Best VPNs for FFXIV

That being said, not everyone is able to enjoy the game. With its servers primarily in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, FFXIV is unavailable in certain countries. Also, there have been notable examples when a new update slowed its servers, making the game barely playable. However, these problems are easily solved with a VPN.

There are a few advantages to using a VPN in general. For example, it’s safer to browse through encrypted servers, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Moreover, a reliable service can maintain a stable internet connection while not changing the internet speed.

A VPN can come in handy when playing FFXIV to help keep latency minimal, preventing high ping and lowering lag when playing on foreign servers. Also, a VPN circumvents regulations on gaming, whether they are geo-restrictions or companies and schools blocking games. This includes bypassing ISP throttling, too, where an internet provider deliberately restricts and slows a user’s network.

Furthermore, a top-notch VPN keeps cyberthreats at bay by protecting its users from hacking attempts. These can include denial of service (DoS) attacks, when one player sends targeted ads to another’s server to slow their connection, ruining their gaming experience.

While it’s more often true of free online games, it is possible that a provider collects data on a user while they play. However, VPN encryption protocols ensure that all data remains private. It can only be a good thing if not even the software can track your online activities.

The software incorporates the IKEv2 protocol to ensure a fast connection and OpenVPN for a more secure one. Regardless of your choice, both provide unlimited bandwidth, so you’ll soon notice minimized ping and lag while ISP throttling is bypassed.

Its built-in Smart DNS changes the way websites see your IP, which is perfect for circumventing geo-restrictions. It can also function as a hotspot if you’re planning to play FFXIV on PlayStation and ExpressVPN guides you through establishing a connection.

The service continuously keeps an eye on internet traffic, automatically activating its kill switch to shut down the connection when the VPN crashes. Unfortunately, the VPN’s prices are rather steep, but the company ensures a risk-free trial period by offering a 30-day refund.

Establishing a VPN connection for your adventures in Eorzea isn’t difficult, especially after learning which features to look for. If you play on a gaming console, it’s best if it comes with multi-platform support. But you can safely skip this feature if you’re playing on a PC or Mac. To set up a connection, there are a handful of simple steps to follow:

1. Choose a VPN and register. If possible, opt for a free trial.
2. Download and install the desktop application, and sign in.
3. Set up security by enabling the kill switch and DoS protection and turn on the WireGuard or IKEv2 protocols to maximize server speed.
4. If you’re playing on a PlayStation, activate a Smart DNS or set up a VPN router, and connect to it in your console’s internet settings. If you’re on a computer, skip this step.
5. Pick a server. It’s best if you choose one close to the game’s server to decrease ping and latency.
6. Look for DNS leaks with an online service like IPLeak. Some VPNs provide their own DNS leak tests as well.
7. Play and enjoy!

Square Enix, the developer and publisher of Final Fantasy XIV, is exceptionally generous with VPN users. The company doesn’t prohibit using the encrypted servers of such services to play – the game is aimed at an international audience, after all.

One potential problem is that a VPN can shut down in the middle of a game. This will suddenly increase your ping and make your overall connection unstable, especially if you’re located far from the game’s servers. With this affecting the connection and gaming experience of other players too, it may make them want to kick you out.

To avoid such a scenario, always enable your VPN’s kill switch, as it’ll shut down your internet if the VPN disconnects and so log you out at the same time. While suddenly losing your network is infuriating when you’re about to deal the final blow to a boss, it does save you from making fellow players angry and you can always explain what happened when you log back in later.