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 When Interacting with Retainers or Emoting? How to Resolve 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:

• High ping or network connectivity problems: A poor internet connection directly impacts responsiveness.
• Server overload or congestion: High player activity can strain server resources, leading to delays.
• Emote synchronization: Emote animations require synchronization with other players in your instance, which can cause lag if delays exist. Lag during emotes often points to overloaded servers or a PC that no longer meets minimum game requirements.

How to Resolve Lag in FFXIV

Assuming your PC meets FFXIV's recommended specifications, consider 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 result in high ping and 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, expansion launches, or after security incidents. In these cases, patience is key; the issue will usually resolve itself.

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