Samurai Equipment

This guide outlines some of the best equipment that a Samurai can use from the early levels right up to end-game.

The general rule I've used here is that Accuracy and Dexterity (DEX) are the two optimal stats for a Samurai until Tachi: Yukikaze is introduced. The highest SAM weapon skills (Tachi: Yukikaze, Tachi: Gekko and Tachi: Kasha) are all modified by 75% of your total Strength (STR). This means that a Samurai with high STR will do a lot more damage than one with low STR (more so than with other Weapon Skills.

For this reason, once you've learned Tachi: Yukikaze, I recommend having two sets of armor where appropriate — one for Accuracy/Attack/DEX and one that focuses solely on STR. Set up a pair of Macros that can switch back and forth between your gear using the /equip command, and switch to STR gear whenever you're going to use a weapon skill.

Of course, you can't change anything in your Weapon or Ranged slots as you'll lose all your TP in the process.

Head

Level 8: Hachimachi

Matches your Samurai-lookin gear and offers some decent stats.

Level 10: Royal Footman's Bandana

Offers more defense.

Level 17: Lizard Helm

More defense, again.

Level 18: Cotton Hachimaki

Again, looking like a Samurai.

Level 20: Mercenary's Hachimaki

The way to go. Strength +1 will give you that extra punch.

Level 24: Emperor's Hairpin, Empress Hairpin

With DEX +3, this is nice but not worth the effort of spending lots of cash or camping Valkurm Emperor in the dunes.

Level 30: Centurion's Visor

Not too expensive, and offers DEX +1. Go for it.

Level 43: Walkure Mask, Valkyrie Mask

The Valkyrie Mask is probably better because of the Attack +7, vs. +6 with the Walkure Mask. Not much of a difference though, and they can both cost quite a bit. Pick one and be happy. It'll last you until 60.

Level 59: Siphani Turban/Abtal Turban

This turban offers STR +3, or STR +4 for the Abtal (+1) version. That STR will be a big deal for your Weapon skills, and this is one of the best head pieces for Strength until level 75.

Level 60: Myochin Kabuto

Your AF head is finally ready and you can wear your complete AF set now. The Meditate bonus is quite nice. And you don't have to pay for it. Even after you upgrade, it's a good idea to keep your AF helm with you, and use it in a macro to get the most out of Meditate and Warding Circle when you use them.

Level 70: Optical Hat

This Rare/Exclusive gear will take quite a bit of effort to actually get, but it's an essential piece. Accuracy +10 is awesome, Evasion +10 is helpful when pulling hate, and Ranged Accuracy +10 is great if you sub Ranger. This isn't the only job that'll need one either, so it's worth the effort.

Level 75: Wyvern Helm

This helm gives you STR +5 and a few less important bonuses. Best used for your weapon skills.

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Body

Level 1: Bronze Harness

Best defense to start your Samurai fun.

Level 7: Leather Vest

More defense. That's it.

Level 13: Power Gi

STR +1. You'll be wearing this one for a while, so pick it up.

Level 24: Chainmail

By this point you'll want to have the defense of the Chainmail as you've outgrown your Power Gi.

Level 30: Centurion Scale Mail

More defense... probably the best thing at this level.

Level 37: Iron Scale Mail

The next defense upgrade that's worthwhile.

Jujitsu Gi

You'll probably pay quite a bit for this guy (it's 1.2 Million Gil on my server at the moment), but it's very important for you. Accuracy +4 will have you wearing this one for a while. In fact, I kept this up until 59.

Level 55: Master's Gi

Basically the next Jujitsu Gi, but not really worth the effort of switching.

Level 57: Scorpion Harness

This one is quite expensive, but generally not worth it for Samurai. If you played another job and happen to have one, put it on. Otherwise, wait two levels.

Level 58: Myochin Domaru

Your AF body is nice to complete the set, but not really useful in parties. The next level is where things change.

Level 59: Haubergeon

The Haubergeon is by far the most important body peice you can buy as a Samurai. Probably the most important item for you, except for the Hagun Great Katana. The Haubergeon is usually pretty pricey, but it's usually cheaper than the Scorpion Harness and has much better stats. Go for it. Do whatever you need to do. (Except buying Gil.) You can keep using this one at 75 also, unless you get something better.

