Final Fantasy XIV is an online role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. Launched initially in 2010, the game faced critical and commercial failure, leading to its eventual re-release as “Final Fantasy XIV” in 2013. This reboot was a massive success and has garnered a dedicated fan base. Set in the enchanting world of Eorzea, FFXIV offers players an immersive and engaging experience. Players create characters from diverse races and classes with unique abilities and skills. The game’s story unfolds across various expansions, offering epic quests, memorable characters, and breathtaking landscapes.

No Game is perfect, and Final Fantasy has its share of problems. One of the most common forms of errors that you would face is the ffxiv launcher error. In this error, the game just won’t seem to start, and the game would just crash the moment you try to boot it up. But fear not! This guide explores common FFXIV launcher errors and provides comprehensive troubleshooting steps to get you back on your journey. We’ve covered whether you’re facing connection problems, permission issues, or launcher glitches. Let’s delve into the solutions step by step.

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What Does Launcher Error Actually Mean?

A launcher error is an issue that occurs when the launcher application of a software or game fails to function correctly. In Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) or any other online game, the launcher is the initial program players use to start the game. It handles tasks such as checking for updates, verifying game files, and facilitating login. A launcher error can manifest in various ways, such as:

• Connection Error: The launcher fails to connect to the game servers, preventing players from logging in and accessing the game.
• Crashes or Freezes: The launcher may crash or freeze during startup, update, or login, making it impossible to proceed.
• Update Issues: When the launcher attempts to download and apply updates, it may encounter errors, causing the update process to fail.
• Permission Problems: Some players might encounter errors related to insufficient permissions, especially if the launcher requires administrative privileges to function correctly.
• Black or Blank Screen: In some cases, the launcher may display a black or blank screen instead of the expected interface.

Why Does Fix FFXIV Launcher Error Occur?

The FFXIV launcher or DirectX error can occur for various reasons, and understanding the causes behind it is essential for effective troubleshooting. Here are some common reasons for encountering launcher errors:

• Internet Connectivity Issues: A proper internet connection is vital for the launcher to communicate with FFXIV servers. If there are disruptions or connectivity problems, the launcher may fail to initiate or update the game.
• Firewall or Antivirus Blocking: Security software, like firewalls or antivirus programs, can mistakenly flag the FFXIV launcher as a threat and block its access to the internet. This can lead to connection issues and prevent the launcher from working correctly.
• Administrator Permissions: Sometimes, the launcher requires administrative privileges to run correctly, especially during updates or patch installations. If the user account doesn’t have the necessary permissions, it can cause launcher errors.
• Outdated Launcher: Using an outdated version of the FFXIV launcher may lead to compatibility issues, resulting in errors when trying to connect to the game servers or update the client.
• Corrupted Game Files: Occasionally, the game files related to the launcher may become corrupted, causing the launcher to malfunction or crash.
• VPN or Network Interference: If you’re using a virtual private network (VPN) or have network configurations that interfere with the launcher’s communication, it can lead to errors during the connection process.

How Can You Fix It?

Fix 1: Look At Your Internet Connection

Check your internet connection for problems and if you encounter a connection error with the FFXIV launcher. You can do this by visiting other websites or streaming videos to verify your connection is working correctly. If you’re using a wireless connection, connect your system to the router via an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection. Additionally, consider restarting your router or modem to resolve any temporary network issues. Unplug the power source, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in.

Fix 2: Check For Firewall Settings & Background Processes

Specific background apps or firewall settings might interfere with Final Fantasy XIV network access and produce FFXIV launcher error, perhaps producing the Anteater issue. Close any extra background apps before starting Final Fantasy XIV to avoid this problem. These programs may be eating network resources or causing issues with the game. Also, temporarily disable your firewall to determine whether it blocks the Final Fantasy XIV network data. If the problem vanishes when the firewall is turned off, configure it to allow Final Fantasy XIV network traffic while retaining system security.

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Fix 3: Try To Run Your Game As Administrator

Final Fantasy XIV may be run as an administrator to assist in solving particular permission-related problems. To run Final Fantasy XIV as an administrator, take the following actions:

• Step 1: Right-click on the FFXIV launcher icon on your desktop or Start menu.
• Step 2: Now proceed towards the context menu and tap on the “Run as Administrator” option. You might be asked to enter your admin password or provide permission to proceed.
• Step 3: Running the launcher with administrator privileges can help resolve permission-related issues.

