FFXIV Job Unlock: Black Mage Guide

A step-by-step guide to unlocking the Black Mage job in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

Unlock Quick Facts
Quest Name	Taking the Black
Starting NPC	Yayake (Thaumaturge's Guild)
Location	Ul'dah - Steps of Nald (X: 7.3, Y: 12.4)
Prerequisites	Level 30 Thaumaturge & "Facing Your Demons"
Role	Magical Ranged DPS

Step-by-Step Instructions

The Black Mage is an advanced job that evolves from the Thaumaturge class. It was part of the original release of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

1. Level Thaumaturge to 30

Your first step is to level the **Thaumaturge** class to Level 30. Thaumaturge is a starting class available in Ul'dah.

2. Complete Class Quests

You must complete all your Thaumaturge class quests up to Level 30. The final class quest is titled "Facing Your Demons". If you have not done this, the job quest will not appear.

3. Accept "Taking the Black"

Once you have met the requirements, speak to Yayake in the Thaumaturge's Guild in Ul'dah - Steps of Nald (X: 7.3, Y: 12.4). She will offer the quest that transitions you from Thaumaturge to Black Mage.

You will be rewarded with:

Soul of the Black Mage (Job Stone)
Black Mage's Attire Chest (Optional Gear)

4. Equip Your Soul Crystal

Don't forget to equip the Soul of the Black Mage in your equipment menu (bottom right slot). This changes your class from Thaumaturge to Black Mage and gives you access to Black Mage-specific spells.

Why Play Black Mage?

Black Mage is a powerhouse Magical Ranged DPS job. It is renowned for its explosive damage and "turret" playstyle, alternating between Astral Fire (high damage, high MP cost) and Umbral Ice (MP regeneration). While it requires intimate knowledge of fights to minimize movement, seeing huge numbers pop up on screen is incredibly satisfying.