Level 71: Hachiman Domaru

The Haubergeon is your best bet for TP build at end-game, but you'll want something that gives you a little more STR for your weapon skills. The job-specific armor body piece (JSE) does just that with STR+8 (plus a Weapon Skill accuracy bonus).

You can also use the Hachiman body for TP build, and Store TP +6 may tempt you to do so. It all depends on what you're fighting, and how much Accuracy you're getting from other gear and food. Every bit of Store TP counts, but you only get that bonus if you actually land a hit. In most cases, the Accuracy and extra Attack points of the Hauby may be a better bet for landing more, stronger hits outside of your Weapon Skills.

Level 71: Hachiman Domaru

The Haubergeon is your best bet for TP build at end-game, but you'll want something that gives you a little more STR for your weapon skills. The job-specific armor body piece (JSE) does just that with STR+8 (plus a Weapon Skill accuracy bonus).

Level 75:

There are a few pieces available at level 75.

Kirin's Osode

This piece gives a +10 to every relevant melee attribute: STR, DEX, VIT and AGI. The STR +10 alone would make this one amazing — but the DEX certainly helps the average hit, and the AGI is great for the SAM/RNG. There is better gear available for your non-WS hits, though, so use this one mostly in your STR build for weapon skills.

This body piece is a drop from, which requires that you get pop items to pop the sky gods, kill every sky god at least once, and then use their drops to spawn Kirin. Kirin can only be fought in large groups, so you'll be competing with several other linkshell members to get this. Good luck!

Kirin's Osode is not exclusive, so it can be purchased from Bazaars if you manage to find one at an acceptable price. The craftable equivalent is the Byrnie +1, which will give similar damage stats, although this too is very expensive and hard to come by.

Shura Togi

The Shura Togi offers Attack +20 and Accuracy +10. It's a pretty simple upgrade from the Haubergeon, offering some stronger hits with the double Attack. You do lose a bit of accuracy without the extra DEX, but if you're in a position to get one, you probably have enough Great Katana skill merits to easily live without it.

The Shura Togi is obtained through the Abjuration quests. To make one, you'll need the Dryadic Abjuration: Body (or D-body as it's commonly called) and a Cursed Togi, which can be crafted or purchased at the AH. The D-body abjuration is a drop from Kirin.

Askar Korazin

The Askar Korazin gives Attack +12, Evasion +12, STR +5, Double Attack +2% and Store TP +5. These combined stats make this an awesome TP-build body for a Samurai, as it will both speed up TP gain and increase your average hit.

Naturally, a piece this good isn't easy to come by. The Askar Korazin drops off of Cerberus, Hydra and Khimara on level 80 of the Nyzul Isle Assault area.

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Hands

Your starting gear, as with most jobs, doesn't really matter. Head out with your starting gear, or grab some Bronze Mittens for a litle extra dex.

Level 7–8: Leather Gloves, Tekko

You can upgrade at 7 or 8 to either of these. The Tekko are more stylish, but not quite as high in defense.

Level 10: Royal Footman's Gloves

Attack +3 is everything a Samurai can ask for at this level. Go with these — they can last you all the way until level 25. (Level 15's nation gloves give a little more def, but you might not want to spend the Gil to replace these).

Level 25: Windurstian Tekko, Federation Tekko

Accuracy +2 and Ranged Accuracy +2 for the Windurstian Tekko, and +3 on both for the Federation. Obviously go for the Federation if you can.

Level 30: Royal Squire's Mufflers

If you're wearing Windurstian Tekko with Accuracy +2, switch to these to retain that stat and increase your defense. If you managed to grab some Federation Tekko, keep them — the Accuracy is more important for a Samurai.

Level 50: Royal Knight's Mufflers

We made a big jump from 30 to 50 here. You could go with some of the Kote available at 34, but they're quite expensive. This is a more basic guide, so I'm not expecting you to do that. If you're rich, go for it. But once you get to Level 50, you'll want these.

The Royal Knight's Mufflers give you some more defense as well as Accuracy +3. There are +1 and +2 versions of these, but they generally just increase Ranged Accuracy in your own nation's areas, and aren't worth the spend.

