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 outlines potential causes and solutions.

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

What Causes Lag in FFXIV During Retainer/Emote Interactions?

Lag in FFXIV, particularly when interacting with retainers or NPCs, or using emotes, stems from several factors:

• High ping or unstable internet connection: A poor network connection directly impacts responsiveness.
• Overloaded servers: High server traffic can lead to delays in processing actions. Emote lag specifically can result from the game synchronizing animations across players in the same instance. This is exacerbated by server overload.
• Insufficient PC resources: If your computer doesn't meet the game's minimum requirements, performance issues, including emote lag, are likely.

How to Troubleshoot FFXIV Lag

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

1. Verify Internet Stability: Ensure a stable and strong internet connection. Check your ping and connection speed.

2. Optimize Server Selection: Choose a server geographically closer to your location to minimize ping. High ping, while sometimes playable, can contribute to lag spikes. Consider a server transfer if necessary.

3. Account for Server Overload: Lag can occur during peak times, such as major patch releases or expansion launches, or following server attacks. In these cases, patience is key; the issue will usually resolve itself.

This concludes our guide to resolving lag in FFXIV during retainer/emote interactions. For more FFXIV tips, including the Dawntrail patch schedule and our Echoes of Vana'diel Alliance Raid review, check out The Escapist.