Thanks to World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV has been picking up steam again. With an influx of brand new players, so now seems about the right time for some re-introductory guides to the game.

You’ll begin your MMORPG adventure by having to make a few decisions. One of the first being the race of your FFXIV character. There are 8 races and 16 clans in the world for you to pick from. With fairly subtle differences in quests dialogue, mounts, and stat augments. Once you pick your race, you’ll also be able to pick one of the available clans, which will change the way you look and provide you with certain clan attribute bonuses.

There’s no harm in picking the character that looks the best to you because by the end it should all even out. But if you do happen to pick a race that you later regret choosing, you can always try out a different one. Which we’ll explain more about later.

Now for the fun part, looking at all the races of Final Fantasy XIV. Will you choose to be a tiny, adorable Lalafell? Or more a hulking lion-like Hrothgar? There’s a Final Fantasy XIV race to suit every personality! Let’s get into them all.

• Hyur	• Lalafell
• Elezen	• Au Ra
• Miqo’te	• Hrothgar
• Roegadyn	• Viera

 

Hyur : The Human-esque Race

Final Fantasy XIV Online takes place in a realm of wonders and opportunities, but it doesn’t mean you need to completely abandon your humanity. Even if the possibilities are endless, a decent number of players prefer playing as Hyurs, who are basically human-like.

The Hyur are one of the original races in Final Fantasy XIV. They are of average height and build compared to the other races, which lends itself aesthetically to most armour types. Throughout history, the Hyur have become the most populous of the civilized races in Eorzea — from a lore standpoint, at least. You can choose to play as male or female Hyur.

There are two clans in the Hyur race – The Midlander Clan and the Highlander Clan.

Clan	Strength	Dexterity	Vitality	Intelligence	Mind
Midlander	+2	-1	0	+3	-1
Highlander	+3	0	+2	-2	0

Midlander Clan

The Midlander clan get their name from the clan’s tradition of settling in low-land areas, though they can now be found throughout Eorzea. They have slender builds and fair complexions and can be found flourishing in every city. They are generally shorter than their Highlander counterparts and are the more numerous of the two, in terms of the overall population.

Midlanders have a bonus in Intelligence and slight penalties in Dexterity and Mind.

Suggested classes: Thaumaturge, Arcanist, Lancer, Pugilist, Marauder, Gladiator
Suggested jobs: Black Mage, Summoner, Red Mage, Blue Mage, Dragoon, Monk

Highlander Clan

Before the fall of Ala Mhigo, the Highlander clan were known to live in the mountains of Gyr Abania, they now reside primarily in Ul’dah. They are generally much taller and more muscular than their Midlander counterparts.

Highlanders boosted stat is Strength and low stat is Intelligence.

Suggested classes: Lancer, Pugilist, Marauder, Gladiator
Suggested jobs: Dragoon, Monk, Warrior, Paladin, Dark Knight, Gunbreaker 

 

Elezen : The Elven Race

It’s hard to have a fantasy game without the appearance of elves. In FFXIV the elf race is represented as the Elezen race. The Elezen are a tall, long-limbed, elf-like race with a much longer lifespan than that of the Hyur.

When the Hyur arrived in Eorzea it sparked conflict between the two races. The Elezen are nomadic by nature, but they retreated to protect themselves and their homeland after the perceived invasion. In recent times the Hyur and Elezen have learned to get along and live in harmony. The Elezen, like the Hyur are another of the original races in Final Fantasy XIV. You can play as a male or female Elezen.

There are two clans in the Elezen race – The Wildwood Clan and the Duskwight Clan.

Clan	Strength	Dexterity	Vitality	Intelligence	Mind
Wildwood	0	+3	-1	+2	-1
Duskwight	0	0	-1	+3	+1

Wildwood Clan

Both Elezen clans are known for their pointed elf-like ears and towering heights. The Wildwood clan are said to have better vision than their Duskwight counterparts, but this doesn’t affect your in-game play. The Wildwood clan made their homes in the forests of Eorzea, but as time has passed and tensions lessened, they are often seen in Gridania.

Wildwood has a bonus to Dexterity but lower Vitality.

Suggested classes: Archer, Rogue, Thaumaturge, Arcanist
Suggested jobs: Bard, Ninja, Machinist, Dancer, Black Mage, Summoner, Red Mage, Blue Mage

Duskwight Clan

The Duskwight clan retreated to the caves and caverns of Eorzea, preferring the company of their own people. The Wildwood Elezen refer to them as ‘the Greys’.They have a darker hue to their skin due to living in caves for most of their lives. The Duskwight clan supposedly have a better sense of hearing than the Wildwood clan, though the improved sense of hearing does not help in the game.

