FFXIV Lag Fix: Resolve Delays with Retainers and Emotes

Final Fantasy XIV generally runs smoothly, but occasional lag can occur, especially when interacting with retainers, NPCs, or using emotes. This guide helps troubleshoot and resolve these issues.

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What Causes Lag in FFXIV When Interacting with Retainers or Emoting?How to Resolve Lag in FFXIV

What Causes Lag in FFXIV When Interacting with Retainers or Emoting?

Several factors can contribute to lag in FFXIV, particularly during interactions or emote use:

• High ping or unstable internet connection: A poor network connection directly impacts responsiveness.
• Server congestion or overload: High player volume can strain server resources, leading to delays.
• Emote synchronization: Emotes require server-side synchronization with other players in your instance. Delays in this process can cause lag, especially in crowded areas. Lag during emoting 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, here are troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Internet Stability: Ensure a stable and strong internet connection.
2. Check Server Location: Playing on a server geographically distant from your location can increase ping and cause lag. Consider transferring to a closer server. While high ping doesn't always cause problems, it can contribute to lag spikes.
3. Account for Server Overload: Server overload can occur during major updates, expansions, or security incidents. In such cases, patience is key; the issue will usually resolve itself.

This guide addresses lag specifically related to retainers and emotes. For more FFXIV tips, including the Dawntrail patch schedule and coverage of the Echoes of Vana'diel Alliance Raid, explore additional resources on The Escapist.