Final Fantasy 14 (or FFXIV) is one of my favorite games.
I started playing it on the PS3 in 2012 and graduated to the PS4 in 2014 (thanks to Square Enix’s free upgrade after dropping PS3 support in 2013).
But when I switched from PS4 to PC in 2019, I started experiencing crazy amounts of lag – despite having an MSI gaming PC and a 200 Mbps download speed!
Luckily, VPNs aren’t a new concept to me, and I knew immediately that the solution was using a reliable VPN for FFXIV.
So, I started testing some of the most well-known VPNs for gaming.
And my results brought me to NordVPN.
Not only does NordVPN replace my laggy FFXIV experience with a stable connection, but it lowers my ping without my speeds taking a huge hit.
Plus, the provider offers 7,000+ servers in 150 countries (Tokyo and Osaka included), so you’re sure to find a server close to your Data Center!
Best of all, NordVPN will help your connection on PS4 and PS5, too, thanks to its router setup!
But my other VPNs for FFXIV – especially Surfshark (the lowest ping of my tests) and PrivateVPN (a Tokyo server on a budget plan) – are great alternatives.
Stick around for the details!
Top 3 VPNs for FFXIV (November, 2026)
Surfshark
Best for low-ping FFXIV
- 12 ms ping, lowest in my tests
- Unlimited devices
- Static IP servers included
NordVPN
Best for smooth FFXIV play
- Lowers ping and lag
- 7,000+ servers in 150 countries
- Router setup for PS4 and PS5
PrivateVPN
Best for Japanese Data Centers
- Tokyo, London, and LA servers
- WireGuard and a kill switch
- Ten devices for $2.00 a month
During my MSQ to find the best VPNs for FFXIV, I paid special mind to various factors – but especially the VPN’s ability to stabilize my FFXIV experience by giving me a low ping and minimal lag.
I also paid attention to the VPN’s speeds, server network and coverage, device compatibility, and bonus features, like a dedicated IP option and split tunneling.
And while DDoS attacks aren’t really a problem for FFXIV players (Square Enix itself is another story), I kept DDoS protection in mind as a nice-to-have.
So, if you want to figure out which of my reliable VPNs for FFXIV are the best for you, keep reading!
I discuss their benefits and quirks in my mini-reviews below.
Rushing to Run Duty Roulettes With Your FC? You Can Do So Without Lag – Look Here!
If you’re rushing to meet your Free Company for your daily Duty Roulette runs, here are my top five VPNs for FFXIV.
Grab one, so you can enjoy your run without lag!
- NordVPN – Best VPN Overall for FFXIV (& Low Ping)
- Surfshark – Fast & Affordable VPN With Static IP Options
- PrivateVPN – Budget Pick With a Tokyo Server for JP Data Centers
- ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for FFXIV (but Not the Cheapest)
- Private Internet Access – Servers in 91 Countries + Port Forwarding
But after you’re done, come back for the full guide!
I discuss important details below, including why I chose each VPN and what they excel at (and what they don’t).
Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for FFXIV
To ensure the ultimate FFXIV experience, I (very happily) tested dozens of VPNs with FFXIV before settling on the five recommendations discussed below.
And now, it’s time to explain how and why I came to my results.
Let’s hop in!
1. NordVPN – Best VPN Overall for FFXIV (& Low Ping)
NordVPN is an elite VPN service for FFXIV players that guarantees a seamless, speedy, and enjoyable gaming experience.
The first thing I noticed about the provider during my tests was how much it decreased my lag, lowered my ping and stabilized my overall FFXIV connection.
This was a huge relief, as, until then, I was stuck aimlessly wandering Eorzea, taking screenshots, and working on my housing décor skills.
Why?
Because I was lagging so bad that grinding content was impossible!
Fortunately, NordVPN was a worthy rescuer.
Not only did it stabilize my connection, but it did so without killing my 200 Mbps download speed!
In fact, during my speed tests, NordVPN scored the third-highest – and only fell behind Surfshark just barely.
