Final Fantasy XIV generally runs smoothly, but occasional lag can occur, especially when interacting with retainers, NPCs, or using emotes. This guide outlines potential causes and solutions.
Table of Contents
What Causes Lag in FFXIV During Retainer Interactions and Emotes?How to Troubleshoot Lag in FFXIV
What Causes Lag in FFXIV During Retainer Interactions and Emotes?
Lag in FFXIV, particularly during interactions with retainers or NPCs, or emote usage, stems from several factors:
- High Ping or Network Connectivity Problems: A poor internet connection directly impacts responsiveness.
- Server Overload or Congestion: High player activity can strain servers, leading to delays.
- Emote Synchronization: Emotes require synchronization with other players in your instance; delays in this process can cause lag. Lag during emoting often points to overloaded servers or a PC failing to meet minimum game requirements.
How to Troubleshoot Lag in FFXIV
Assuming your PC meets FFXIV's recommended specifications, several troubleshooting steps can address lag:
- Verify Network Stability: Ensure a stable internet connection.
- Check Server Proximity: High ping is more likely when playing on a server geographically distant from your location. Consider transferring to a closer server if necessary, although high ping doesn't always cause problems.
- Account for Server Overload: Server strain is common during major patches, expansions, or after hacking incidents. In such cases, patience is key—the issue usually resolves itself.
This guide covers lag fixes for retainer interactions and emotes. For more FFXIV tips, including the Dawntrail patch schedule and our Echoes of Vana'diel Alliance Raid review, explore The Escapist.