FFXIV – How to Become a Dark Knight

How to Unlock and Play as Dark Knight in Final Fantasy XIV

Dark Knight is a powerful tank job in Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward. With the ability to excel in solo play and lead a group, it’s a versatile choice for players of all kinds.

If you’ve chosen to become a Dark Knight, either because you’re interested in tanking or you thought it was related to Batman, this guide will walk you through the steps to unlock and play as this formidable class.


Table of Contents

How to Unlock Dark Knight

Dark Knight is a highly sought-after tank job, and here’s how you can unlock it:

Dark Knight in action
  1. Reach level 50 with a Disciple of War or Magic class.
  2. Complete the main scenario quest “Before the Dawn” to gain access to Ishgard.
  3. Head to Ishgard and start the Dark Knight quest chain by accepting the quest “Our End.”
  4. Follow the subsequent quests in the chain to unlock Dark Knight abilities and obtain higher tier gear.

Dark Knight Basics

Getting started with Dark Knight is relatively straightforward compared to some other classes in Final Fantasy XIV:

Shadowbringers has introduced changes to Dark Knight, making it more accessible and less reliant on complex mechanics. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Master Dark Arts and understand its usage in your rotation.
  • Learn both your single target and AoE rotations.
  • Pay attention to when to use buffs to maximize your damage output.
  • Ensure you maintain aggro to effectively tank for your team.

With these basics in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled Dark Knight.


By following these steps, you can unlock and play as Dark Knight in Final Fantasy XIV. Embrace the power of the Dark Arts and lead your team to victory. If you have any additional tips or experiences as a Dark Knight, feel free to share them in the comments below.