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Bard Rotation (6.05)
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

Bard Rotation (6.05)

Learn the optimal Bard rotation for Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker (Patch 6.05). Master your opener and level 90 skills for maximum damage output.

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Learn the optimal Bard rotation for Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker (Patch 6.05). Master your opener and level 90 skills for maximum damage output.

Hey there! So you wanna get the most out of your Bard in FFXIV: Endwalker, huh? Awesome choice! This guide is gonna walk you through the general opener for Patch 6.05. Think of it as your Bard's grand entrance – setting the stage for some serious damage. We'll cover the essential steps to get your buffs rolling and your damage skills firing right from the get-go.

Walkthrough: Bard General Opener (6.05)

  1. Right before the fight kicks off, cast Peloton. This is your pre-battle buff to get everyone moving faster.
  2. About 1.5 seconds before the battle begins, pop a Tincture of Dexterity. This is a huge damage boost, so timing is key!
  3. Immediately cast Stormbite. This is one of your key damage-over-time (DoT) abilities.
  4. Now, weave in The Wanderer’s Minute and Raging Strikes. Weaving means using these skills between your other GCDs (Global Cooldowns) so you don't lose damage time.
  5. Follow up with Caustic Bite, your other important DoT.
  6. Weave in Empyreal Arrow and Bloodletter. These are off-Global Cooldown (oGCD) skills that add extra damage.
  7. Cast either Refulgent Arrow or Burst Shot. These are your main damage skills when your DoTs are ticking.
  8. Weave in Radiant Finale and Battle Voice. More buffs to amplify your damage!
  9. Cast another Refulgent Arrow or Burst Shot. Keep the pressure on!
  10. If you happen to have Straight Shot ready to go at this point, skip ahead to Step 18. If not, keep going from here.
  11. Weave in Barrage. This makes your next few shots hit multiple times.
  12. Cast Refulgent Arrow.
  13. Weave in Sidewinder. This is a powerful AoE attack, but it's great for single target burst too.
  14. Cast Burst Shot.
  15. Cast either Refulgent Arrow or Burst Shot.
  16. Cast another Refulgent Arrow or Burst Shot.
  17. Weave in Empyreal Arrow again.
  18. Finally, finish off this sequence with Iron Jaws. This reapplies your DoTs if they're about to fall off.

If you have Straight Shot ready (from Step 9):

  1. Weave in Sidewinder.
  2. Cast Refulgent Arrow.
  3. Weave in Barrage.
  4. Cast Refulgent Arrow again.
  5. Cast Burst Shot.
  6. Cast either Refulgent Arrow or Burst Shot.
  7. Weave in Empyreal Arrow.
  8. Finish off with Iron Jaws to make sure your DoTs are applied.
Tips
  • Remember to always keep your DoTs (Stormbite and Caustic Bite) active on the target. Reapplying them with Iron Jaws is crucial!
  • Weaving oGCDs like Empyreal Arrow, Bloodletter, Radiant Finale, and Battle Voice between your GCDs is key to maximizing your damage. Don't let them sit unused!
  • The choice between Refulgent Arrow and Burst Shot often depends on whether you have Straight Shot Ready proc. Prioritize Refulgent Arrow when it's available.
  • The Tincture of Dexterity is your biggest damage boost for the opener, so make sure you use it at the right time (1.5 seconds before the pull).

Note: The guide mentions

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