How to Set Macros in FFXIV(FF14)

TL;DR

  • Six class macro setups with detailed skill explanations and rank requirements
  • Equipment commands for seamless weapon switching between combat scenarios
  • Healing and defensive cooldown integration for survivability optimization
  • Guild-specific ability acquisition guidance for complete skill access
  • Practical implementation strategies for immediate combat effectiveness

Mastering Final Fantasy XIV’s macro system transforms your combat efficiency by streamlining ability execution. Well-designed macros eliminate manual skill hunting during intense battles, allowing focused attention on mechanics and positioning. This guide provides battle-tested configurations for six core classes, each optimized for their unique combat roles and progression paths.

The /equip Main command ensures immediate weapon readiness, while /eaction slots organize abilities logically by acquisition rank. Understanding this system’s fundamentals dramatically improves your performance across all content types, from solo questing to challenging dungeon encounters where reaction time matters most.

Proper macro planning also involves anticipating skill upgrades and understanding how abilities synergize across your class’s development journey. Each setup includes healing or defensive capabilities to maintain combat sustainability without external support.

Lancer combat macros establish a foundation for the Dragoon job’s iconic jumping attacks and positional gameplay. The equipment command instantly prepares your spear for engagement, while the action sequence builds from basic strikes to advanced techniques.

/equip Main “Weathered Spear” (Any Rank “Weapon name”)
/eaction 2 “Ferocity” (Rank 4 – Direct damage with potency scaling)
/eaction 3 “Skewer” (Rank 2 – Combo starter with positional benefits)
/eaction 4 “Trammel” (Rank 6, Restores HP – Essential self-sustain for solo content)
/eaction 5 “Moonrise” (Rank8 – Area damage for multi-target situations)
/eaction 6 “Speed Surge” (Rank 10 – Mobility and attack speed enhancement)

Strategic Insight: Heavy Thrust requires Lancer Guild access around level 15, providing a crucial damage buff that significantly impacts your rotation effectiveness. Prioritize obtaining this ability early through guild quests to maximize your damage output potential.

Marauder macros emphasize brutal axe techniques that evolve into the Warrior’s overwhelming offensive capabilities. This configuration balances damage dealing with survivability tools essential for the class’s aggressive playstyle.

/equip Main “Weathered Waraxe” (Any Rank “Weapon name”)
/eaction 2 “Trunksplitter” (Rank 2 – Primary combo starter with high potency)
/eaction 3 “Brandish” (Rank 4 – Follow-up attack that chains from previous abilities)
/eaction 4 “Bloodbath” (Rank 6, Restore HP – Converts damage dealt into healing, perfect for sustained combat)
/eaction 5 “Skull Sunder” (Rank 8 – High-damage finisher with stun potential)
/eaction 6 “Defender” (Rank 10 – Significant defense increase for challenging encounters)

Pro Tip: Broad Swing becomes available through Marauder Guild quests around level 26, offering crucial area damage that transforms your multi-target capabilities. Plan your guild visits strategically to avoid combat effectiveness gaps.

Pugilist macros establish the rapid-strike foundation that defines the Monk’s fast-paced combat rhythm. This setup prioritizes fluid combinations and mobility while integrating essential recovery tools.

/equip Main “Weathered Hora” (Any Rank “Weapon name”)
/eaction 2 “Heavy Strike” (Rank 1 – Basic high-potency attack forming your core rotation)
/eaction 3 “Concussive Blow” (Rank 2 – Stun capability for interrupting dangerous enemy attacks)
/eaction 4 “Haymaker” (Rank 4 – Positional attack with bonus damage from flanking)
/eaction 5 “Second Wind” (Rank 6, Restore HP – Emergency self-heal with cooldown management)
/eaction 6 “Seismic Shock” (Rank8 – Ground-targeted area damage for control)
/eaction 7 “Taunt” (Rank 10 – Aggro generation for party situations)

Critical Note: The original contained duplicate /eaction 5 entries – this corrected version properly sequences Seismic Shock at slot 6 and Taunt at slot 7 for optimal functionality. Heavy Strike serves as your primary damage builder from level 1 onward.

Archer macros create the framework for the Bard’s versatile ranged combat and support capabilities. This configuration emphasizes shot rotations, mobility, and utility skills that define the archer playstyle.

/equip Main “Weathered Bow” (Any Rank “Weapon name”)
/eaction 2 “Puncture” (Rank 2 – Damage over time effect that enhances overall DPS)
/eaction 3 “Raging Strike” (Rank 4 – Damage boost cooldown for burst phases)
/eaction 4 “Shadowbind” (Rank 6, Restore HP – Root effect with healing component for kiting strategies)
/eaction 5 “Wide Volley” (Rank8 – Cone-shaped area attack for multiple targets)
/eaction 6 “Queling Strike” (Rank 10 – Silence utility for spellcasting enemies)

Ability Clarification: Close Shot and Refill are indeed available from rank 1, providing your basic single-target attack and ammunition recovery mechanics respectively.

Gladiator macros establish the defensive foundation that evolves into the Paladin’s comprehensive protection capabilities. This setup balances threat generation, damage mitigation, and area control for effective tanking.

/equip Main “Weathered Sword” (Any Rank “Weapon name”)
/eaction 2 “Red Lotus” (Rank 2 – Flashy area attack with emnity generation)
/eaction 3 “Rampart” (Rank 4 – Essential defensive cooldown reducing incoming damage)
/eaction 4 “Circle Slash” (Rank 6 – Circular area damage perfect for dungeon packs)
/eaction 5 “Phalanx” (Rank8 – Party-wide defensive buff for critical mechanics)
/eaction 6 “Provoke” (Rank 10 – Critical agrip management tool for tank swaps)

Starter Skills: Light Slash and Light Stab represent your initial rank 1 abilities, with one available immediately upon class selection.

Beyond basic setups, advanced macro strategies significantly enhance your combat performance. Understanding skill synergy allows you to create combinations that maximize damage output while maintaining defensive awareness.

Common mistakes include overloading macros with too many actions, ignoring positional requirements, and failing to update configurations as new abilities become available. Regularly review your macros every 5-10 levels to incorporate new skills and optimize rotations.

Pro-level optimization involves creating situational macros for specific content types. Consider separate configurations for solo play versus group content, with adjustments for single-target versus multi-target scenarios.

For comprehensive class understanding, explore our Class Guide which details advanced mechanics and role-specific strategies. Weapon upgrades dramatically impact your effectiveness – consult our Weapons Unlock guide for optimal equipment progression.

Timing your guild visits is crucial – most classes gain essential abilities between levels 15-30 that transform their combat capabilities. Plan these visits around natural story progression points to maintain consistent power growth.

Action Checklist

  • Copy your class-specific macro configuration into the game’s macro interface
  • Test each macro sequence on training dummies to verify proper execution
  • Visit your class guild to acquire missing abilities like Heavy Thrust or Broad Swing
  • Practice rotation sequences until muscle memory develops for smooth execution
  • Create backup macros for situational content (single-target vs multi-target)

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