Final Fantasy Tactics Job Rankings: Which Class Reigns Supreme in Ivalice?

Final Fantasy Tactics is a masterpiece, a game that has consumed countless hours of our lives since we first popped it into our PlayStations. The political intrigue, the brutal difficulty spikes, and, of course, the incredibly deep Job System. It’s a system so good that it turns every playthrough into a new strategic puzzle. But let’s cut to the chase: not all jobs are created equal. Some are gods of the battlefield, while others… well, they’re just happy to be there.

We’ve scoured the depths of the internet, from ancient GameFAQs threads to modern YouTube analyses, to bring you the definitive, averaged-out ranking of all 20 generic jobs in the Ivalice Chronicles. Prepare your salt, because your favorite might not be where you think it is.

The Absolute Bottom of the Barrel of Final Fantasy Tactics

20. Bard

Ah, the Bard. Someone has to be last, and it’s almost always this flute-tootling pacifist. Their songs are supposed to buff the party, but the charge times are so agonizingly long that by the time they finish a tune, the battle is either over or your entire squad has been wiped out. You’re better off just hitting things. Hard.

19. Dancer

Slightly more useful than their male counterpart, the Dancer at least tries to do something offensive by debuffing enemies. The problem? It’s just as slow and unreliable. Why dance around hoping to cause a minor inconvenience when you could just, you know, stab the enemy in the face? Style points don’t win battles in Ivalice.

The “Why Bother?” Tier

18. Orator

The Orator, or Mediator if you’re old school, is the kind of job that sounds great on paper. Manipulate enemies! Recruit monsters! Talk your way out of a fight! In reality, their success rates are abysmal without some serious stat manipulation, making them a frustratingly niche and often useless party member. They’re politicians in a world that respects swords, and it shows.

17. Mime

The Mime is a gimmick, plain and simple. It copies the last action taken by an ally. This can lead to some hilarious, screen-nuking combos if you set it up perfectly. But that’s the problem—it requires perfect setup. Most of the time, your Mime will be copying a “Potion” command while standing in a fire. It’s a high-effort, low-reward class for people who love spreadsheets.

16. Archer

Archers are your first real ranged physical attackers, and for about five minutes, they feel useful. Then you realize their damage is pathetic. Unless you have a massive height advantage, you’re just tickling enemies from afar. Their abilities are fine for utility, but their core function—shooting arrows that hurt—is a massive letdown.

The Stepping Stones

15. Squire

Every hero’s journey begins as a Squire. It’s basic, it’s boring, but it’s essential. “Focus” is a legitimately great skill that finds use throughout the entire game, and “Throw Stone” is… well, it’s iconic, isn’t it? You’re not winning any awards here, but you have to start somewhere.

14. Chemist

The Chemist is your first healer and your dedicated item-user. Flinging potions and phoenix downs is crucial in the early game. The problem is they get outclassed by actual magic users pretty quickly. Their one saving grace? “Auto-Potion” is one of the most hilariously broken reaction abilities in the game.

13. Thief

You need a Thief. Not because they’re good in a fight—they’re not—but because they steal stuff. Awesome, game-changing stuff. Leveling up a Thief is a chore, a necessary evil you endure so you can pilfer the best equipment from unsuspecting enemies. Their Speed stats are nice, though.

The Mid-Tier Contenders

12. Time Mage

Hastega and Slowga are game-changers. Full stop. The ability to manipulate the turn order is powerful. But beyond that, the Time Mage’s offensive spells are often underwhelming. They’re a fantastic secondary skillset but struggle to stand on their own as a primary job.

11. Summoner

Summoners bring the spectacle. Calling forth Shiva and Ifrit to blast huge areas of the battlefield is immensely satisfying. They’re your go-to for clearing out groups of weaker enemies. Their downside? Long charge times and a thirsty MP pool. They’re powerful, but you have to protect them.

10. Knight

Knights are the first real tanks you get. They can equip heavy armor and hit reasonably hard. Their true value comes from their “Break” skills, which let you shatter enemy stats and equipment. It’s a war of attrition, and the Knight is surprisingly good at it.

9. White Mage

Healers are essential, and the Priest (or White Mage) is the OG. Cura, Regen, and Raise are staples for survival. They keep your heavy hitters in the fight. They don’t do much else, but what they do is so vital that you’ll almost always want their skillset on hand.

8. Geomancer

The Geomancer is the jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Their “Elemental” skill is a free, instant-cast, mid-range attack that can add status effects. It’s reliable and costs no MP. They have decent stats and good equipment options. They’ll never be the star, but they will always, always be useful.

The Power Players

7. Dragoon

Jump. That’s it. That’s the whole pitch. The Lancer (or Dragoon) can leap into the air, becoming invincible for a turn before crashing down on an enemy for massive damage. It’s safe, it’s powerful, and it ignores elevation. They’re sturdy, reliable damage dealers.

6. Mystic

The Mystic (or Oracle) is the master of status effects. They can cripple entire enemy squads with sleep, silence, and paralysis. On higher difficulties where you can’t just one-shot everything, their ability to control the battlefield becomes absurdly powerful. An enemy that can’t take a turn is an enemy that can’t hurt you.

5. Black Mage

Raw, unadulterated magical power. The Wizard (or Black Mage) has the highest Magic Attack growth and access to the elemental -ga spells. With the right setup, they can wipe out multiple enemies before they even get a turn. They’re glass cannons, but what cannons they are.

The God Tier Elites

4. Samurai

Katanas that hit multiple enemies and have built-in status effects? Check. A “Blade Grasp” reaction ability that can make you nearly invincible to physical attacks? Double check. The Samurai is an offensive and defensive powerhouse. Their “Draw Out” abilities are some of the best in the game, offering healing, buffs, and massive damage.

3. Monk

Why use a weapon when your fists hit like a freight train? The Monk is an early-game beast that stays relevant until the very end. They can heal, revive, and dish out ranged damage, all while punching holes through armor. They are the definition of self-sufficiency.

2. Arithmetician

This is it. The most broken job in Final Fantasy history. The Arithmetician (or Calculator) can cast any spell they’ve learned on any unit on the map, instantly, for free, based on mathematical conditions. Want to cast Holy on every enemy unit that is Level 4? Go for it. It breaks the game so thoroughly that some players refuse to use it. It’s not fun, it’s just winning.

1. Ninja

Dual-wielding swords. The highest Speed stat in the game. The ability to throw powerful weapons at enemies from a distance. The Ninja is a whirlwind of death. They get more turns than anyone else and can deal obscene amounts of damage on each one. They are the kings of physical offense.