FF14 Dark Knight: Determination vs Direct Hit Rate: Which is Better?

Dark Knights in Final Fantasy XIV have access to two important secondary stats: Determination and Direct Hit Rate. Both stats can significantly impact your damage output, but which one is better?

Determination

Determination increases your damage dealt by a flat percentage. This means that it will always provide the same benefit, regardless of your other stats or the level of content you are doing.

For example, if you have 100 Determination, you will deal 10% more damage. This is a significant increase, and it can make a big difference in your overall DPS.

Direct Hit Rate

Direct Hit Rate increases the chance that your attacks will deal a critical hit. Critical hits deal 1.5x damage, so a higher Direct Hit Rate will result in more crits and, therefore, more damage.

The chance to land a Direct Hit is increased based on the character's "Direct Hit Rate" stat. The formula is as follows:

Direct Hit Chance = 100% + (Direct Hit Rate - Enemy Direct Hit Resistance)%

For example, if you have 50 Direct Hit Rate and the enemy has 10 Direct Hit Resistance, you will have a 60% chance to land a Direct Hit.

Which Stat is Better?

So, which stat is better for Dark Knights: Determination or Direct Hit Rate? The answer depends on a few factors, including your gear, the content you are doing, and your playstyle.

Determination is generally considered to be the better stat for Dark Knights in most situations. This is because it provides a consistent damage increase, regardless of your other stats or the level of content you are doing.

However, Direct Hit Rate can be a better choice if you are doing content where you are likely to get a lot of critical hits. This includes content with high enemy HP, such as savage raids and extreme trials.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which stat is better for you is to experiment and see what works best for your playstyle.

Sample Calculations

Here are some sample calculations that compare the damage output of Determination and Direct Hit Rate.

Scenario 1:

• Player: Dark Knight with 100 Determination and 0 Direct Hit Rate
• Enemy: Level 80 target with 0 Direct Hit Resistance
• Attack: 100 potency attack

Damage with Determination: 100 * (1 + 100 / 1000) = 110
Damage with Direct Hit Rate: 100 * (1 + 0 / 1000) = 100

In this scenario, Determination provides a 10% damage increase, while Direct Hit Rate provides no damage increase.

Scenario 2:

• Player: Dark Knight with 0 Determination and 100 Direct Hit Rate
• Enemy: Level 80 target with 0 Direct Hit Resistance
• Attack: 100 potency attack

Damage with Determination: 100 * (1 + 0 / 1000) = 100
Damage with Direct Hit Rate: 100 * (1 + 100 / 1000) * 1.5 = 160

In this scenario, Determination provides no damage increase, while Direct Hit Rate provides a 60% damage increase.

Tips for Increasing Determination and Direct Hit Rate

There are several ways to increase your Determination and Direct Hit Rate.

• Gear: Gear with Determination and Direct Hit Rate substats is the most direct way to increase these stats.
• Materia: Materia can be slotted into gear to further increase Determination and Direct Hit Rate.
• Buffs: Buffs from other players can also increase your Determination and Direct Hit Rate.
• Food: Food can provide temporary buffs to Determination and Direct Hit Rate.

Conclusion

Determination and Direct Hit Rate are both important stats for Dark Knights. However, Determination is generally considered to be the better stat for most situations. If you are doing content where you are likely to get a lot of critical hits, then Direct Hit Rate may be a better choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide which stat is better for you is to experiment and see what works best for your playstyle.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between Determination and Direct Hit Rate?
A: Determination increases your damage dealt by a flat percentage, while Direct Hit Rate increases the chance that your attacks will deal a critical hit.

Q: Which stat is better for Dark Knights?
A: Determination is generally considered to be the better stat for Dark Knights in most situations.

Q: How can I increase my Determination and Direct Hit Rate?
A: You can increase your Determination and Direct Hit Rate by equipping gear with Determination and Direct Hit Rate substats, slotting Materia into your gear, receiving buffs from other players, and eating food.

Q: What is the best way to decide which stat is better for me?
A: The best way to decide which stat is better for you is to experiment and see what works best for your playstyle.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Determination vs Direct Hit Rate Damage Comparison

Table 2: Gear with Determination and Direct Hit Rate Substats

Table 3: Materia that Increases Determination and Direct Hit Rate

Table 4: Buffs that Increase Determination and Direct Hit Rate