What stats are most important for a summoner?

[wilycoyote]

It is obvious that MP is, but what else is particularly important for a summoner to summon? Is DEX important or not?

[tomfin10]

Really just MP... maybe HP and DEF since they have the lowest in the game.. but you really need lots of MP.

[wilycoyote]

Well, what is the job designed to do: be an offensive lead, play a support role, etc.

[tomfin10]

SMN is really more of a supportive class... since the summon's attacks are pretty weak. A SMN is really just known for its abilities, both offensive and supportive. SMN uses the support abilites more but their offensive ones do a pretty good amount of DMG. If your wondering what a good sub job would be then take a look at my chart:

SMN/BLM - (Highly suggested never to use this combo.)

- Since you sub BLM your black magic is halved which makes you have black magic pointless.
- You already have the summons to do the DMG so why have /BLM?
- SMNs are usually needed as back up healers... sometimes they just heal, so SMN/WHM would be better IMO.

SMN/WHM - (Best combo)

- You can be the healer/back up healer.
- You get the cure status effect spells.
- You get Curaga.

SMN/RDM - (2nd best combo)

- You'll be able to use Convert at lvl 80 SMN.
- You have Black and White magic.
- You have enfeebling magic.
- You get the spell Refresh at a high lvl SMN/RDM

IMO, SMN/WHM is just the best out of them all. Sheila, a moderater here, is an experienced SMN and she says that SMN/WHM is best because of what I said above.