FF14 SAM BiS: The Ultimate Guide to Gear Progression

Introduction

Samurai is a high-damage melee DPS job in Final Fantasy XIV Online (FF14). Mastering the best-in-slot (BiS) gear for SAM is crucial for pushing the limits of your damage output. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth analysis of the BiS gear progression for SAM, covering all gear levels from level 50 to the current endgame.

Level 50-60

• Main Weapon: Augmented Scaevan Katana (ilvl 310)
• Head: Replica Sky Pirate's Cap of Aiming (ilvl 270)
• Body: Augmented Scaevan Mail of Aiming (ilvl 310)
• Hands: Augmented Scaevan Gloves of Aiming (ilvl 310)
• Legs: Augmented Scaevan Trousers of Aiming (ilvl 310)
• Feet: Augmented Scaevan Boots of Aiming (ilvl 310)
• Accessories:
  • Augmented Scaevan Earrings of Aiming (ilvl 310)
  • Augmented Scaevan Necklace of Aiming (ilvl 310)
  • Augmented Scaevan Ring of Aiming (ilvl 310 x2)

Level 60-70

• Main Weapon: Augmented Shinryu Katana (ilvl 330)
• Head: Far Eastern Patriarch's Hat of Striking (ilvl 320)
• Body: Far Eastern Patriarch's Togi of Striking (ilvl 320)
• Hands: Far Eastern Patriarch's Kote of Striking (ilvl 320)
• Legs: Far Eastern Patriarch's Hakama of Striking (ilvl 320)
• Feet: Far Eastern Patriarch's Waraji of Striking (ilvl 320)
• Accessories:
  • Augmented Shinryu Earrings of Aiming (ilvl 330)
  • Augmented Shinryu Necklace of Aiming (ilvl 330)
  • Augmented Shinryu Ring of Aiming (ilvl 330 x2)

Level 70-80

• Main Weapon: Edenmorn Katana (ilvl 450)
• Head: Edenmorn Circlet of Aiming (ilvl 450)
• Body: Edenmorn Mail of Aiming (ilvl 450)
• Hands: Edenmorn Gloves of Aiming (ilvl 450)
• Legs: Edenmorn Trousers of Aiming (ilvl 450)
• Feet: Edenmorn Boots of Aiming (ilvl 450)
• Accessories:
  • Edenmorn Earrings of Aiming (ilvl 450)
  • Edenmorn Necklace of Aiming (ilvl 450)
  • Edenmorn Ring of Aiming (ilvl 450 x2)

Level 80-90

• Main Weapon: Augmented Cryptlurker's Katana (ilvl 535)
• Head: Augmented Cryptlurker's Headband of Aiming (ilvl 535)
• Body: Augmented Cryptlurker's Mail of Aiming (ilvl 535)
• Hands: Augmented Cryptlurker's Gloves of Aiming (ilvl 535)
• Legs: Augmented Cryptlurker's Trousers of Aiming (ilvl 535)
• Feet: Augmented Cryptlurker's Boots of Aiming (ilvl 535)
• Accessories:
  • Augmented Cryptlurker's Earrings of Aiming (ilvl 535)
  • Augmented Cryptlurker's Necklace of Aiming (ilvl 535)
  • Augmented Cryptlurker's Ring of Aiming (ilvl 535 x2)

Melding

Melding materia into your gear is essential to maximize your stats. For SAM, the following materias are recommended:

• Main Weapon: Direct Hit > Critical Hit > Determination
• Head/Body/Legs/Feet: Critical Hit > Direct Hit > Determination
• Hands/Accessories: Critical Hit > Direct Hit

Rotation

The optimal SAM rotation varies depending on the fight, but here is a general overview:

1. Iaijutsu: Open with Iaijutsu for a high-damage burst.
2. Midare Setsugekka: Use Midare Setsugekka to gain stacks of Kenki.
3. Yukikaze: Spam Yukikaze to generate Sen.
4. Shinten: Use Shinten to remove debuffs and gain a buff.
5. Gekko: Use Gekko and Kaiten to unleash a powerful attack.
6. Hissatsu: Gyoten: Use Hissatsu: Gyoten to spend Sen for a massive damage burst.

Tips and Tricks

• Maintain the Kenki buff as much as possible by using Midare Setsugekka and Yukikaze.
• Use Shinten strategically to remove debuffs and gain a buff.
• Use Iaijutsu wisely as it is your biggest damage burst skill.
• Learn the fight mechanics to optimize your rotation and avoid interrupting your flow.

Conclusion

Mastering the BiS gear progression and rotation for SAM is crucial for maximizing your damage output. By following the recommendations in this guide, you can take your SAM to the next level and dominate any fight that comes your way. Remember to adjust your gear and rotation according to the specific fight mechanics and strive for continuous improvement.