FFXIV Keybinds and Hotbar Layout Guide
Time: 2024-11-11 by mmojugg Game: FFXIV Guide
Learning to set up keybinds and hotbars in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) can improve your gameplay by making abilities more accessible and intuitive. Here's a comprehensive guide on configuring hotbars and keybinds for beginners and seasoned players alike, covering layout suggestions, optimal key placement, and job-specific setups to help you play efficiently and comfortably.
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Setting Up Your Hotbars
Enabling Hotbars:
Press Escape > Character Configuration > Hotbar Settings.
Activate your hotbars and choose their layout (e.g., 3x4 for mouse users or 4x3 for keyboard users). You can use three primary hotbars with a fourth for additional abilities on the screen's side.
Locking Hotbars:
Lock hotbars to prevent accidentally dragging icons out by selecting the lock icon on the hotbar's right side.
Removing Hotbar Numbers:
Go to Character Configuration > Hotbar Settings > Display > Display Hotbar Numbers and uncheck this option to prevent interference while dragging items.
Shared Hotbars Across Jobs:
Under Hotbar Settings > Sharing, set up specific hotbars to be shared across all jobs, ideal for abilities you use across classes (e.g., emotes, teleport, sprint). Avoid sharing bars 1–3 if you want job-specific abilities.
Configuring Keybinds for Efficiency
The goal of effective keybinds is to ensure you can reach all necessary abilities comfortably without relying heavily on mouse clicks. Use keys around WASD to maintain control and responsiveness.
Primary Keys:
Use 1, 2, 3, Q, E, R, F, X, T, G, and Mouse 4/5 for quick access to main rotation skills.
Avoid using distant keys like 0 or keys requiring finger stretches, which can hinder your movement and responsiveness.
Modifier Keys:
Shift + Key: Set Shift + (1, 2, 3, Q, E, R, F, etc.) for secondary abilities, such as cooldowns or AoE skills.
Control + Key: Use Control + (1, 2, 3, Q, E, etc.) for defensive abilities or additional skills.
Alt + Key: Reserve Alt + (1, 2, 3, etc.) for less frequently used abilities, like Limit Break.
Mouse Buttons:
Mouse 4 and Mouse 5 (side buttons) are great for quick, essential skills. If your mouse lacks these, use keys like C and V.
Organizing Abilities by Hotbar
Primary Hotbar (Bottom):
Reserve this for single-target skills and main rotation abilities. Keys like 1, 2, 3, Q, E, R are ideal for the most
requently used skills.
Secondary Hotbar (Shift Modifier):
Use this bar for buffs and cooldowns with Shift + (key) combinations, grouping odd/even-minute buffs and AoE abilities.
Tertiary Hotbar (Control Modifier):
This hotbar can house defensive abilities, mitigations, and emergency skills with Control + (key) combinations.
Additional Hotbar (Alt Modifier):
The fourth hotbar (if used) can hold rarely-used skills, emotes, mounts, or consumables, accessible with Alt + (key).
Keybind Placement Tips
Main Rotation Skills: Place abilities in a logical sequence (e.g., 1, 2, 3 for combo chains).
Utility Skills: Assign frequently used skills (like dashes) to easily accessible keys like Mouse 4/5.
Defensive Abilities: Place mitigation abilities on your tertiary bar, using Control as a modifier (e.g., Control + 1, Control + 2).
Single vs. AoE Skills: Group AoE skills on secondary hotbars with Shift modifiers, ensuring they're distinct from single-target keys.
Additional Settings for Targeting and UI
Targeting Settings:
Target Nearest Enemy: Ensure Tab is set to target the nearest enemy.
Cycle Targets: Set the mouse wheel to cycle through enemies by going to System Configuration > Mouse Settings > Scroll Wheel Settings.
UI Customization:
Hotbar Size: Go to HUD Layout and change your hotbar display to Type 2 for larger, more visible cooldown numbers.
Mouse Cursor Size: Under System Configuration > Mouse Settings, set the cursor size to large to avoid losing it in crowded fights.
Sample Job Keybind Layouts
Each job has unique abilities and rotations, so adjusting for comfort and accessibility is essential. Here are sample layouts for various classes:
Tank Jobs (e.g., Gunbreaker, Warrior):
Primary Rotation: Q, E, R, F (main combo).
Defensive Cooldowns: Control 1, Control 2, Control 3 (for mitigation).
Taunts and Stances: Shift 1, Shift Q, Shift E.
Utility Skills: Mouse 4 for Sprint, Mouse 5 for tank swap ability.
DPS Jobs (e.g., Dragoon, Ninja):
Primary Combo: 1, 2, 3 (main skills).
Jump Abilities: Shift + keybinds for leap and dash moves.
Buffs and Cooldowns: Shift Q, Shift E, Shift R for main damage buffs.
Limit Break: Control X for easy access.
Healer Jobs (e.g., White Mage, Scholar):
Primary Heals: 1, 2, Q (single-target heals), and E (DoT).
Group Heals: Control 1, Control 2, Control Q.
Utility Skills: Shift + keybinds for buffs, emergency heals, and debuff removals (e.g., Esuna on Control R).
FAQs
Q1: How many hotbars should I use?
Generally, three hotbars (plus a fourth optional) suffice for most players. Set primary rotation skills on the first bar, buffs on the second, and defensive/utility skills on the third.
Q2: Should I use mouse buttons for abilities?
Yes, if your mouse has side buttons (e.g., Mouse 4/5), these are excellent for quick access to dashes, stuns, or emergency skills. Use these buttons for abilities you frequently activate in combat.
Q3: How can I prevent dragging skills off my hotbar during combat?
Lock your hotbars by selecting the lock icon on the bar's right side. This prevents accidental removal of abilities.
Q4: How do I optimize targeting for enemies and party members?
Use Tab for nearest enemy, set your mouse wheel to cycle enemies, and switch targeting type to Cone in Character Configuration. This allows you to target enemies based on direction rather than proximity.
Q5: How should I set up keybinds for jobs with complex rotations?
Arrange combo skills in order of use (e.g., 1, 2, 3), and set primary abilities on easily accessible keys. Use modifiers like Shift and Control for secondary and utility skills.
Q6: Why should I use Legacy movement controls in combat?
Legacy controls give better freedom of movement, essential for mechanics requiring precise positioning. Standard type is best for non-combat activities.
With this guide, you can set up an efficient, intuitive keybind and hotbar layout that improves gameplay and responsiveness. Practice and adjust based on your preferences to find the setup that works best for you!
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