With Final Fantasy XIV 8.0 on the horizon, speculation around new jobs and system changes is already heating up. Based on developer comments and the game’s historical patterns, there are a few realistic scenarios for what players can expect in the next expansion. This speculation is from Sharlayan’s YouTube channel.
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Two Possible Realities for 8.0
When discussing 8.0 job additions, there are essentially two likely scenarios:
1. One New Job + Full Job Identity Reworks
The first—and more likely—scenario is that 8.0 introduces only one new job, alongside major identity reworks for all existing jobs.
Square Enix has already hinted multiple times that job identity adjustments are coming. These reworks aim to refine how each job feels and plays, improving uniqueness and overall balance. Considering there are over 20 jobs in the game, revisiting all of them represents a massive development effort. Some jobs, like Paladin, already feel polished and distinct. Others—such as Dark Knight and Warrior—have overlapping elements that could benefit from clearer differentiation. While not every job will receive drastic changes, even moderate adjustments across the board require significant resources. Because of this, it would not be surprising if the development team focuses heavily on reworks and limits 8.0 to just one new job.
2. Two New Jobs
The second possibility is the traditional approach: two new jobs per expansion. However, given the scale of the promised reworks, this scenario feels less likely. Adding two jobs while simultaneously redesigning every existing job would be an enormous undertaking. Still, it cannot be ruled out entirely.
Will There Be No New Jobs?
Some players have speculated that 8.0 might introduce no new jobs at all, but this is extremely unlikely.
Historically, every expansion has included at least one new job. Producer Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) has even implied that skipping new jobs would not be well-received by the player base. A major expansion without new jobs would likely lead to strong backlash. As a result, it is safe to assume that at least one new job will be added in 8.0.
Most Likely Role: Physical Ranged DPS
If only one new job is introduced, the strongest candidate is Physical Ranged DPS. Why Physical Ranged? There are several reasons why this role stands out:
- Role imbalance – Physical ranged currently has fewer jobs compared to other roles.
- Longest gap since last addition – The last physical ranged job, Dancer, was introduced in Shadowbringers.
- DPS popularity – DPS roles are the most played in any MMO, making them a priority for new content.
- Design issues – The role currently lacks a clear identity, sitting awkwardly between support and pure damage.
Jobs like Machinist struggle with identity, combining “selfish DPS” design with utility elements that dilute their role. Overall, the physical ranged category feels underdeveloped and would benefit from a fresh direction. So, if there is only one job in 8.0, it will almost certainly be a Physical Ranged DPS.
If There Are Two Jobs
If Square Enix follows the two-job model, the most logical combination would be Physical Ranged DPS & Tank. This mirrors past expansion patterns and helps balance role distribution. Tanks have not received a new addition as recently as other support roles, making them a strong secondary candidate.
Weapon-Based Job Speculation
In FFXIV, job design is heavily tied to weapon identity, making weapons a key factor in predicting new jobs.
Potential Physical Ranged Weapons
Possible unexplored weapon types include:
- Boomerangs – Shikari, Bushi, Thief, Hunter,
- Crossbows – Ranger, Hunter, Shikari, Bushi, Time Mage
- Dual pistols – Corsair, Buccaneer
- Heavy firearms (rifles, cannons) – Corsair, Buccaneer
- Mid-range weapons (whips, javelins) – Freelancer, Pilgrim
Among these, boomerangs and crossbows stand out as the most viable options.
Possible New Physical Ranged Jobs
1. Ranger (Top Prediction)
The most likely candidate is Ranger, potentially using a crossbow.
- Fits naturally within Final Fantasy history
- Matches the physical ranged role perfectly
- Easy to design around precision and utility
Potential gameplay concept:
- Ammo or reload mechanics
- Customizable bolt combinations
- Damage-over-time (DoT) focused playstyle
- Systems similar to Ninja’s mudras, but with ammunition
2. Boomerang-Based Job
A boomerang job could offer a unique, fast-paced identity:
- Momentum-based gameplay
- Increasing attack speed over time
- Cyclical “build and release” burst mechanics
3. Corsair / Dual Pistols
A pirate-themed job using dual pistols is also possible:
- Stylish and thematic
- Could blend RNG mechanics with burst damage
- However, overlaps somewhat with Machinist’s design space
Tank Job Speculation
If a second job is introduced, it will likely be a Tank, with several weapon possibilities:
Potential Tank Weapons
- Mace + Shield
- Axe + Shield
- War Hammer / Great Hammer
- Lance + Shield
- Magic-based weapons (Runic systems)
Likely Tank Concepts
1. Mace + Shield Tank
- Expands shield usage beyond Paladin
- Could tie into classic jobs like Green Mage, Foebreaker
2. Lance + Shield Tank
- Inspired by defensive spear users in past Final Fantasy titles
- Could feature slower, heavy-hitting gameplay
- Unique visual identity compared to existing tanks
3. Rune Fencer (Personal Favorite Concept)
- Magic-infused tank
- Uses runes or enchantments to mitigate damage
- A hybrid between offense and defense
Final Predictions
Based on all available information, the most likely outcomes are:
If There Is One Job:
- Physical Ranged DPS
- Most likely: Ranger with a crossbow
If There Are Two Jobs:
- Physical Ranged DPS + Tank
- Tank likely uses Mace + Shield or Lance + Shield
Conclusion
FFXIV 8.0 has the potential to be one of the most transformative expansions yet. With large-scale job identity reworks on the way, the focus may shift from quantity to quality. As always, Final Fantasy XIV is known for surprises—so even the most logical predictions could be completely overturned.