Duskwights have increased Intelligence but lower Vitality.

Suggested classes: Thaumaturge, Arcanist
Suggested jobs: Black Mage, Summoner, Red Mage, Blue Mage

 

MIQO’TE : The Cat-Human Race

The Miqo’te are a cat-like race with pointed ears and a long feline tail. They originally came to Eorzea during the Age of Endless Frost in the Fifth Umbral Era. Though the lore of the Miqo’te will tell you they are less common than the other races, they are an extremely common choice amongst FFXIV players.

Like the Hyur and Elezen, the Miqo’te are another of the original races in Final Fantasy XIV. Their otherwise human-like appearance is characterised by a small and athletic build, long legs and cat-like ears and tail. Miqo’te are shorter and smaller than your average Hyur and are covered in fur. Miqo’te has adapted into great hunters, aided by their keen sense of smell. They are generally territorial, preferring to lead solitary lives, though they can be found throughout Eorzea. After the A Realm Reborn update, you can choose to play either a male or female Miqo’te.

There are two clans in the Miqo’te race – The Seeker of the Sun Clan and the Keeper of the Moon Clan.

Clan	Strength	Dexterity	Vitality	Intelligence	Mind
Seekers of the Sun	+2	+3	0	-1	-1
Keepers of the Moon	-1	+2	-2	+1	+3

Seekers Of the Sun Clan

The Seekers of the Sun prefer to come out during the day and are said to primarily live in Limsa Lominsa and the Sagolii Desert. The Seekers of the Sun clan thrive in daylight and worship Azeyma the Warden, keeper of the Sun, from which they’ve derived their name. They are generally fair-skinned and what sets the Seekers of the Sun apart is their narrow, vertical pupils and light irises.

Seekers of the Sun have their bonus in Dexterity and slightly lowered Intelligence and Mind.

Suggested classes: Archer, Rogue, Lancer, Pugilist, Marauder, Gladiator
Suggested jobs: Bard, Ninja, Machinist, Dancer, Dragoon, Monk

Keepers Of The Moon Clan

In direct contrast to the first clan, the Keepers of the Moon are nocturnal by nature and prefer to avoid daylight where possible. They have darker skin than their daytime relatives and are often found living around Gridania. They are known to hunt in the woodlands of the Black Shroud. Their longer tails, darker fur, and large pupils set them apart from the Seekers of the Sun.

Keepers of the Moon have increased Mind and slightly low Vitality.

Suggested classes: Conjurer, Archer, Rogue
Suggested jobs: White Mage, Scholar, Astrologian, Bard, Ninja, Machinist, Dancer

 

ROEGADYN : The Brute Race

The Roegadyn are a hefty, muscular race, though they may look like barbarians, the race is generally known for being kind-hearted and loyal. The Roegadyn originally roamed the northern seas, but they eventually ventured into the south and entered Eorzean waters.

If you’re looking for the perfect fit that will reflect your tankiness, Roegadyn is for you. Compared to other races in the game, Roegadyn characters could also be considered giants. One of the original races in Final Fantasy XIV, the Roegadyn race typically have a large and burly build and are characterised by their often intimidating appearance. Roegadyn thrives on physical work and are often found manning their ships or using their brawn at smithies, or in service as a bodyguard or hired muscle. You can play as both male and female Roegadyn.

There are two clans in the Roegadyn race – The Sea Wolf Clan and the Hellsguard Clan.

Clan	Strength	Dexterity	Vitality	Intelligence	Mind
Sea Wolf	+2	-1	+3	-2	+1
Hellsguard	0	-2	+3	0	+2

Sea Wolf Clan

Both the Sea Wolf and the Hellsguard clans are massive, with fairly similar looks. As the name might suggest, the Sea Wolves clans are seafarers and pirates, hailing from the islands to the far North. More recently, they are seen on ships and vessels around Limsa Lominsa. The Sea Wolves take great pride in their hair and are often seen with braids and weaves. They are known to have green toned skin.

Both clans have high Vitality, with Sea Wolves having lower Intelligence.

Suggested classes: Marauder, Gladiator, Lancer, Pugilist
Suggested jobs: Warrior, Paladin, Dark Knight, Gunbreaker, Dragoon, Monk

Hellsguard Clan

There isn’t too much difference between the two Roegadyn clans, but members of the Hellsguard clan can be distinguished by the red tone to their skin. The Hellsguard clan hail from volcanic mountains which they believe to be gates to the underworld. They are commonly seen in the big cities of Eorzea, acting as soldiers and mercenaries.

