The Ultimate FFXI Skillchain Guide and Calculator (Level 99)

Welcome to the most comprehensive **FFXI skillchain calculator** available. Mastery of the skillchain (SC) and Magic Burst (MB) system is the single most important factor in maximizing damage and efficiency at endgame, especially at Level 99. This guide, combined with the integrated **FFXI skillchain chart** tool above, will ensure you transition from a casual damage dealer to an apex party member, consistently hitting those massive Magic Burst numbers.

The concept of the **ffxi skillchain** is simple yet deeply layered. It is a system where specific Weapon Skills (WS) performed sequentially within a short time window interact, culminating in an elemental explosion that deals bonus damage and creates a window for casters to execute a Magic Burst. Understanding the elemental combinations—the core of the **ffxi skillchain guide**—is non-negotiable for success in high-tier battlefield content.

A successful skillchain offers two immediate benefits: a substantial bonus damage hit (often visible as a large yellow number) and the opening of a Magic Burst window. This window allows black mages and other casters to cast spells of the matching element, receiving significant damage multipliers. This synergy, often referred to as **FFXI skillchain magic burst** or **FFXI skillchain mb**, is the foundation of powerful party setups.

Section 1: The Foundations of FFXI Skillchain Elements and Types

At its heart, the skillchain system revolves around eight fundamental elemental properties and the four basic chain types. Each Weapon Skill is categorized into one of these four types: Scission, Detonation, Impaction, or Compression. When two Weapon Skills of compatible types are executed close enough together, they generate a new, higher-tier elemental property.

Elemental Combinations and Tier Progression

The resulting element of a skillchain dictates the required Magic Burst element. Skillchains progress through three main tiers:

• Tier 1: Basic Elements (SC1). These are the elements inherent to the WS itself (e.g., Scission is generally Wind).
• Tier 2: Compound Elements (SC2). These are the results of a Tier 1 + Tier 1 combination (e.g., Scission + Detonation = Liquefaction, which is Water and Ice). The **FFXI skillchain calculator** is designed to quickly identify these compound elements for optimal MB choice.
• Tier 3: Level 3 Skillchains (SC3). These are the most coveted results: Light and Dark. These are created by combining certain Tier 2 skillchains, or by specific Tier 1 + Tier 2 combinations. A Liquefaction + Fragmentation chain is a common example leading to a Level 3.

The resulting elemental chain (primary and secondary elements) is crucial. For instance, Liquefaction is a combination of Water and Ice. A successful Magic Burst can be performed using either Water or Ice magic, though usually one is preferred due to monster resistances or caster specialty. Using the **FFXI skillchain scission** as a starting point is one of the most common ways to initiate high-tier chains due to its versatility.

Understanding Chain Types

The four fundamental types interact to produce the secondary skillchain results (Level 2/Tier 2 chains):

• Scission + Detonation = Liquefaction (Water/Ice)
• Detonation + Impaction = Fragmentation (Wind/Earth)
• Impaction + Compression = Gravitation (Earth/Dark)
• Compression + Scission = Distortion (Water/Wind)

These four Tier 2 results then interact with each other and the Tier 1 types to generate Level 3 chains (Light or Dark), which provide the largest **FFXI skillchain bonus** and damage.

Section 2: The Evolution of the FFXI Skillchain Chart Across Eras

One of the most valuable features of this **ffxi skillchain calculator** is the ability to select different chart eras. The **FFXI skillchain chart** has not remained static since its inception. Several key updates, particularly in the post-Abyssea era, refined the system, making it more predictable and accessible. The era selector (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020) accounts for these subtle, yet important, changes:

Historical Chart Differences

• ffxi skillchain chart 2014 / ffxi skillchain chart 2015: These earlier charts, particularly 2014, were often based on community testing and sometimes contained minor inconsistencies due to the lack of clear in-game documentation. The basic Level 2 chains were stable, but Level 3 combinations and elemental properties were occasionally debated. The **ffxi skillchain calculator 2015** setting reflects the highly tested, yet slightly rigid, version of the system during that time.
• ffxi skillchain chart 2016 / ffxi skillchain calculator 2016: This era saw more definitive clarification from Square Enix regarding the skillchain system, particularly regarding how the final elemental property of a Level 3 chain was determined. The system became more reliable, cementing the Tier 2 → Tier 2 combinations as the primary route to Level 3 chains.
• ffxi skillchain calculator 2017 / ffxi skillchain calculator 2018: These charts represent the modern, established version of the system. By the time of the **ffxi skillchain calculator 2018** update, the system was fully stable, and the Level 3 skillchains (Light/Dark) were consistently generated by combining two Level 2 skillchains (e.g., Liquefaction + Fragmentation = Light). This is the base for most current endgame strategies.
• ffxi skillchain chart 2020: This represents the current, definitive state of the chart. While the core combinations haven’t changed drastically since 2017, this version ensures the inclusion of modern Weapon Skills (from newer jobs and updates) and their correct categorization into the four types. If you are playing today, you should use the **ffxi skillchain chart 2020** setting.

