How to level Retainers and switch their Job in FFXIV

Retainers in Final Fantasy XIV are useful for more than extra storage space. If you assign them a job, you can send them out on ventures and potentially get some useful items or gear in return. Occasionally, they can even bring back minions, although this is rare. 

How to hire a Retainer in Final Fantasy XIV

Hiring a Retainer is simple. Just head to a Retainer Vocate in one of the main city hubs and select “Hire a Retainer”. 

Retainer Vocates can be found in the following locations:

• Old Gridania (X:14.6, Y:9.3)
• Ul’dah – Steps of Thal (X:13.3, Y:9.7)
• Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:8.3, Y:11.5)
• Ishgard – The Pillars (X:8.1, Y:10.9)
• Kugane (X:11.6, Y:12.1)
• The Crystarium (X:10.4, Y:13.1)
• Old Sharlayan (X:12.6, Y:10.8)
• Tuliyollal (X:12.7, Y:13.1)

Once you hire a Retainer, you’ll be able to design them as you would any other character created in Final Fantasy XIV, as well as choose their demeanor. This affects how they greet you, so choose carefully.

How to assign a Retainer a Class in Final Fantasy XIV

To assign a Retainer a Job in Final Fantasy XIV, use a Summoning Bell and select the Retainer who needs a purpose in life. On their menu, select “Assign Retainer Class” and select which Class you wish them to have. 

You’ll then need to equip them with a full set of level one gear and a level one weapon or tool, depending on which Class you selected. These can be purchased on the Marketboard or from vendors in main city states.

Only starting classes can be assigned to begin with, although once a Retainer has gained sufficient experience and leveled up a bit, you’ll be able to assign them a Job. 

How to assign a Retainer a Job in Final Fantasy XIV

Once you’ve leveled up your Retainer to a sufficient level, you’ll be able to assign them a Job by equipping them with a Soul Stone. Don’t worry, you don’t use your own Soul Stone for this. 

Before you can do this though, you’ll need to pay another visit to a Retainer Vocate in order to purchase a copy of Modern Vocation. This costs 40 Ventures. 

Once you’ve got this, you can summon your Retainer and select “Assign Retainer Job” from their menu. Select which Job you wish to give them, then you’ll be able to equip them with Job specific gear. 

It’s worth noting that this is not necessary to level up your Retainer. 

How to change a Retainer Class in Final Fantasy XIV

If you’re unhappy with your Retainers chosen class, or simply fancy a change, you can easily change their Class at any time. However, doing this will reset their level back to one and you’ll have to level them up all over again. 

To do this, summon them via a Summoning Bell and select “Reset Retainer Class”. You’ll be prompted to remove all gear from your Retainer. To do this, remove the clothing items first and then the main hand weapon or tool last. 

Once you’ve done this, exit the Character screen and confirm that you wish to change the Retainer’s Class, pick your new class, and then confirm. 

How to level up your Retainer in Final Fantasy XIV

Leveling up your Retainer is actually really simple. All you need to do is send them out on Ventures. The longer the Venture, the more experience will be gained, so it’s a good idea to send them out on 18 hour exploration ventures in order to maximise EXP gain. 

In order to send your Retainer out on Ventures, you’ll need to stock up on a currency which is also called Ventures. These can be purchased in a variety of ways:

• Exchanged for 4 Allied Seals each with Bill Huntmasters in the following locations:
  • Ul’dah – Steps of Nald (X:8.1, Y:9.3)
  • Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:13.2, Y:12.5)
  • New Gridania (X:9.7, Y:11.2)
• Exchanged for 4 Centurio Seals each with Ardolain in Foundation (X:13.1, Y:11.9)
• Exchanged for 200 Grand Company Seals each with Grand Company Quartermasters
• Exchanged for 100 Wolf Marks each with the Mark Quartermaster at Wolves’ Den Pier
• Exchanged for 1 token each with the following Allied Societies:
  • Amalj’aa
  • Namazu
  • Kobold
  • Vanu Vanu
  • Ananta
  • Sahagin
  • Kojin
  • Sylph
  • Vath

You can only level up your Retainer to the same level that your own character currently has in their selected job. For example, if you set your Retainer as an Archer or Bard, and your Bard has only been leveled to level 57, then your Retainer will not be able to level up past 57 until you do so yourself.