Best Bard Rotation In FFXIV: Openers, Abilities, & More

Each job in FFXIV has tons of abilities. Some of these abilities can be activated repeatedly, whilst others have a GCD (global cooldown). Players wanting to optimize their damage, tanking, or healing must ensure they are performing the right rotation in play.

Bard is a physical ranged DPS that can not only deal damage with its bow and arrow but can also provide buffs to the party. This makes Bard not only an excellent choice for DPS-ing but also as a support for the rest of the team. This article will cover the best Bard rotation in FFXIV. 

Best Bard Rotation In FFXIV

In order to know the best Bard Rotation in FFXIV, we need to look at several different factors. These include openers, GCDs, buffs, and more. We will break down each step of the rotation below.

As mentioned, Bards take up a DPS slot in the party but can also provide buffs to the team via their signature songs, which have a myriad of different effects. Those playing Bard will need to balance buffing the rest of the party while keeping prominent buffs up on themselves and dishing out DPS between non-damaging abilities. 

Bards cycle through three songs, which will change their playstyle ever so slightly. The Wanderer's Minuet provides players with a crit buff and allows you to use Pitch Perfect. Army's Paeon provides a direct hit buff to the party. Finally, Mage's Ballad, grants a flat damage buff to the party.

Here is an example of a Bard opener and rotation:

Best Bard Rotation - Endwalker 6.5

1. Peloton
2. Tincture of Dexterity
3. Stormbite
4. The Wanderer's Minuet
5. Raging Strikes
6. Caustic Bite
7. Empyreal Arrow
8. Bloodletter
9. Burst Shot / Refulgent Arrow
10. Radiant Finale
11. Battle Voice
12. Burst Shot / Refulgent Arrow
13. Barrage
14. Refulgent Arrow
15. Sidewinder
16. Burst Shot
17. Burst Shot / Refulgent Arrow
18. Burst Shot / Refulgent Arrow
19. Empyreal Arrow
20. Iron Jaws 
21. Pitch Perfect

Depending on the type of encounter you're up against, this rotation may differ slightly. And that's everything you need to know about the best Bard rotation, including openers, abilities, and more in FFXIV.