The ability to select these variants ensures that whether you are referencing an old guide or optimizing for the current Level 99 meta, your results are accurate. The Level 99 status is assumed in all modern calculations within the **ffxi skillchain calculator level 99** mode, as job level significantly influences WS damage and therefore the base damage for the skillchain itself.

Section 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Chains and Timing Magic Bursts

Successfully performing a skillchain requires precision, coordination, and an understanding of the timing window. The Magic Burst is the grand finale, offering potentially devastating damage multipliers.

Timing is Everything: Latency and Action Delay

The most crucial input in the calculator for execution is your Latency/Ping (ms) and the Action Delay (ms). In FFXI, the window to connect two WS actions is very tight, often around 1.5 to 3.0 seconds (1500–3000 ms). However, the delay between the final WS and the successful Magic Burst (the MB window) is also short, typically starting right after the skillchain damage text appears.

Our timing guidance provides the ideal delay between the start of the first and second WS. This is calculated using a formula that accounts for server-side processing and your input latency. For example, if your Latency is 120 ms, the server takes longer to register the first WS, requiring a slightly longer delay before the second WS is executed on your client to ensure the server sees them within the valid window.

• Low Latency (Sub-50ms): Requires tighter, faster execution.
• High Latency (Over 150ms): Requires a more patient, deliberate pause between the Weapon Skills.

Always watch the combat log. The moment the first WS damage appears, followed by the chain name and bonus damage, is when the MB window is open. Casters should begin casting their MB spell of the matching element (e.g., Ice for Liquefaction) *before* the skillchain text appears to ensure the spell lands *during* the short burst window. This technique is key to maximizing the **FFXI skillchain damage** output.

Maximizing the FFXI Skillchain Magic Burst (MB)

The **FFXI skillchain magic burst** is what truly makes the system worthwhile. A successful MB can multiply the spell’s damage by 3x, 5x, or even up to 8x or more depending on buffs, gear, and the tier of the skillchain (Level 3 chains offer the highest potential multiplier).

• Matching Element: The MB spell *must* match the resulting element of the chain. If the result is Detonation (Fire/Light), the casters should use Fire or Light spells (e.g., Fire V or Burst II).
• Spell Tier: Always use the highest tier spell possible (V or VI, or II/III for Light/Dark) to maximize the base damage before the multiplier is applied.
• MB Multiplier: The calculator provides an expected damage multiplier (relative percent). This is a factor estimate for planning; remember that exact values vary in-game based on the monster’s Magic Defense and specific M.Eva stats.

Section 4: Worked Examples and Practical Application

Let’s use the **FFXI skillchain calc** with two common examples to illustrate its utility.

Example 1: The Go-To Level 2 Chain (Liquefaction)

This is a foundational chain for parties that want a quick, reliable setup for mid-level nukes.

• WS 1: Scission (e.g., Kamui or Blade: Hi)
• WS 2: Detonation (e.g., Rudra’s Storm or Tachi: Fudo)
• Era: 2020
• Latency: 120 ms
• Target Resistance: Neutral (0)

Calculator Result:

• Resulting Skillchain Name: Liquefaction
• Elements: Water and Ice
• MB Suggestion: Ice or Water Magic (e.g., Blizzard V, Water V, or Freeze II)
• Timing Guidance: ~400–600 ms delay between WS activation.
• MB Multiplier: ~1.8x – 2.5x base factor.

Practical Tip: A Black Mage could pre-cast Blizzard V, timing it to land exactly when the Liquefaction damage text appears. The **FFXI skillchain calculator 2017** and later versions confirm this reliable result.

Example 2: Achieving a Level 3 Light Skillchain

Level 3 chains (Light and Dark) are the highest damage chains and are essential for engaging NMs with massive HP pools. This combination requires three WS actions for the maximum effect.