Takealook!SpeedWithoutNordVPN:
Speed With NordVPN:
Even better, NordVPN has a massive server network with 7,000+ servers in 150 countries – Tokyo and Osaka for the Japanese Data Centers, five Australian cities for Materia, and dozens of US and EU locations – meaning you can connect to a server that’s near (or in) your Data Center.
This further ensures your connection stays stable.
But the good news doesn’t end there.
NordVPN also offers must-have gaming features, like split tunneling and a dedicated IP add-on.
First, split tunneling is amazing if you don’t want your entire PC to be affected by the VPN.
For example, there’s a Slovak radio station I listen to while doing my Wondrous Tails grinding, and thanks to NordVPN’s split tunneling feature, I can still listen to it on my PC without the VPN affecting it.
This is especially great, as I’m on an NA Data Center despite living in Europe (joined Lamia way before moving to Slovakia), so I always use US/UK servers (whatever offers the best ping at the time of playing).
As for NordVPN’s Dedicated IP add-on – it’s a paid extra, available in 30+ countries, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy a stable connection without sharing an IP with other NordVPN users.
Surfshark, PIA, and ExpressVPN sell one too these days, but NordVPN’s is the one I’d pick for FFXIV, since it comes from the network that already gave me the steadiest connection (PrivateVPN’s dynamic dedicated IPs work differently – more on that below).
In other words, there’s no worry of network congestion (which can cause speed loss).
And while Square Enix isn’t known to ban IPs, you’re better safe than sorry.
Although getting thrown in FFXIV’s jail, Mordion Gaol, is somewhat of a meme at this point…
Moving on, NordVPN also offers a router setup that ensures a stable FFXIV experience on your PS4 or PS5!
Of course, you need to have a supported router (see here for unsupported routers).
But if you do, you can enjoy any FFXIV activity – like apartment decorating (since the housing market is so congested with bots) – without lag!
There’s also a way to set up NordVPN on your PS4 or PS5 without using its router setup, but it requires complex configuration.
It also requires an Ethernet cable and/or using your PC as a hotspot.
Finally, NordVPN offers DDoS protection and affordable long-term plans:
US dollars · checked Oct 22
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
You can also see the current discount by clicking here! Between the FFXIV subscription and expansions, gaming adds up; our NordVPN coupon codes page shows how to keep the VPN part cheap.
Pros
- Offers stable connection, low ping, and minimal to no lag while playing FFXIV
- Blazing-fast server speeds
- 7,000+ RAM-only servers in 150 countries worldwide
- Available for FFXIV on PC, PS4, and PS5 (with router setup for last two)
- Split tunneling feature + Dedicated IP add-on
- DDoS protection
Cons
- PS4 and PS5 coverage only available with router setup/complex configuration
- Speeds slower than ExpressVPN and Surfshark (albeit the latter was just barely)
2. Surfshark – Fast & Affordable VPN With Static IP Options
My runner-up for FFXIV is Surfshark – the VPN that gave me the lowest ping of my speed-test session while gaming on FFXIV, on top of lightning-fast speeds, affordable long-term plans, unlimited simultaneous connections, and static IP servers!
Let’s get down to business.
Surfshark surprised me by almost giving ExpressVPN a run for its money.
It was the second-fastest VPN on my list, just barely beating NordVPN and riding the coattails of ExpressVPN!
Of course, this means Surfshark washed away PIA, too.
Take a look at my speed test results!
Speed Without Surfshark:
Speed With Surfshark:
If there’s one thing Surfshark’s fast speeds ensure, it’s a stable connection with minimal lag.
But, beyond that, Surfshark also lowered my ping more than ExpressVPN and NordVPN – 12 ms locally and 162 ms to my Data Center, the lowest numbers in the comparison table further down – and kept it there!
This made Surfshark a brilliant option for grinding Shadowbringers content.
(Or, let’s be honest, wasting all my free time designing houses…)
Now, let’s talk about Surfshark’s static IP servers.
I’ll make it brief, as Square Enix isn’t known to ban users for using VPNs.
Unlike NordVPN’s Dedicated IP add-on, Surfshark’s static servers are shared by other users.
