Home News Fix FFXIV Lag: Issues with Retainers and Emotes Resolved

Fix FFXIV Lag: Issues with Retainers and Emotes Resolved

Author : Charlotte Jan 21,2025

Fix FFXIV Lag: Issues with Retainers and Emotes Resolved

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?

Lag in FFXIV, particularly during retainer interactions, NPC conversations, or emote use, can stem from several factors:

  • High Ping/Network Issues: A poor internet connection directly impacts responsiveness.
  • Server Overload: High server traffic, often during major updates or expansions, can lead to delays. Emote lag can also arise from server-side synchronization of animations across players in the same instance. Performance issues on your end, such as a PC failing to meet minimum game requirements, can also contribute.

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 cause high ping and lag. Consider transferring to a closer server if necessary. While high ping doesn't always cause problems, it can occasionally lead to lag spikes.
  3. Account for Server Load: Server congestion is common during major updates, expansions, or after hacking incidents. In such cases, patience is key; the issue will usually resolve itself.

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

Latest Articles More
  • Neil Druckmann Teases Naughty Dog’s New Game Theme

    The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann has revealed new insights about Naughty Dog's upcoming title Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.During a candid interview with Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later, Druckmann discussed the four-year development

    Dec 21,2025
  • Dead Cells' Final Update Launches on iOS, Android

    Dead Cells' final two updates, Clean Cut and The End is Near, have now been released.Both updates deliver the last content additions to Dead Cells, concluding years of continuous updates.New weapons, enemies, and more provide a spectacular send-off.O

    Dec 20,2025
  • Jurassic Park Tables Launch in Zen Pinball World

    Zen Studios is enhancing the Zen Pinball World collection with two new DLC packs that recreate memorable cinematic moments on the pinball table. The latest additions are Universal Classics Pinball and Jurassic Park World Pinball.Excited for the New Z

    Dec 20,2025
  • Sims 4 Blast Event: Historical Displays Guide

    Week 2 of The Sims 4's Blast from the Past event is now underway, challenging players to explore the world while solving mysteries. One seemingly simple task is causing unexpected roadblocks - here's how to successfully study a Historical Display.Whe

    Dec 20,2025
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's New Developments

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 News2025April 3PC players will have access to extensive graphical settings, ranging from Low to Epic presets, while console players can select between Performance and Quality modes. Confirmed as a PS5 Pro Enhanced title, i

    Dec 19,2025
  • PS5 Cross-Buy Hinted for PC and PlayStation Purchases

    A "Cross-Buy" icon recently appeared on the PlayStation Store, fueling speculation that Sony may soon enable players to purchase games once and play them across both consoles and PC.Social media user Amethxst first noticed references to a "crossbuy-t

    Dec 18,2025