Overview
Ninja (NIN) is a Disciple of War job unlockable at level 30 as an upgrade from the Rogue class and is a Melee DPS job. Ninja was the only non-Limited job added outside an initial release of an expansion, with patch 2.4.
Unlock and Guild Information
- Guild: The Rogues' Guild is in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks.
- Guild: Rogues must specialize into ninja once they reach level 30, and complete the quests Sylph-management and Cloying Victory.
Equipment
The ninja is a disciple of war and wears armor "of Scouting" (shared with Viper) and accessories "of Aiming" (shared with Viper and the Physical Ranged DPS role). They use daggers for weapons. Similar to viper, the ninja is one of two melee DPS that use Dexterity as its main stat instead of Strength.
History & Lore
Origins in the Far East
The true art of the shinobi, from which the Ninja job derives, originates not in Eorzea, but in the distant eastern land of Doma. There, shinobi served as spies, scouts, and assassins, mastering techniques of stealth, infiltration, and a unique form of aetherial manipulation expressed through mudras. This tradition was a closely guarded secret, passed down through specific lineages and schools.
Migration to Eorzea
The Garlean Empire's occupation of Doma led to a diaspora, scattering Domans—and their knowledge—across the world. Some shinobi practitioners and refugees found their way to Eorzea, particularly to the port city of Limsa Lominsa. There, their ancient arts subtly intertwined with the local, more pragmatic criminal underworld. The Eorzean "Rogue" is, in essence, a westernized adaptation of these eastern principles, focusing on stealth and sleight-of-hand for thievery and street-level intrigue. However, it lacks the deeper spiritual and elemental discipline of true ninjutsu.
The Path of the Shinobi
An adventurer walking the path of the Rogue in Limsa Lominsa may eventually encounter true heirs to the Doman shinobi tradition. These masters recognize the potential within the Rogue's foundational skills and offer to teach the lost, higher arts. By obtaining a Job Stone, the Rogue transcends their base training to become a Ninja, unlocking the ability to perform mudras. This is not merely learning new tricks; it is the awakening of a soul crystal's memory, connecting the practitioner to the centuries-old legacy of Doman shinobi. The Ninja thus becomes a living bridge between Eorzea's underworld and the mystical martial heritage of the Far East.
Current Mechanics
- Job Gauge: Kazematoi and Ninki Gauge
Key Combos
- Spinning Edge -> Gust Slash -> Aeolian Edge: Standard filler combo. Increases Ninki Gauge.
- Spinning Edge -> Gust Slash -> Armor Crush: Slightly weaker than the standard combo, but grants 2 stacks of Kazematoi, increasing the potency of Aeolian Edge. Increases Ninki Gauge by the same amount as the standard combo.
- Death Blossom -> Hakke Mujinsatsu: Standard AoE combo. Increases Ninki Gauge.
Trivia
- The Ninja job was added in patch 2.4, "Dreams of Ice," making it the first job not available at the launch of A Realm Reborn.
- The three mudra signs—Ten (Heaven), Chi (Earth), Jin (Man)—are derived from real-world esoteric Buddhist and ninja traditions.
- The Limsa Lominsa Rogue's Guild is located in the shadows of the city, beneath the Mizzenmast Inn, reflecting its clandestine nature.
- Famous NPC Ninjas include Oboro Torioi, the Doman shinobi who serves as the quest-giver for the job, and Karasu, a fellow practitioner with a pivotal role in the Stormblood expansion.
- In the Dawntrail expansion (level 92), Trick Attack was upgraded to Kunai's Bane, reflecting the evolution of the Ninja's toolkit.
- The Ninja's aesthetic, from weapon names like "Kage-no-Ito" (String of Shadows) to ability names, is deeply inspired by Japanese folklore and cinema.
