Speculation is mounting within the Final Fantasy 14 community that the game's next job, slated for the upcoming Evercold expansion, will be a ranged physical DPS focused on taming birds and utilizing a crossbow. This theory is drawing support from a combination of subtle hints dropped by lead composer and sound director Masayoshi Soken and analysis of in-game trailer footage.
During a recent fan festival, Soken shared audio clips that have been interpreted as key evidence. One clip features a sound akin to a crossbow being prepared or fired, followed by an explosion. Another clip clearly captures the sound of a bird attacking an enemy, alongside further firing noises. These sounds appear to align with elements shown in the extended trailer for Evercold.
Specifically, the trailer depicts a Miqo'te named Visna being bothered by her pet bird while examining a wand-like object. When she touches the object's tip, it transforms into a rune that bears a resemblance to a job stone symbol and, upon closer inspection, a crossbow. It's theorized that this "wand" might actually be a magic crossbow bolt designed to detonate on impact. The explosion sound from this trailer segment, when compared to Soken's first audio clip, is noted for its similarity.
The nature of a ranged physical DPS necessitates a physical weapon. While the idea of a job centered around throwing birds is considered, the game's design typically requires tangible, craftable weapons. The article suggests that a crossbow fits this requirement, as it's unlikely blacksmiths would be crafting live birds for combat.
Further bolstering the avian connection, Evercold's thematic ties to Norse mythology, where birds are prominent figures, are highlighted. References include Veðrfölnir, a hawk perched on the World Tree. Visna's bird in the trailer is also described as having a hooked beak, similar to those of hawks and eagles.
More speculative evidence comes from a bugged Lalafell jump animation that surfaced online. This animation shows the character seemingly holding an object from beneath with one hand while the other is positioned as if on a trigger. Given that no existing job in Final Fantasy 14 utilizes a rifle-like weapon, this animation is being considered as a potential early look at the new job's mechanics.
Combined, these clues strongly suggest a falconer-like job that employs a crossbow. An alternative, though less strongly supported, possibility includes the use of a boomerang, hinted at by director Naoki Yoshida's "guess who's back?" comment, which could also refer to the return of an avian companion.