Level 56: Myochin Kote

Your Myochin Kote is an AF piece that offers DEX+4, and more importantly, increases the effect of rice balls. You can keep the Royal Knight's Mufflers if you prefer the Accuracy, but if your other gear already provides that, you might enjoy the Strength boost you get from Tonosama Rice Balls. As an added bonus, the Rice Balls are cheaper than most Sushi you might be used to using.

Level 70: Hachiman Kote

Def 70, Strength +4, Store TP +8, and a Latent Effect of Attack +10. The +1 version gives STR +5, Store TP +9 and the latent Attack +12. Get them.

Level 73: Bandomusha Kote

These give you Attack +22 and mess up your resistence to pretty much everything. If you're all about attack, then get them. I'd prefer you stick with your Hachiman Kote, or use the AF2 gloves.

Level 73: Saotome Kote

Your AF2 gloves will give you an enhancement to Meditate, as well as Attack +10. These are great for Meditate, but you might want to use them in a macro and do most of your fighting with the Hachiman Kote. The Saotome Kote drops off of mobs in Dynamis-Bastok and Dynamis-Qufim.

Level 74: Noritsune Kote

These gloves offer Accuracy +10, which you should know by now is good news. It's tough to get, though — dropped by Tiamat in Attohwa Chasm, and very expensive when it appears on the auction house. Grab them if you have the chance, but don't freak out if you don't have them.

Level 75: Seiryu's Kote

Ranged Accuracy +10 is fantastic if you're playing as SAM/RNG. If not, don't bother.

Note: There are a series of bracelets (ending with and Enkelados's Bracelets and Pallas's Bracelets) that offer high STR. They drop off of Giant NMs in Delkfutt's Tower, and require either strong groups or lots of Gil to obtain. Get them if you have the opportunity and use them for your Weapon skills.

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Legs

Start out with the Bronze Subligar if you don't mind looking like that. Otherwise, something random will do. At level 7, switch to the Leather Trousers, or (if you can) hold out until 8 with the Sitabaki.

Level 10: Scale Cuisses

Up your defense with these.

Level 17: Lizard Trousers

You might want the Bone Subligar a level earlier, but these ones are the best defense in the area.

Level 18: Cotton Sitabaki

An extra defense point. Super.

Level 20: Mercenary's Sitabaki, Royal Footman Trousers

A little more defense, again... the Mercenary's Sitabaki can be purchased with conquest points and matches the Gi, which is good stuff. Up to you.

Level 21: Garrison Hose

These ones cost more, but they offer an extra point of strength and dexterity. Your call.

Level 24: Chain Hose

Nice defense, and goes with the Chain Mail set if you're going with it.

Level 25: Bastokan Subligar and Republic Subligar

Attack +3 or Attack +5 depending on which you get. Nice for Samurai.

Level 37: Jujitsu Sitabaki

It works nicely with the Jujitsu Gi. Dex +1 isn't all that impressive anymore, but it's been a while since you changed your pants.

Level 40: Royal Squire's Breeches

DEX +1 again, but more defense than the Jujitsu Sitabaki.

Level 54: Myochin Haidate

Your AF pants are ready to go. STR +3 and parrying skill makes this a worthwhile switch. Unless you manage to obtain a higher STR from other pants, this may be with you for a while.

Level 55: Royal Knight's Breeches

The Strength +2, DEX +2 and Attack +3 makes these ones better than your AF for TP build. The extra point of STR from the AF pants are better for your higher weapon skills.

Level 72: Saotome Haidate

This AF2 piece enhances Third Eye, which is nice but not all that useful.

Level 73: Shura Haidate

This one lowers your HP a little bit, which is strange. But it does have Strength +5 and Attack +7 (+6 and +8 on the Shura Haidate +1), which is the best thing to happen to pants in a while, and probably your best bet for an end-game peice. This one is obtained through the Abjuration: Dryadic quests that begin with drops from the HNM gods in Sky.

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Feet

Level 1: Bronze Leggings

Basic defense.

