
As you can see - as long as a Dark Knight is given enough sources of MP via Ballad, Refresh, and/or Spring Water. A DRK can generate as much enmity as they need and use Souleater, Last Resort, and Stun to gain spike enmity.

Generally, you will follow a rotation like this in order to maintain enmity: 
''' Stun > Sleep II > Sleep > Drain > Bind > Aspir > Poison''' 
(Just spam these spells. You don't ''have'' to follow this rotation) 

Your Absorb-Stat spells generate 640 VE and have a quick cast. Unfortunately, they are not very MP efficient only generating 19 TE per 1 MP. Use them if you need enmity quick knowing that you may need a [[Devotion]] or something afterward.

But - what good is maintaining enmity if you cannot stay alive. Enter /NIN, PDT, MDT, and resistance.

=== Shadows ===
Let's quickly talk about why shadows are as good as people say. When you get hit a few things happen. Obviously, you lose HP and that isn't good but, you also lose CE.
*'''Cumulative Enmity Loss'''
**'''Damage Taken''': CE Loss = 1800 × Damage Taken ÷ Maximum HP
**'''Utsusemi Shadow Image Lost''': CE Loss = 25
**'''Being Enfeebled (Including Resists)''': CE Loss = 80

Let's say you have 1400 HP and you get hit for 200 damage. 

1800 × 200 ÷ 1400 = '''257 CE Lost''' 

You've now lost '''200 HP and 257 CE''' which is almost an entire spell worth of CE.

Let's say you have shadows up and you get hit: '''No Damage and -25CE.''' 

Shadows also allow you to cast uninterrupted to maintain hate.

=== Tanking Sets ===
''' <big><big>Haste/Enmity Casting Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Haste/Enmity Casting - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394610</big>
![[File:Guide HasteEnmity.png]]
!
This set has +24% more Enmity and 20% equipment haste. The goal is to reduce the cooldowns of your enmity generating spells while giving them a boost in enmity where possible.
 
Stat Priority: 
Haste > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Enmity JA Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Enmity JA - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394611</big>
![[File:Guide EnmityJA.png]]
!
This set has +50% more Enmity. The goal is to stack as much +Enmity as possible to boost our Souleater and Last Resort enmity spikes.
 
Stat Priority: 
Enmity > Enmity > Enmity
|}

''' <big><big>Physical Damage Taken Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>PDT - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394361</big>
![[File:Guide PDT.png]]
!
This set has -49% Physical Damage Taken, +10 Parry, +45 HP(more or less depending on RSE Belt, and chance to annul physical damage.
 
Stat Priority: 
PDT > Parry > HP
 
[[Defending Ring]] is impossible to get for majority of the server. I believe only three exist while I write this. [[Sattva Ring]] or [[Bomb Queen Ring]] will work in it's place.
|}

''' <big><big>Fire Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Fire Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394608</big>
![[File:Guide FireRes.png]]
!
This set has 166 Fire Resistance. Used on bosses like Tiamat. The goal is to just stack as much fire resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Fire Res > MDT > HP
|}

''' <big><big>Ice Resist Set</big></big> '''
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>Ice Resist - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394609</big>
![[File:Guide IceRes.png]]
!
This set has 160 Ice Resistance. Used on bosses like Jorm. The goal is to just stack as much ice resistance as possible. I won't include an alternative section here. Just use the stat priority below and build out the best set you can.
 
Stat Priority: 
Ice Res > MDT > HP
|}
</div>

=test (ignore)=
=== Gear Set ===
{| class="horizon-table"
|+
<big>TP Low Accuracy - http://www.ffxiah.com/item-sets/394321</big>
![[File:Guide TP_Low.png]]
!

The goal of a low accuracy set is to maximize Haste, Attack, and STR without hurting your accuracy too much.

This set has 391 accuracy while fully merited with Hasso and Elvaan DEX.

21% Equipment Haste
|}
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed horizon-table"
|+
<big>Alternatives</big>
|
|'''Alternative 1'''
|'''Alt 2'''
|'''Alt 3'''
|-
|'''Weapon'''
|Triton's Scythe
|Orichalcum Scythe
|Death Scythe +1
|-
|'''Ammo'''
|Tiphia Sting
|RSE Sachet
|Happy Egg
|-
|'''Head'''
|Optical Hat
|Black Sallet
|Celata
|-
|'''Neck'''
|Peacock Charm
|Royal Guard's Collar
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ear1&2'''
|Attila's Earring
|Assault Earring
|Hollow Earring
|-
|Diabolos's Earring
|Merman's Earring
|Coral Earring
|-
|'''Body'''
|Adaman Hauberk
|Hauberk
|Haubergeon
|-
|'''Hands'''
|Homam Manopolas
|Dusk Gloves
|Adaman Mufflers
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Ring1&2'''
|Toreador's Ring
|Sniper's Ring +1
|Sniper's Ring
|-
|Woodsman Ring
|Jaeger Ring
|Venerer Ring
|-
|'''Back'''
|Amemet Mantle +1
|Psilos Mantle
|Amemet Mantle
|-
|'''Waist'''
|Speed Belt
|Swift Belt
|Quick Belt
|-
|'''Legs'''
|Adaman Breeches
|Black Cuisses
|Dusk Trousers
|-
|'''Feet'''
|Dusk Ledelsens +1
|Dusk Ledelsens
|Adaman Sollerets
|}

=== Gear Set ===

{| class="horizon-table"
|+
! Slot !! Best in Slot !! Alternatives
|-
| **Head** || Homam Zuchetto || Optical Hat, Horus Helm, Ace's Helm
|-
| **Body** || Adaman Hauberk || Haubergeon/+1, Assault Jerkin
|-
| **Hands** || Homam Manopolas || Dusk Gloves, Dusk Gloves +1
|-
| **Legs** || Homam Cosciales || Adaman Breeches, Thick Breeches/+1
|-
| **Feet** || Dusk Ledelsens +1 || Homam Gambieras, Dusk Ledelsens
|-
| **Neck** || Peacock Charm || Royal Guard's Collar, Justice Torque
|-
| **Waist** || Speed Belt || Swift Belt, Quick Belt
|-
| **Earrings** || Brutal Earring || Assault Earring, Abyssal Earring
|-
| **Ring 1** || Toreador's Ring || Blitz Ring, Rajas Ring
|-
| **Ring 2** || Rajas Ring || Victory Ring, Triumph Ring
|-
| **Back** || Amemet Mantle +1 || Forager's Mantle
|-
| **Weapon** || Tredecim Scythe || Death Scythe +1, Orichalcum Scythe
|}