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 interacting with retainers or NPCs, or using emotes, can stem from several sources:

• 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, in particular, can be caused by the game's need to synchronize animations across players in the same instance. Delays in this synchronization can result in noticeable lag. Additionally, if your system doesn't meet the game's minimum requirements, emote performance can suffer.

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 is common during major updates, expansions, or security incidents. If server issues are suspected, patience is key; the problem will likely 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 The Escapist.