Level 7: Leaping Boots

You need to get these from the frequently over-camped NM Leaping Lizzy in South Gustaberg. They offer some very nice stats, but they're not that important as far as I'm concerned. The Leather Highboots at this level are the alternative, with a defense upgrade.

Level 8: Kyahan

Not really an upgrade over the Leather boots, but they look better with the set.

Level 10: Scale Greaves

The next defense upgrade.

Level 16: Bone Leggings

The next defense upgrade.

Level 18: Cotton Kyahan

The next aesthetically pleasing shoes.

Level 24: Greaves

They go with the Chainmail and offer a defense boost.

Level 25: Windurstian Kyahan, Federation Kyahan

Go with the Federation if you can help it. Attack +4. They last.

Level 52: Myochin Sune-ate

This is your AF pair. Not the best stats, but you might be tired of your 25 boots by now.

Level 67: Rutter Sabatons

STR +3, Attack +5. Nice, but you might want to wait a few levels.

Level 70: Hachiman Sune-ate

STR +2, Store TP +5, Weapon Skill Accuracy +2. The +1 version is the same, but an extra +1 on each of those stats. Go for them.

Level 71: Saotome Sune-ate

These AF2 boots offer DEX +5, Attack +8. They drop from Dynamis-Jeuno and Dynamis-Valkurm. I'd still prefer the Hachiman Sune-ate for weapon skills, but if you have the room, use these for TP build.

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Neck

Level 21: Spike Necklace

This one is good, and it will last you quite a while. DEX is your friend.

Level 33: Peacock Charm, Peacock Amulet

These are difficult to obtain, but at Accuracy +10, use it if you get it.

Level 55 - Royal Guard's Collar

Accuracy +4, Attack +4 — unless you have a Peacock neck piece.

Level 56 - Coral Gorget, Merman's Gorget

These ones offer some Ranged Accuracy, which is quite nice if you're subbing Ranger.

Level 59 - Spectacles

Expensive, but Accuracy +7 is quite nice if you don't have the Peacock stuff. Ranged Accuracy +7 is also good for the SAM/RNG. I'd rather wait for the next level, though:

Level 60 - Chivalrous Chain

STR +3, Accuracy +5, Store TP +1. This one is available for 8,000 Lebros Cavern Assault Points, but can also be bought at the AH.

Level 73 - Justics Torque

With Great Katana Skill +7 and Strength +5 this is quite attractive for your Samurai. It drops from the Jailer of Justice in Sea.

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Belt

Level 15: Warriors Belt +1

This one's the standard choice for this level, and will last you right up until 40. Belts for Samurai don't seem to be in the cards until then.

Level 40: Tilt Belt

Finally, a nice Accuracy Belt for your Samurai. A nice option.

Level 43, Swordbelt

Attack +10, or Attack +12 on the +1. Best belt at this level.

Level 48: Life Belt

Here's where your waist starts to pull its weight. Accuracy +10.

Level 50: Swift Belt

The Attack -5 might be ugly, but Haste +4% is great for your TP build set, especially at later levels. To obtain one, you need to pop the Fomor NM that corresponds to your race in Sacrarium. To do this, you'll need some Fomor hate (obtained by killing fomors) and a Fomor Codex (which drops from Taurus, Stegotaurs and Teratotaur in Sacrarium and Phomiuna Aqueducts. Not a neccessary item for leveling, but great at end-game, especially when stacked with other Haste items.

Level 60: Potent Belt

10,000 Leujaoam Sanctum Assault Points will buy you this merge of Accuracy and STR stats (or, buy it in the AH). The is probably one of the better belts for those who don't use /equip macros for whatever reason. It offers STR +3 and Accuracy +8.

Level 71: Warwolf Belt

This one offers DEX +5 and STR +5. If you're changing equipment to boost your STR, use this. The Life Belt is still better for TP build, though.

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Back

Level 4: Rabbit Mantle

If you want something on your back, this is your only choice.

Level 12: Traveler's Mantle

Not worth the money or time, but you look rich wearing it.

Level 18: Dhalmel Mantle

That giraffe has your back. Best defense available.

Level 28: Wolf Mantle

Get the +1 for the extra defense point. You'll keep this for a while.

