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 explains potential causes and solutions.

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

What Causes Lag in FFXIV During Retainer/Emote Interactions?

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

• High ping or unstable internet connection: A poor connection directly impacts responsiveness.
• Overloaded servers: High player traffic or server issues can cause delays.
• Emote synchronization: Emotes require server synchronization with other players in your instance, leading to lag if delays occur. Insufficient PC performance can also contribute to emote lag.

How to Troubleshoot Lag in FFXIV

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

1. Verify internet stability: Ensure a stable and strong internet connection.
2. Check server proximity: Playing on a server geographically distant from your location can increase ping and cause lag. Consider transferring to a closer server if necessary. 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 likely resolve itself.

This concludes our guide to resolving lag issues in FFXIV related to retainers and emotes. For more FFXIV tips, including Dawntrail patch updates and Alliance Raid coverage, visit The Escapist.