FFXIV Evercold's second new job brings pets back at last with a magic bird

Final Fantasy XIV has unveiled its second new class for the Evercold expansion during the Tokyo Fan Fest. The new job, called Zephyr, is a physical ranged DPS, which marks the first physical ranged class in the game since 2019's Shadowbringers. Zephyr is unique as it utilizes a pet, something not seen since the introduction of the Beastmaster class in 2017's Stormblood expansion.

The class boasts a small, powerful crossbow as its primary weapon, with the user firing off arrow volleys in various stylish forms during basic attack chains. Additional skills include a charged arrow shot with an aether effect and another that adds elemental affinities to the arrows. The highlight of Zephyr is its magical bird companion, Nephele.

According to FFXIV producer Naoki Yoshida, Nephele was once a bird that collaborated with hunters in the harsh Ilsabard mountain range. In battle, Nephele's bond with the Zephyr user manifests as various party support buffs, which were showcased in the trailer. Nephele carries the Zephyr around the battlefield, displaying a glowing ring before releasing the fighter and launching the ring at a monster, similar to the Bastion class.

Zephyr will only use Evercold's new Evolved combat system, which will be introduced at level 90, with the initial quest available in Gridania upon the game's release on February 23. Early access to the expansion begins on February 19 for those who pre-order the expansion.