Final Fantasy XIV generally runs smoothly, but occasional lag can occur, especially when interacting with retainers, NPCs, or using emotes. This guide helps troubleshoot and resolve these performance 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 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 often results from server synchronization issues when multiple players share an instance.
• Insufficient PC specifications: If your computer doesn't meet the game's minimum requirements, performance issues are likely.

How to Fix Lag in FFXIV

Assuming your PC meets FFXIV's recommended specifications, here's how to address lag:

1. Verify internet stability: Ensure a stable and strong internet connection.
2. Check server location: Playing on a distant server (e.g., a North American server from Oceania) can cause high ping and lag. 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 congestion often occurs during major updates, expansions, or security incidents. In these cases, patience is key; the issue will typically resolve itself.

This guide covers troubleshooting lag in FFXIV related to retainers and emotes. For more FFXIV tips, including Dawntrail patch updates and Alliance Raid coverage, check out The Escapist.