Jobs Guide | Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles

The Ivalice Chronicles version of Final Fantasy Tactics has one of the deepest job systems in strategy RPGs. Every unit can change jobs, learn new skills, and unlock advanced paths by leveling earlier classes. With over 30 total jobs including special character-exclusive roles, knowing the requirements and strengths of each job is key to building the best party.

How the Job System Works

Jobs unlock by leveling up other jobs. For example, Squire and Chemist are the starting jobs. Reaching level 2 as Squire unlocks Knight and Archer, while level 2 Chemist opens White Mage and Black Mage. Each new job tier builds off the last, leading to advanced classes like Ninja, Samurai, and Arithmetician.

Some characters such as Ramza, Agrias, Orlandeau, and Cloud also come with unique jobs unavailable to generic units. The War of the Lions version adds extra jobs like Onion Knight and Dark Knight, along with guest characters Luso and Balthier.

Basic Jobs

Squire

The foundation for physical fighters. Squires use simple skills like Focus and Rush while serving as the gateway to Knight, Archer, and Monk. Always learn JP Boost early to speed up progress.

Chemist

The support base class. Chemists throw items from a distance and open paths to White Mage and Black Mage. Auto-Potion is one of the most reliable reaction skills in the entire game.

Mid-Tier Jobs

Knight

Frontline tanks with Arts of War abilities that break enemy weapons, armor, and stats. Required for unlocking Monk and Samurai later.

Archer

Uses Aim to increase ranged power. They can equip bows and crossbows and are needed to unlock Thief and Ninja.

Black Mage

Casts elemental spells and powerful single-target nukes. Leads to Time Mage and eventually Arithmetician.

White Mage

Keeps allies alive with Cure, Raise, and Protect. Needed to progress into Mystic and also contributes toward unlocking Arithmetician.

Advanced Jobs

Monk

Barehanded martial artists with high power and support techniques like Chakra and Revive. Excellent through mid and late game.

Thief

Fast units that steal gear and Gil. Their Poach ability helps farm rare monster drops. Essential to unlock Dragoon and Ninja.

Time Mage

Controls turn order with Haste, Slow, and Teleport. Swiftspell is a must-have support ability for magic users.

Mystic

Casts status effects like Silence, Sleep, and Confuse from long range. Unlocks Orator later in the tree.

High-End Jobs

Geomancer

Uses terrain-based attacks that inflict damage and status ailments. Balanced stats make them versatile.

Dragoon

Specializes in Jump attacks that ignore height differences. Great against flying enemies and on uneven maps.

Orator

Uses Speechcraft to recruit enemies, buff allies, and lower enemy Bravery or Faith. Useful utility class.

Summoner

Calls powerful creatures like Shiva, Ramuh, and Bahamut. Summons can heal, shield, or deal huge area damage.

Master Jobs

Samurai

Wields katana and uses Iaido skills that break swords to unleash magic attacks. Requires Knight, Monk, and Dragoon levels.

Ninja

Fast dual-wielding fighters who can Throw weapons. Their innate Dual Wield support ability is among the strongest in the game.

Arithmetician

Calculates spells to hit multiple targets instantly with no charge time. One of the most broken jobs if used correctly.

Dancer and Bard

Gender-locked classes. Dancers apply constant battlefield-wide debuffs, while Bards provide healing and buffs. Both require heavy prerequisites but shine in support roles.

Mime

Copies the last ally action automatically. Cannot equip skills, but adds powerful extra turns in coordinated teams.

Special Jobs

Ramza’s Unique Squire

Improves over time and gains special skills like Shout and Ultima.

Agrias the Holy Knight

Has Holy Sword attacks that combine damage with status effects.

Mustadio the Machinist

Uses guns with disabling shots like Arm Shot and Seal Evil.

Reis the Dragonkin

Commands breath attacks and dragon buffs.

Cloud the Ex-SOLDIER

Uses Limit abilities when equipped with the Materia Blade.

Orlandeau the Sword Saint

Combines the strongest sword skills from multiple classes. One of the most powerful units in the game.

Beowulf the Templar

Casts Spellblade skills that inflict status and damage simultaneously.

War of the Lions Exclusive Jobs

Onion Knight

Has no skills but gains extreme stats based on mastered jobs. Potentially the strongest if you put in the grind.

Dark Knight

Powerful melee class with Dark Sword abilities. Requires multiple jobs at level 8 and defeating 20 human enemies.

Balthier the Sky Pirate

Hybrid unit using ranged weapons and Steal skills.

Luso the Game Hunter

Functions as a variant of Ramza with similar growth and abilities.

Final Blurb

The Ivalice Chronicles job system rewards patience and planning. By investing in early jobs and following the unlock chains, you gain access to some of the strongest roles in the series. Whether you want an unstoppable Orlandeau or a late-game Cloud with Limits, understanding job paths ensures your army can handle anything.