How to Fix FFXIV Lagging When Talking to Retainers or Using Emotes

*Final Fantasy XIV* is renowned for its smooth gameplay, but like any online game, it can occasionally experience lag. If you're encountering delays when interacting with retainers or using emotes, don't worry—here's a guide to help you tackle these issues.

Table of Contents

• What Causes Lag in FFXIV When Talking to Retainers or Emoting?
• How to Fix Lag in FFXIV

What Causes Lag in FFXIV When Talking to Retainers or Emoting?

Let's delve into the reasons behind lag in *FFXIV*, especially when you're engaging with retainers, NPCs, or performing emotes.

• High Ping or Internet Connection Issues: A slow or unstable internet connection can lead to high latency, causing delays in game actions.
• Server Congestion or Overload: During peak times or major updates, servers can become overwhelmed, resulting in lag.
• Emote Syncing: Emotes require the game to synchronize your animations with other players in the same instance. Any delay in this process can lead to lag, particularly if the servers are overloaded or if your PC struggles to meet the game's minimum requirements.

How to Fix Lag in FFXIV

If your PC meets *FFXIV*'s recommended specifications, you can try several steps to resolve lag issues:

• Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure your connection is stable. High ping can be mitigated by playing on a server closer to your location. For example, if you're in Oceania, playing on a North American server might cause lag spikes.
• Server Selection: Opt for a server that's geographically closer to you to minimize ping-related issues. While some players, including myself, have managed high ping without significant problems, it's a common cause of lag.
• Server Overload: If the lag persists despite a stable connection, the *FFXIV* servers might be overloaded. This often occurs during major patch releases, expansion launches, or during hacking attempts. In such cases, patience is key—the issues will typically resolve on their own over time.

By following these steps, you can effectively address lag issues in *FFXIV* when talking to retainers or using emotes. For more in-depth guides, patch release schedules like *Dawntrail*, and insights into the *Echoes of Vana'diel* Alliance Raid, be sure to visit The Escapist.