Both clans have high Vitality, with Hellsguard having slightly low Dexterity.

Suggested classes: Marauder, Gladiator, Conjurer
Suggested jobs: Warrior, Paladin, Dark Knight, Gunbreaker, White Mage, Scholar, Astrologian

 

Lalafell : The Faerie Race

The Lalafell are a short, adorable FFXIV race, they have round faces and a generally child-like appearance. Their tiny stature sets them apart from the other races in Eorzea, but their cute appearance doesn’t make them any less deadly on the battlefield. They certainly look a bit funny when they’re played as tanks and machinists.

Hailing from the islands to the south, the Lalafell are plentiful across Eorzea and can be found in most of the cities across the realm. They treasure family but have no issues when mixing with the other races. You can choose to play either a male or female Lalafell.

There are two clans in the Lalafell race – The Plainsfolk Clan and the Dunesfolk Clan.

Clan	Strength	Dexterity	Vitality	Intelligence	Mind
Plainsfolk	-1	+3	-1	+2	0
Venna	-1	+1	-2	+2	+3

Plainsfolk Clan

The Plainsfolk clan take their name from the plains of the islands they come from. Their earthy colouring helps them blend in with their surroundings. The Plainsolk are known for being farmers with relaxed demeanours but have also held positions in the navy and worked in fisheries. Both of the Lalafell clans are short and round but the Plainsfolk are known for their earth-toned hair.

Plainsfolk have high Dexterity. But both clans suffer in Strength and Vitality.

Suggested classes: Archer, Rogue, Thaumaturge, Arcanist
Suggested jobs: Bard, Ninja, Machinist, Dancer, Black Mage, Summoner, Red Mage, Blue Mage

Dunesfolk Clan

The Dunesfolk have spent a lot of time in the Thanalan desert which has given them tanned skin and glassy eyes with a thin membrane over them to protect them from the sand. They are just as short as their Plainsfolk counterparts. Like the Plainsfolk, the Dunesfolk clan take their name from the environments they inhabited on their home islands. Their bright eyes help protect them against the sunlight of their natural habitat, though they are now often found in the city-state of Ul’dah.

Dunesfolk has bonus Mind. But both clans suffer in Strength and Vitality.

Suggested classes: Conjurer, Thaumaturge, Arcanist
Suggested jobs: White Mage, Scholar, Astrologian, Black Mage, Summoner, Red Mage, Blue Mage

 

Au Ra : The Dragon-Hybrid Race

The Au Ra are very similar to the Hyur race except for their curved horns and glistening scales. Many speculate they descended from dragons, but this is a hotly debated topic among scholars. The Au Ra were introduced with the Heavensward expansion.

The Au Ra come from the Othard continent in the far east. There is some question as to their connection with dragons, as their appearance hints at close ties with them in the past. You can play as either male or female when choosing this race and you’ll notice that the males have a considerably larger frame than their female counterparts.

There are two clans in the Au Ra race – The Raen Clan and the Xaela Clan.

Clan	Strength	Dexterity	Vitality	Intelligence	Mind
Raen	-1	2	-1	0	3
Xaela	3	0	2	0	-2

Raen Clan

Female members of the Raen clan are short and slim. They have beautiful white scales and light coloured horns. The Raen clan live a tranquil life in the deep valleys of Othard, for the most part. Occasionally, a few of their number will seek out adventure as far afield as Eorzea.

Raen have high Mind but low Strength and Vitality.

Suggested classes: Conjurer, Archer, Rogue
Suggested jobs: White Mage, Scholar, Astrologian, Bard, Ninja, Machinist, Dancer

Xaela Clan

The Xaela clan are the same height and stature as the Raen clan but are set apart by their black scales and dark horns. The Xaela clan are a nomadic branch of Au Ra that form close-knit tribes to hunt and gather. Their frequent warring follows the example their ancestors have set for them.

Xaela has high Strength and low Mind.

Suggested classes: Lancer, Pugilist, Marauder, Gladiator
Suggested jobs: Dragoon, Monk, Warrior, Paladin, Dark Knight, Gunbreaker

 

Hrothgar: The Lion-Like Race

The Hrothgar became a playable race with Final Fantasy XIV’s Shadowbringers expansion. The Hrothgar race originates from Ilsabard, but many migrated to Eorzea. The Hrothgar’s imposing countenance─mitigated not at all by their sharp claws and still sharper fangs—incited panic amongst Eorzeans upon their arrival. As they were also unable to communicate, initial interactions with the commonfolk often escalated into conflict. It was not until the Hrothgar gained mastery of the common tongue that fears were allayed, and in time they would be as neighbours, welcome in all corners of the realm.

