Fantasy Life i is full of typical life simulation gameplay, such as fishing and crafting, but its combat mechanics are rather extensive. Players must fight their way through caves, forests, and deserts as they take on the mysterious forces in the open world.

As they progress through the maps, the bosses and monsters get stronger. Taking on a Combat Life is a must if players are following the story quests, but there are several options. So, here's a guide covering everything Fantasy Life i players need to know about Combat Lives so that they can pick the best one for their playthrough.

Image of the entrance to Fort Gardhart in Fantasy Life i
Fantasy Life i: How to Get Inside Fort Gardhart

There are a lot of hidden locations in Fantasy Life i. Fort Gardhart is one of these, and can only be unlocked through a specific method.

What is the Best Combat Life in Fantasy Life i?

Fantasy Life i Battle Life Mercenary

Lives are jobs and hobbies that players can start, and as they level up and increase their ranks, they unlock special powers and stronger tools. Lives are split into three categories: Combat, Gathering, and Crafting. Combat Lives give players access to weapons, magic, and battle gear. Gathering includes picking up resources around the island, like plants and fish. Crafting is more build-focused and includes trades such as cooking, blacksmithing, tailoring, and more.

Crafting and Gathering are helpful in earning Dosh, upgrading equipment, and making potions, but players should make sure to level up a Combat Life for a balanced playthrough. Additionally, many of the story quests require them to fight monsters and other boss types. Players can choose from the following Combat Lives:

  • Paladin
  • Mercenary
  • Hunter
  • Magician

Each Combat Life has its own perks, but the best combat class in Fantasy Life i is Mercenary. Mercenaries have decent dexterity and powerful attacks once players get further into the skill board. The Heavy Swing is great against large numbers and bigger Monsters, and there's a chance players will stun their targets.

Fantasy Life i Goldmeer location

Pros and Cons of Each Combat Life in Fantasy Life i

Combat Life

Pros

Cons

Mercenary

  • Heavy Swings
  • Elemental damage
  • Special Skill - Earth
  • Combo attacks
  • Increased critical hit rates
  • Not very defensive
  • Single target attacks

Hunter

  • Hit multiple targets
  • Ranged attack
  • Special Skill - Wind
  • SP Regeneration
  • Resistances against status effects
  • Deals less damage
  • Vulnerable to physical attacks

Paladin

  • Counterattacks
  • Defensive boosts
  • Special Skill - Light
  • Elemental resistances
  • SP regeneration
  • Deals less damage
  • Single target attacks

Magician

  • Ranged attack
  • Hit multiple targets
  • Elemental damage
  • Special Skill - Light
  • Healing abilities
  • Deals less damage
  • Not very defensive

Paladins and Mercenaries use melee weapons such as Claymores and Long Swords. Paladins also have magic powers at higher levels. Mercenaries are bruisers, using large weapons and heavy attacks to take down enemies. Hunters and Magicians allow players to use ranged attacks.

However, all the classes are worth trying out, as it comes down to preference. Hunters and Magicians are great for players who want to focus on burst attacks and status effects on targets. The ranged attacks also allow them to do damage from a safer distance. Paladins utilize a combination of defense and offense, and once players max out their skills, they will unlock an additional 100 HP and a +20 Defense bonus.

Fantasy Life i Mercenary Skill Board

Players can also use their Buddies to fill in any missing classes in the party. Buddies, who are reverted from Strangelings, each have a Life. They level up in that one skill when they earn EXP. Players can find Buddies from every Battle Life by reaching the end of caves, solving shrine puzzles, and exploring Treasure Groves. There are also several Combat Life Buddies who are a part of the main story, so finding more is inevitable.

Fantasy Life i Buddy

Don't forget to upgrade Buddy equipment and weapons from the Equipment menu to maximize their damage.

Mercenaries are versatile, easy to control, and undeniably powerful. Players can't go wrong by choosing the Merc Life, but there is nothing wrong with experimenting with the others. Don't be afraid to level up all of them for a well-rounded combat experience.

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Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
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Released
May 21, 2025
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Developer(s)
Level 5
Publisher(s)
Level 5
PC Release Date
May 21, 2025
Genre(s)
Life Simulation, RPG, Adventure
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