TL;DR
- Dark Knight’s Unleash now shows clearer attack indicators while Blood Weapon reduces TP costs by 20%
- Machinist’s Quick Reload recast time cut from 40s to 30s with adjusted TP recovery values
- Astrologian healing spells received significant potency boosts across multiple abilities
- Sect-based healing adjustments provide better flexibility for different combat scenarios
- New optimization strategies help maximize job performance in endgame content
Final Fantasy XIV Heavensward expansion has been live for approximately two months, marking one of the most substantial content updates in the game’s history. This major release introduced the Au Ra race alongside three innovative combat roles: Astrologian, Dark Knight, and Machinist, which have rapidly gained popularity within the player community. As increasing numbers of adventurers reach the new level 60 cap, more players can experience the expansion’s fresh gear and content. However, several gameplay concerns emerged during initial release. Patch 3.07 addresses many of these issues, and we’ll explore the comprehensive changes in detail with Mmogah.

The three recently introduced combat specialties—Astrologian, Dark Knight, and Machinist—have undergone comprehensive modifications to their core abilities and inherent characteristics. These adjustments aim to improve gameplay balance while addressing community feedback regarding job performance in various content types.
Unleash: Technical modifications now ensure enemy assault indicators display with enhanced clarity. This quality-of-life improvement allows Dark Knight players to better anticipate incoming threats during intense dungeon encounters and raid scenarios. The improved visual cues help maintain situational awareness when managing multiple adversaries simultaneously.
Blood Weapon: This ability now activates an additional effect that decreases the Technical Point expenditure of weapon techniques by 20%. This substantial reduction dramatically improves the job’s sustainability during extended combat sequences, particularly in boss fights requiring prolonged damage output.
Strategic Insight: These changes position Dark Knight as a more versatile tank option, capable of maintaining aggressive postures without rapidly depleting TP reserves. Players should incorporate Blood Weapon during high-frequency ability usage windows to maximize efficiency.
Quick Reload: The recovery interval for this ability has been shortened from 40 seconds to 30 seconds. Simultaneously, the Technical Points regenerated have been adjusted from 50 to 30 units. The associated Quicker Reload characteristic now decreases the cooldown period to merely 15 seconds.
Advanced Technique: Despite the reduced TP restoration, the significantly shorter recast timer enables more frequent usage throughout engagements. Machinists should now integrate Quick Reload into their standard rotation cycles rather than reserving it for emergency situations.
Common Pitfall: Many players initially overlook the importance of timing Quick Reload with other cooldowns. Avoid activating it during periods of minimal TP consumption—instead, synchronize with high-TP-cost ability sequences for maximum benefit.

Benefic: The healing strength has been elevated from 380 to 400 potency points, providing more consistent single-target restoration during standard healing rotations.
Benefic II: The curative power has been boosted from 620 to 650 potency, significantly improving emergency healing capabilities for critical health situations.
Helios: The area-effect healing capacity has been increased from 290 to 300 potency, enhancing group recovery during raid-wide damage events.
Aspected Benefic: The regenerative effect potency from Diurnal Sect has risen from 100 to 140. Meanwhile, the damage prevention provided by Nocturnal Sect’s protective barrier has been amplified from 100% of health restored to 130% of health restored.
Aspected Helios: The curative strength when not employing Nocturnal Sect has jumped from 140 to 200. When utilizing Nocturnal Sect, the healing power has grown from 140 to 150. However, the regenerative effect potency from Diurnal Sect has been lowered from 50 to 40.
Healing Strategy: These modifications create clearer distinctions between the two sect specializations. Diurnal Sect now excels at sustained regeneration, while Nocturnal Sect provides superior burst protection. Astrologians should now more deliberately select their sect based on encounter mechanics rather than personal preference.
Optimization Priority: With these comprehensive adjustments, players should revisit their ability rotation patterns. The changes particularly affect resource management for Dark Knights and Machinists, while Astrologians gain enhanced flexibility in healing approaches.
Dark Knight Rotation: Incorporate Blood Weapon during periods of high weapon skill usage, typically following defensive cooldown applications. The TP conservation allows for more aggressive positioning and threat generation.
Machinist TP Management: Despite the reduced TP restoration from Quick Reload, the ability’s increased frequency enables better sustained damage output. Consider using our comprehensive Weapons Unlock guide for additional optimization techniques applicable to ranged combat roles.
Astrologian Sect Selection: Base your sect choice on encounter damage patterns. Diurnal Sect works best for predictable, sustained damage, while Nocturnal Sect excels against burst damage mechanics.
Common Execution Error: Many healers initially overvalue the Aspected Helios regeneration reduction without recognizing the substantial direct healing increase. The net effect remains positive for most content scenarios.
For players seeking broader combat fundamentals, our Complete Guide covers fundamental mechanics that translate well to FFXIV’s job system.
Action Checklist
- Test Dark Knight’s new Blood Weapon TP reduction in training dummies to understand the resource savings
- Adjust Machinist rotation to incorporate Quick Reload every 30 seconds (15 with trait)
- Experiment with both Astrologian sects in different dungeon types to understand the new balance
- Practice identifying the improved Unleash attack indicators in group content
- Review our Class Guide for additional role-specific strategies that apply to FFXIV jobs
No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » Final Fantasy XIV Heavensward: Patch 3.07 Note Complete guide to Final Fantasy XIV Heavensward 3.07 job adjustments, balance changes, and optimization strategies
