Leveling from 25-60

[Victim12]

I'd like to try out WAR because it sounds like a fun job but I have a few questions about how I should plan things out to make it to 60 successfully. So far my WAR is lvl 25, and my potential subjobs are MNK=18, NIN=19, and THF=29. I've leveled up BST to 57 so far and I have my axe, scythe, and evasion capped for that level.

1. Axe question - I've planned to use greataxe most of the time from 25-60 because I don't need to skill up my axe until I reach lvl 58. I guess I should go for axes at lvl 55 for Rampage, or maybe even level 48 because of the viking axe. But before those levels, how bad off would I be if I didn't carry around an axe at all? Do many WARs use axe for skillchains or tanking much before level 50 or so? I've been tanking with greataxe up to level 25 so far without any problems, I'm not sure if I should continue to tank with a greataxe. I'll probably carry the axe/shield, and separate tanking/damage dealing equipment sets anyway since I'm already used to switching equipment around as a BST, but I was just wondering about this.

2. Other weapons question - should I use greatsword (or any other weapon besides axe/greataxe) at all? It seems like I should carry a second weapon to cap just because I can (I don't need to skill up my axe), but if I don't really need to I'll just go without it.

3. Subjob question - I've got MNK and NIN subjobs that I can use with my WAR until the late 30s. From level 40-60 how bad off would I be going with just a THF subjob? I know it would be optimal to have all subs leveled, but would you say that I'd mostly be fine subbing THF from 40-60 or would a lot of people refuse to invite me if I don't have something else for a subjob? Are there any other subjobs besides NIN/THF/MNK that I should consider on a pre-60 WAR? I've read the comment about /RNG subjob, sounds interesting but my RNG is only lvl 3.

[Armando]

Well, I'm only level 30 WAR, but I'll tell you what I know/experienced so far.

1. You can use either one in a party but I prefer Great Axes because of their great TP return (12 TP per hit!) and damage output (gotta love Counter and Double Attack with a Great Axe, especially when critical hits go off.) Skillchainwise, I hear you'll be using Sturmwind for quite a while; it's absurdly strong, especially when coupled with Sneak Attack. Also, with Great Axes you have the Breaks which, although do bad damage and shouldn't be used for skillchains, are great debuffs. Axe does offer Raging Axe (which is pretty strong, especially for a one-handed WS) and Smash Axe (not any real damage value, nor skillchain value, but can stun, ideal for stopping abilities and spells with longer-than-instant casting/readying time.) The damage on Gale Axe is pretty bad...I'd only use it as a debuff to lower enemy VIT. Not sure how good Avalanche Axe is. You can use either one, go with whichever is more effective for that particular party.

2. Although I discourage WARs from using any other main weapon than Axe or Great Axe, I do encourage them to carry and level as many *backup* weapons as they can, for skillchain purposes. Power Slash allows you to start a Distortion with SA/SATA Fast Blade and at 33 SATA Viper Bite. If there's noone else to open Distortion, this'd be a good idea just because the skillchain will be so damaging. If you don't have to though, stick to your axe/great axe.

3. You can't really try to compare /THF to other subs, because they serve different purposes. WAR/THF is for damage dealing (SA + Sturmwind comes to mind,) WAR/MNK and WAR/NIN are for tanking. Which one is better depends on the party setup. If you already have someone tanking, it's logical to go with /THF, right? Although 50+ /NIN would be better or so I hear, with Dual Weild II double axes are just that good. The TP return is great also.

[Sheng]

Armando is right.

[Gryff]

sub thf, use greataxe up to 55, then sub nin and dual wield axes.

rampage :-]

[Jinxie]

Originally posted by Gryff
sub thf, use greataxe up to 55, then sub nin and dual wield axes.

rampage :-]

Yes. WAR/NIN with dual axes = Pwnage

[Victim12]

OK thanks for the replies, I think I'd like to go WAR/THF with greataxe and see how it goes, I hope I can get to 60 without having to go back and level up my MNK subjob.

[Darkedge]

In a previous party I've had a WAR/THF usin GAxe act as tank, it can be done, but I had to use more MP (me = WHM) and the DRK ended up taking a bit because we had a PLD before the WAR came along.

WAR/THF CAN tank, but hate's an issue. If I were to lvl War I would probably make my own parties AND look for Ninja or PLD tank..