Level 47: Jaguar Mantle

Attack +3 is a great stat to get off your back piece. Go for it.

Level 61: Amemet Mantle

Strength +1, Attack +10, Ranged Attack +10. +2, +5 and +15 on the Amemet Mantle +1. Go for it.

Forager's Mantle

Strength +3, Attack +15. Better than the Amemet Mantle +1, but usually more pricey.

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Rings

Level 14: Balance Ring

You can get Courage Rings if you prefer Strength, but I reccommend getting a pair of Balance Ring +1

Level 34: Venerer's Ring

These ones offer Accuracy +3. They're expensive, or you can grab it from the Rabao quest Chasing Dreams.

Level 36: Deft Ring

If the Venerer's Ring was out of your reach, grab the Deft Rings to up your DEX from the Balance Rings.

Level 40: Sniper's Ring or Woodsman Ring

You can grab either one of these. Both offer Accuracy +5. Get them. They're expensive, but you'll love them.

Level 54: Grace Ring

This is the next DEX upgrade. If you ignored what I said about the Sniper's and didn't farm for them, here you go.

Level 54: Sun Ring

Once you have Tachi: Yukikaze, you'll want to start subbing in STR equipment for your weapon skills. Sun Rings offer STR+3 and are your first decent chance to do this.

Level 72: Ruby Ring

At level 72 you have the chance to grab Ruby rings for STR+4. A nice upgrade for your WS set.

Level 74: Flame Ring

Now, Flame Rings can be expensive, but for those Weapon Skills you want to have as much STR as you possibly can. The Flame Ring has STR+5. You may only need one, especially if you finish Chains of Promathia (CoP) and get the Rajas ring.

Rajas Ring

Rajas Ring is one of the rings that can be earned by completing CoP. It can be worn at level 30 but I mention this last because it's obtained at end-game. STR+2~5 (depending on your level) and DEX+2~5 are a nice set.

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Earrings

Level 1: Cassie Earring

STR +1, VIT +1 and converts MP to HP +50. If they were easy to get they'd be perfect. Unfortunately they're pricy as they only come from Capricious Cassie in Fei'Yin. If you don't already have one, don't worry.

Level 16: Bone Earring

If you don't have a Cassie, these are the first ones worth looking at. Attack +1 or Attack +2 with the +1 version.

Level 21: Beetle Earring

Attack +3 for the Beetle Earring +1. I recommend going in that direction since you'll have them for a while.

Level 55: Spike Earring

Replace those Beetles with these ones. Attack +5.

Level 61: Minuet Earring

The Minuet earring doesn't have the added Attack that the Coral or Merman add at 63, but it does have STR+1 for your weapon skills. This can even be an end-game piece if you can't afford a Triumph (or finish Divine Might). It's a Rare item, so you can only have one.

Level 63: Coral Earring, Merman Earring

The next step up from Spike. The corals are basically the same, except they slightly reduce magic damage. The Mermans do it better, and add an extra point of attack.

Level 67: Triumph Earring

These guys are expensive, but the STR +2 is very nice for your weapon skills.

Level 70: Fowling Earring

The Fowling earring offers STR +1 and Accuracy +3. This one's good for an extra point of Weapon Skill strength if you have room for it. It's dropped off of a BST NM in Wajaom Woodlands (Percipient Zoraal Ja).

Level 70: Fenrir's Earring

These offer Attack +10 during the day, and Ranged Attack +10 during the night time. Rare/exclusive and only available from the quest The Moonlit Path in Windurst Waters.

Level 72: Bushinomimi

Another rare/exclusive that offers STR +2, Great Katana Skill +5 and Parrying Skill +5. Very nice, but only available from the Divine Might quest (which requires a full alliance and is an alternate way of completing Zilart Mission 14).

Level 75: Brutal Earring

The Brutal Earring is a Rare/Exclusive earring that increases Double Attack rate by 5% (and gives you Double Attack if you're not /WAR), and gives Store TP +1. This is a great item to have, and can be purchased for 75 Ancient Beastcoins from Sagheera in Port Jeuno (I-8). Ancient Beastcoins can be earned from Limbus, or purchased from Bazaars.