Fix FFXIV Lag 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 explains potential causes and solutions.

Table of Contents

What Causes Lag in FFXIV When Interacting with Retainers or Emoting?How to Troubleshoot 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/Network Issues: A poor internet connection directly impacts responsiveness.
• Server Overload: High server traffic, often during patches or expansions, can lead to delays.
• Emote Synchronization: Emotes require server-side synchronization with other players, causing potential lag if delays occur. Lag during emotes often stems from server overload or insufficient PC performance.

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 or attacks. 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, NPCs, and emotes. For more FFXIV tips and information, including the Dawntrail patch schedule and our Echoes of Vana'diel Alliance Raid review, visit The Escapist.