Fix 4: Repair Corrupted/Missing Game Files

Launcher crashes can be caused by corrupted or missing game files. These files are required for the game to work correctly, and their corruption or absence might disturb the game’s stability and cause crashes. Here’s how to check and fix your game files:

• Step 1: In order to open the Run dialog, press Win+R simultaneously
• Step 2: Type %localappdata% into the Run dialog and press Enter to open up the Local AppData folder
• Step 3: Look for the “SquareEnix” folder and open it.
• Step 4: Locate the “Final Fantasy XIV” or “FFXIV” folder and delete it. Make sure to back up your game settings and saves if necessary.
• Step 5: Launch the FFXIV launcher again, and it should start re-downloading the necessary files.

Fix 5: Change Your SSL Certificate

Final Fantasy XIV, like many other online multiplayer games, needs to ensure the player’s identity by using the SSL certificate to authenticate the player-specific information on the database. Launcher error is a symptom of some issue with the SSL certificate, and there is a remote possibility that your SSL certificate might have expired and you need to configure it again. To Configure, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Close any open apps on your system.
• Step 2: Open the “Start” menu and type “internet options” in the search bar, then click it to open it.
• Step 3: Click Advanced and tap in the Internet Options window.
• Step 4: Scroll down and check the Use SSL 3.0 box
• Step 5: Check Use TLS 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 boxes
• Step 6: Click OK and start the FFXIV launcher.

Fix 6: Check For Any Server Related Or Maintenance Issues

Server maintenance or issues on the FFXIV side can cause launcher errors. To check if this is the case, visit the official FFXIV website or their social media channels for any announcements regarding server maintenance or issues. If server maintenance is ongoing, wait until it’s completed and the servers are back online. If there are server issues, the developers are likely working to resolve them.

Fix 7: Try Updating Your Launcher

Your Final Fantasy XIV is dependent on its launcher to give you the immersive experience you deserve, but if your launcher is out-of-date, then you encounter an FFXIV launcher error could be; open it and seek an update option inside its UI. This feature is often accessible from the main screen or the settings menu. To check for available updates, choose the update option. If an update is discovered, complete the update procedure to ensure you have the most recent version. If there is no update option in the launcher, you can download the current version of the launcher from the official Final Fantasy XIV website.

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Fix 8: Edit/Update Your FFXIV_Boot.cfg File

When you run the FFXIV launcher, it instantly connects to the game servers to get the most recent updates. Mismatched game setups might prohibit the launcher from obtaining those essential files. These parameters are frequently related to language and region settings. However, other options, such as the EULA agreement and boot version, may cause issues with the launcher. To get the launcher working again, you must manually configure the settings by following the steps below:

• Step 1: If the launcher is still active, close it and navigate to the My Documents folder.
• Step 2: Navigate to and open the Final Fantasy XIV folder.
• Step 3: Locate the FFXIV_BOOT.cfg file, right-click it, and choose Edit.
• Step 4: Scroll down to the following options and change their values to 0 or 1, as shown below:

• Step 5: Save the file and relaunch the FFXIV launcher to verify whether the problem has been resolved.

Fix 9: Switch Your DNS Address Path

Your default DNS is responsible for recognizing the IP addresses you attempt to connect to and providing access to these websites and the servers. However, certain internet service providers may restrict your access to gaming servers for various reasons. In such a situation, you must change DNS servers to access the internet. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: In the Start menu, select Settings > Network & Internet.
• Step 2: Change Adapter Settings located under Wi-Fi.
• Step 3: Tap on Properties from the context menu of your internet icon.
• Step 4: Now, highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 and choose Properties.
• Step 5: Check the box. Use the mentioned DNS server addresses below and enter the values:

• Step 6: Click OK and start the FFXIV launcher

Conclusion

The FFXIV launcher error can be a frustrating roadblock, but armed with these troubleshooting steps, you can confidently tackle the issue and set forth on your grand adventures in Eorzea. From double-checking your internet connection to updating the launcher and adjusting security settings, these solutions cover the most common problems you might encounter. Remember to approach each step methodically; move on to the next if one fix doesn’t work. With persistence and these helpful tips, you’ll explore the vast and wondrous world of Final Fantasy XIV once more in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q) Why can I not log in to the FFXIV launcher?

Ans: There could be various reasons for login issues, like poor internet connection, firewall or antivirus blocking the launcher’s access, or the game servers undergoing maintenance.

Q) Why does the FFXIV launcher crash during updates?

Ans: Launcher crashes during updates might be caused by outdated software or corrupted game files. Ensure your launcher is up-to-date, and if the issue persists, delete the “Final Fantasy XIV” or “FFXIV” folder in %localappdata% and relaunch the launcher to redownload the necessary files.