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FFXIV Lag Issues Solved: Retainers & Emotes

by Aurora Jan 25,2025

FFXIV Lag Issues Solved: Retainers & Emotes

Troubleshooting Final Fantasy XIV Lag During Retainer Interactions and Emotes

Final Fantasy XIV, while generally well-optimized, occasionally experiences lag. This is particularly noticeable when interacting with retainers, NPCs, or using emotes. Let's explore the causes and solutions.

Causes of Lag in FFXIV During Retainer Interactions and Emoting:

Several factors can contribute to lag:

  • High Ping or Internet Connectivity Problems: A slow or unstable internet connection directly impacts responsiveness.
  • Server Congestion or Overload: High player traffic can strain server resources, leading to delays. Emote lag specifically can occur when the game struggles to synchronize animations across players in the same instance.
  • Insufficient PC Specifications: If your computer doesn't meet the game's minimum requirements, performance issues, including emote lag, are likely.

Solutions to FFXIV Lag:

Assuming your PC meets FFXIV's recommended specifications, try these steps:

  1. Verify Internet Stability: Ensure a stable and strong internet connection. Run a speed test to check your upload and download speeds.

  2. Optimize Server Selection: Choose a server geographically closer to your location. Playing on a distant server (e.g., a North American server from Oceania) can significantly increase ping and cause lag spikes. Server transfers may be necessary for optimal performance.

  3. Account for Server Overload: Lag can arise from server overload, especially during major patches, expansions, or periods of hacking activity. In these cases, patience is key; the issue will typically resolve itself.

By addressing these points, you should resolve most lag issues encountered while using emotes or interacting with retainers in Final Fantasy XIV. For more FFXIV guides and news, including the Dawntrail patch schedule and Alliance Raid coverage, check out The Escapist.