This means the only thing they’re really good for is ensuring your FFXIV account isn’t banned due to switching servers too many times.
So, while not a huge worry, they’re still nice to have – and of the five here, only Surfshark and PrivateVPN include them (in the standard package, no less).
Moving on, Surfshark also offers 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, ensuring you’ll always find a server that’s close to your Data Center for the best possible connection.
In other words, if you’re a European on an NA Data Center (because that’s where all your friends are), you can still enjoy grinding content with them!
Or, if you prefer using the Party Finder, you won’t be abandoned due to disconnecting over and over.
One subscription also covers unlimited devices, so the gaming PC, the laptop you check the Market Board on, and every phone in the house are protected at once.
Surfshark still sits second, because its ping lead over NordVPN came to just 2 ms locally and 8 ms to my Data Center, while NordVPN’s network is about 50% bigger – Osaka as well as Tokyo for the JP Data Centers, where Surfshark has Tokyo alone. And while Surfshark sells a Dedicated IP add-on too, it covers 16 locations to NordVPN’s 30+ countries.
One console note: Surfshark retired its Smart DNS in February 2026, so PS4/PS5 players need the router setup.
And, finally, Surfshark also offers a split tunneling feature (Bypasser, formerly Whitelister) and DDoS protection.
Plus, as promised, it has some very affordable long-term plans:
US dollars · checked Oct 13
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
But for an even BIGGER discount, click here! The gaming PC, the Market Board laptop and every phone can share one plan, and our Surfshark deals page compares every offer we could verify.
Pros
- Lowest ping of my FFXIV tests (12 ms locally, 162 ms to my Data Center)
- Lightning-fast speeds
- 4,500+ RAM-only servers in 100 countries worldwide
- Available for FFXIV on PC, PS4, and PS5 (with router setup)
- Split tunneling (Bypasser) + Static IP servers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections and DDoS protection
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN
- Expensive monthly plan
- No DNS setup for consoles anymore
3. PrivateVPN – Budget Pick With a Tokyo Server for JP Data Centers
PrivateVPN is the newcomer on this list, and it earned its spot for one reason: its server map lines up with FFXIV’s Data Centers far better than its size suggests.
There’s a Tokyo location for the Japanese Data Centers (Elemental, Gaia, Mana, and Meteor), London and Frankfurt for the European ones, Los Angeles and Las Vegas for the North American ones, and Sydney for Materia.
So, if you’re a European who rolled on a Japanese Data Center for the housing plots, PrivateVPN parks you in Tokyo for a couple of dollars a month – and the same trick works for everything else that’s Japan-only.
Latency is the whole point of gaming on PrivateVPN, so I’d stick to WireGuard in its apps – it’s the lightest protocol the provider offers (OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP are there, too), and the one that keeps your ping closest to the no-VPN figure.
I haven’t put PrivateVPN through the speed-test session in the comparison table further down (it joined this list later). What I can tell you is that in my gaming roundup, on a similar ~200 Mbps line, it went from 203 Mbps to 183 Mbps – a bigger drop than NordVPN or Surfshark posted that day – while its Windows ping (14–16 ms) sat in the same band as NordVPN’s and PIA’s. In my Dota 2 tests, it held 12 ms with 0% packet loss, and Dota is a lot twitchier than a Duty Roulette.
Its full-system kill switch (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux) cuts your internet if the tunnel drops, so a blip mid-pull doesn’t hand your home IP to a salty party member.
On selected locations, PrivateVPN can also hand you a dynamic dedicated IP over OpenVPN – yours alone for the session, but liable to change next time, so it isn’t a fixed address like NordVPN’s add-on. Everywhere else you get a shared static IP, the same kind Surfshark offers.
Now for the trade-offs – and there are three.
At 200+ servers in 63 countries, its network is the smallest on my list, so if your nearest server is busy, your fallback is often in another country.
There’s no split tunneling, so my Slovak radio station has to go through the tunnel with the game.
And there’s no DNS setup for consoles, so PS4/PS5 players need the router setup or a PC hotspot, just like with PIA.
