Overview
Dragoon (DRG) is a Disciple of War job unlockable at level 30 as an upgrade from the Lancer class and is a Melee DPS job.
Unlock and Guild Information
- Guild: The Lancers' Guild is in Old Gridania.
- Guild: Lancers must specialize into Dragoon once they reach level 30, and complete the quests Sylph-management and Proof of Might.
Equipment
The dragoon is a disciple of war and wears armor "of Maiming" (shared with Reaper) while using accessories "of Slaying" (shared with Reaper, Monk, and Samurai). Dragoons use polearms as weapons.
History & Lore
Origins in the Dragonsong War
The Dragoon tradition was born in the Holy See of Ishgard over a thousand years ago, forged in the crucible of the Dragonsong War. As Ishgard waged a seemingly endless conflict against the Dravanian Horde, its knights found themselves at a severe disadvantage: dragons could take to the skies, rendering traditional ground-based warfare ineffective. In response, Ishgard developed a new martial discipline—warriors who could use their lances not only as thrusting weapons but as pivots for prodigious leaps, allowing them to engage dragons in mid-air.
These early dragoons underwent grueling training to strengthen their legs and refine their balance, enabling jumps of incredible height and precision. Their armor was specially crafted to be both protective and aerodynamic, often incorporating dragon scales or bones for added resilience. The most crucial innovation, however, was the development of the "jump" technique itself—a controlled, powerful launch that allowed a dragoon to close distance instantly and strike a vulnerable point before descending safely.
The Azure Dragoon
Within Ishgard's dragoon ranks exists a singular, legendary title: the Azure Dragoon. Chosen by the "Eye" of the great wyrm Nidhogg—one of two mystical orbs containing the dragon's essence—the Azure Dragoon gains superhuman strength, agility, and a deeper connection to draconic power. This blessing, however, is a double-edged sword; the Eye's influence can corrupt the wielder, fueling them with Nidhogg's rage and hatred. The history of the Azure Dragoon is a cycle of triumph and tragedy, with many champions ultimately falling to the dragon's vengeful will.
The most famous Azure Dragoon of the modern era is Estinien Wyrmblood, whose personal journey embodies the dragoon's legacy. Once a vengeful warrior consumed by hatred for dragons after his family was killed by Nidhogg, Estinien eventually learns to master the Eye's power without succumbing to it. His arc, central to the Heavensward expansion, redefines what it means to be a dragoon—transcending mere vengeance to become a guardian of balance between man and dragon.
The Dragoon in Modern Eorzea
Following the resolution of the Dragonsong War, the dragoon's art has spread beyond Ishgard's borders. Adventurers who master the Lancer's basics can undertake the dragoon's trials, learning the secret techniques of the jump and the disciplined mindset required to wield them. While the job remains deeply tied to Ishgardian culture and history, dragoons now serve across Eorzea as elite shock troops, capable of dealing immense single-target damage and closing gaps in the blink of an eye.
The dragoon's philosophy emphasizes patience, precision, and explosive force. They are taught to study their opponent's movements, wait for the perfect opening, and then strike with unstoppable momentum—a principle reflected in their deliberate, combo-based gameplay.
Current Mechanics
- Job Gauge: Dragon Gauge
Key Combos
- True Thrust -> Lance Barrage -> Heavens' Thrust -> Fang and Claw -> Drakesbane -> Full Thrust -> Vorpal Thrust -> Raiden Thrust
- True Thrust -> Spiral Blow -> Chaotic Spring -> Wheeling Thrust -> Drakesbane -> Chaos Thrust -> Disembowel -> Raiden Thrust
- Doom Spike -> Sonic Thrust -> Coerthan Torment -> Draconian Fury
- Note that while Fang and Claw, Wheeling Thrust, and Drakesbane have no combo bonuses, in practice they can be thought of as such.
Trivia
- The Dragoon job is a recurring staple of the Final Fantasy series, first appearing in Final Fantasy III. Its classic "Jump" ability, which allows the character to avoid attacks while airborne, is referenced in FFXIV through the animation locks on jump skills.
- Estinien Wyrmblood is the first major NPC Dragoon players encounter and serves as the job's central figure in the Heavensward expansion. He later becomes a trusted ally and even a temporary playable character in certain story duties.
- The Dragoon job questline involves training under the guidance of former Azure Dragoons, including Estinien himself, and explores themes of overcoming hatred and mastering draconic power without being consumed by it.
- In PvP, Dragoons have access to a simplified but highly mobile kit, featuring a modified "Jump" that functions as a gap-closer and execute.
- The Dragoon's artifact armor sets are heavily inspired by traditional Ishgardian knightly aesthetics, often featuring dragon wings, scales, and helms shaped like dragon heads.