• WS 1: Scission (e.g., Blade: Hi)
• WS 2: Liquefaction (e.g., Savage Blade)
• WS 3: Fragmentation (e.g., Evisceration)
• Era: 2020
• Party Buff: Chain Affinity (Checked)
• Target Resistance: Weakness (-10)

Calculator Result:

• Resulting Skillchain Name: Light
• Elements: Light
• MB Suggestion: Light Magic (e.g., Burst II, Flash, or Searing Light)
• Timing Guidance: Tighter windows required; ~300 ms between WS 1 and WS 2, and ~500 ms between WS 2 and WS 3.
• MB Multiplier: ~3.0x – 4.5x base factor.

Chain Progression: WS 1 (Scission) + WS 2 (Liquefaction) = Reverberation. Then Reverberation + WS 3 (Fragmentation) = Light. This three-step chain, tracked precisely by the **FFXI skillchain calc**, results in maximum payoff.

Section 5: Party Composition, Buffs, and Optimization

Optimizing your skillchain is not just about the WS selection; it’s about utilizing party buffs to increase both the WS damage (the chain’s base damage) and the Magic Burst damage (the multiplier). Using the **FFXI skillchain bonus** is a party effort.

Key Party Buffs to Consider

• Chain Affinity (BLU/DNC): This buff significantly increases the skillchain damage bonus itself. If available, always check this box in the calculator, as it directly impacts the **FFXI skillchain damage** estimate.
• Magic Atk Bonus (MAB/INT): Essential for MB damage. Casters should maximize these stats. The MAB check box in the calculator provides a general boost to the estimated MB multiplier.
• Scholar (SCH) Stratagems: SCH’s access to powerful buffs like Celerity, Penury, and especially the elemental buffs can drastically improve both timing and damage. Light Arts/Dark Arts stance selection also influences the final elemental damage.
• Geomancer (GEO): GEO provides powerful AoE elemental buffs (Indi-Spells) and debuffs (Geo-Spells) that can lower the target’s elemental resistance, which you can simulate using the Target Resistance dropdown. Lowering resistance is the most effective way to see large MB numbers.

The Role of Level 99 in Skillchain Damage

The Level 99 cap is assumed for most endgame content. At this level, character stats (STR, DEX, INT, etc.) are maximized, resulting in the highest possible base WS damage. Since the skillchain bonus is a percentage of the base WS damage, higher base damage means higher **FFXI skillchain damage**. Furthermore, certain jobs gain traits or abilities at Level 99 that directly enhance their skillchain capability, reinforcing why the **ffxi skillchain calculator level 99** mode is the default and most practical setting.

Section 6: Troubleshooting Common FFXI Skillchain Failures

Even veteran players sometimes struggle with consistent skillchain execution. Here are common points of failure and how to fix them:

Missed Timing

Symptom: Only one WS registers, or the second WS lands too late, resulting in two separate damage instances with no chain damage text.

Solution: The timing window is too narrow. If this happens consistently, increase your input for Latency/Ping in the **FFXI skillchain calculator** to get a longer recommended delay window. Alternatively, ensure the player using the second WS has a lower recast time or can execute the skill faster (e.g., using a fast-recast WS).

Wrong Follow-up or Chain Compatibility Warning

Symptom: The combat log shows the two WS actions, but the text “The action failed to create a skillchain” or similar appears.

Solution: The WS types are incompatible for that step, or the resulting chain type cannot follow the previous chain type. For example, trying to chain Fragmentation with another Fragmentation usually fails to produce a Level 3. Use the chain progression table in the calculator to verify the resulting chain type and ensure the next WS is a valid follow-up based on the **FFXI skillchain elements** chart. The calculator also provides **Chain compatibility warnings** for immediate feedback.

Low Magic Burst Damage

Symptom: The MB lands successfully within the window, but the damage number is small.

Solution: This is almost always a resistance or elemental mismatch issue. Check the target’s elemental affinity (e.g., if the target is strong against Fire, using a Fire MB on a Detonation chain will be weak). Use the Target Resistance input in the **FFXI skillchain calc** to simulate this and confirm the optimal MB element. If resistance is high, consider switching to the secondary element of the chain result or using a different chain entirely.

The **FFXI skillchain calculator 2016** logic confirmed that even successful MBs can be mitigated heavily by monster defenses; always prioritize debuffing the monster’s elemental resistance before attempting a high-damage chain.

The FFXI Skillchain Calc Difference

The core value of this tool, often called the **FFXI skillchain calc**, is providing immediate feedback based on parameters that change the outcome: job level, era, buffs, and latency. By using the **ffxi skillchain calculator 2018** logic, we account for all post-update nuances, providing the most accurate predictive results for your current group setup. This is your essential resource for mastering the most rewarding aspect of FFXI combat.