How to Fix FFXIV Lagging When Talking to Retainers or Using Emotes

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

Table of Contents

• What Causes Lag in FFXIV During Retainer Interactions and Emotes?
• How to Fix Lag in FFXIV

What Causes Lag in FFXIV During Retainer Interactions and Emotes?

Lag in FFXIV, particularly when interacting with retainers or NPCs, or using emotes, can stem from several sources:

• High Ping or Internet Connectivity Problems: A slow or unstable internet connection directly impacts game performance.
• Server Congestion or Overload: Overloaded servers struggle to handle all player requests simultaneously, leading to delays. Emote lag, in particular, can arise from the game's need to synchronize animations across players in the same instance. This synchronization is more challenging with server delays.
• Insufficient PC Resources: If your computer doesn't meet the game's minimum requirements, performance issues, including emote lag, are likely.

How to Fix 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. Run a speed test to confirm adequate bandwidth and low latency.

2. Check Server Location: Playing on a server geographically distant from your location often results in high ping. Consider transferring to a closer server for improved performance. While high ping doesn't always cause problems, it can contribute to lag spikes.

3. Account for Server Overload: Server overload is common during major patches, expansions, or after hacking incidents. In such cases, patience is key; the issue will likely resolve itself once the server load decreases.

This concludes our guide to fixing lag in FFXIV related to retainer interactions and emotes. For more FFXIV tips and information, including the Dawntrail patch schedule and Alliance Raid coverage, check out The Escapist.