The Hrothgar are a bulky lion-like race and due to their odd body shape, they have a limited wardrobe in-game. Right now you are only able to play as a male Hrothgar in FFXIV as it is said the females of the race are so few in number, it is rare that they are ever seen.

There are two clans in the Hrothgar race – The Helions Clan and The Lost Clan.

Clan	Strength	Dexterity	Vitality	Intelligence	Mind
Helions	+3	-3	+3	-3	+3
The Lost	+3	-3	+3	-3	+3

Helions Clan

The Helions have warm-toned fur which sets them apart from The Lost clan. They are known to reside in southern Islabard and their lives revolve around the Queen’s needs. This clan was named by scholars who observed them.

Both clans have identical stats with high Strength, Vitality, and Mind but low Dexterity and Intelligence.

Suggested classes: Lancer, Pugilist, Marauder, Gladiator, Conjurer
Suggested jobs: Dragoon, Monk, Warrior, Paladin, Dark Knight, Gunbreaker, White Mage, Scholar, Astrologian

The Lost Clan

The Lost clan have monotone coats and are said to be far more carefree than the Helions. They favour a nomadic lifestyle and spend their time learning a variety of trades. They are fairer of fur than the Helions, but carry the same intimidating look. They are known for being skilled labourers, mercenaries, and peddlers.

Both clans have identical stats with high Strength, Vitality, and Mind but low Dexterity and Intelligence.

Suggested classes: Lancer, Pugilist, Marauder, Gladiator, Conjurer
Suggested jobs: Dragoon, Monk, Warrior, Paladin, Dark Knight, Gunbreaker, White Mage, Scholar, Astrologian

 

Viera : The Bunny-Human Race

The Viera like the Hrothgar was introduced as a playable race in Final Fantasy XIV’s Shadowbringers expansion. They have similar stature to the Hyur and Elezen but are set apart by their lithe figures and prominent rabbit-like ears. . Giving them some limited in-game hat options due to this.

Viera generally live closely with nature, and few venture out into the world beyond their woodland homes. When the Viera was released you could only choose to play as a female Viera. Male Viera do apparently exist, but their role is much less prominent in society, and they are rarely seen. According to Final Fantasy lore, only 20% of Viera are born male. Male Viera serve as “Wood-warders” and are protectors of the forest. They do not live with female Viera in their village and only come back every few years to get other male Viera to train to fight and to mate with female Viera. But as of Final Fantasy XIV’s Endwalker expansion, you’ll be able to play as a male Viera.

There are two clans in the Viera race – The Rava Clan and the Venna Clan.

Clan	Strength	Dexterity	Vitality	Intelligence	Mind
Rava	0	+3	-2	+1	+1
Venna	-1	0	-1	+3	+2

Rava Clan

The Rava clan live primarily in the Golmore Jungle, they have a yellowish-brown skin and hair tone. This helps them remain hidden from outsiders and blend into their surroundings.

Rava has high Dexterity and low Vitality.

Suggested classes: Archer, Rogue
Suggested jobs: Bard, Ninja, Machinist, Dancer

Veena Clan

The Veena clan have much fairer skin than their Rava counterparts. The snowy mountains are their home and they populate the forests in the area. Their fair skin blends in with their surroundings.

Veena has high Intelligence and low Strength.

Suggested classes: Thaumaturge, Arcanist, Conjurer.
Suggested jobs: Black Mage, Summoner, Red Mage, Blue Mage, White Mage, Scholar, Astrologian.

 

How To Change Your Race

You can change your appearance—including race—with the item, Phial of Fantasia. One of these potions is rewarded once you complete the level 50 main story quest, Ultima Weapon. But if you don’t want to wait that long, or if you have already used your freebie, you can buy additional Phials of Fantasia with real money through the Final Fantasy XIV Online Store.

Fantasias are potions to remake a character into a different race, clan, and/or gender. Once consumed, the player will have the option of recreating said character during login. Those on PC can also make character appearances through the official  Final Fantasy XIV benchmarks and load them into the main game.

Fantasias are included in Collector’s Editions of expansions like Heavensward. These are mailed to players and can be collected by speaking to any Delivery Moogle within towns.

 

Now that you’ve picked your race why don’t you pick your job? Need some help? We have a guide for that our – Final Fantasy XIV What Job Should You Choose? guide.