Final Fantasy XIV generally runs smoothly, but occasional lag can occur, especially when interacting with retainers, NPCs, or using emotes. This guide outlines troubleshooting steps.

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What Causes Lag in FFXIV During Retainer/Emote Interactions? How to Resolve Lag in FFXIV

What Causes Lag in FFXIV During Retainer/Emote Interactions?

Lag in FFXIV, particularly during interactions with retainers or NPCs, or emote usage, stems from several potential sources:

• High ping or unstable internet connection: A slow or unreliable internet connection directly impacts responsiveness.
• Server congestion or overload: Overburdened servers can cause widespread lag affecting multiple players. Emote lag can be specifically caused by the game's need to synchronize animations across players in the same instance. Delays in this synchronization lead to noticeable lag. In general, emote-related lag often points to overloaded servers or a PC that no longer meets the game's minimum requirements.

How to Resolve Lag in FFXIV

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

1. Verify Internet Stability: Ensure a stable internet connection. Check your connection speed and stability using online tools.

2. Server Proximity: Select a server geographically closer to your location. Playing on a North American server from Oceania, for example, often results in high ping and potential lag spikes. Consider transferring to a more suitable server if lag persists.

3. Server Overload: If internet and server proximity aren't the issue, server overload might be the culprit. This commonly occurs during major patches, expansions, or periods of server instability (e.g., following hacking attempts). In such cases, patience is key; the problem usually resolves itself.

This concludes our troubleshooting guide for lag in FFXIV when interacting with retainers or emotes. For more FFXIV tips and information, including the Dawntrail patch schedule and analysis of the Echoes of Vana'diel Alliance Raid, visit The Escapist.