On the bright side, one plan covers ten devices, the 36-month deal costs $2.00 a month (renewing at $72 yearly), and a 30-day refund window gives you time to check your Data Center ping before you commit:
US dollars · checked Oct 23
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Grab the PrivateVPN deal here if sitting next to your Data Center matters more to you than a giant server list.
Pros
- Tokyo, London, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Sydney locations cover every FFXIV region
- WireGuard support for the lowest possible ping
- Full-system kill switch on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux
- Dynamic dedicated IPs on selected locations + shared static IPs everywhere else
- Ten simultaneous connections for $2.00/month on the 36-month plan
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Smallest server network on my list (200+ servers in 63 countries)
- No split tunneling
- PS4 and PS5 coverage only via router setup or PC hotspot
- Bigger speed drop than NordVPN and Surfshark in my gaming roundup
4. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for FFXIV (but Not the Cheapest)
I really wanted to put ExpressVPN higher.
It’s easily my favorite VPN and I’ve been a loyal customer for years now.
But there’s no denying that NordVPN beat my favorite provider by quite a landslide (thanks to its ability to stabilize my connection 24/7 and the Dedicated IP add-on).
And ExpressVPN lands fourth for one reason: it costs more than budget picks like Surfshark and PrivateVPN for a Data Center ping that trailed both Surfshark’s and NordVPN’s in my tests – and in an MMO, that stable ping matters more than a few extra Mbps.
Fortunately, there are still areas where ExpressVPN pulls ahead of everyone else on my list!
First, to this day, ExpressVPN remains the fastest VPN I’ve ever used.
I do a lot of speed tests during my “best for” articles, and if ExpressVPN makes an appearance, it almost always comes out on top.
This time was no different.
Speed Without ExpressVPN:
Speed With ExpressVPN:
Here’s a table comparing the VPNs I ran through the same speed-test session (PrivateVPN joined the list later – its figures are in its own review above):
| VPN Provider | Speed Without VPN | Speed With VPN | Speed Loss (Difference) | Ping | Data Center Ping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 225.05 Mbps | 216.62 Mbps | -8.43 Mbps | 14 ms | 170 ms |
| Surfshark | 211.19 Mbps | 204.75 Mbps | -6.44 Mbps | 12 ms | 162 ms |
| ExpressVPN | 228.12 Mbps | 223.27 Mbps | -4.85 Mbps | 16 ms | 180 ms |
| PIA | 205.29 Mbps | 192.58 Mbps | -12.71 Mbps | 16 ms | 188 ms |
Unfortunately, as you can see, ExpressVPN did give me a slightly higher ping than NordVPN (and Surfshark) – and it’s the ping, not the download speed, that decides whether a Savage pull feels responsive.
Luckily, my ping is still pretty low and – more importantly – stable.
And I experienced no lag while using ExpressVPN with FFXIV!
(Which is great, because I’m kind of obsessed with taking screenshots using GP + CMatrix, and a lot of the VPNs I tested caused some lag while doing so.)
ExpressVPN also offers a MediaStreamer option for consoles (NordVPN’s SmartDNS is the equivalent there).
Don’t get confused by the name!
I’ve successfully used ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer on my PS4 to play FFXIV and other games.
Just know that MediaStreamer isn’t a VPN: ExpressVPN says it can’t change your location, and it doesn’t encrypt your traffic, so for full ExpressVPN protection on your PS4 or PS5 you’ll still need a router setup.
So, if you’re dying to enjoy level grinding by running Heaven on High over and over on your PS4, the router route is worth the effort.
Moving on, ExpressVPN also offers servers in 113 countries – second only to NordVPN for country coverage, and far more countries than PrivateVPN’s 63!
And, fortunately, server coverage in 113 countries is enough to guarantee a fast connection that’s close to your Data Center.
And while ExpressVPN’s dedicated IP is only bundled into its priciest Pro tier (it’s a paid add-on below that), the Basic plan does include DDoS protection and split tunneling in its standard package – so you can stay protected and choose which programs are affected by your VPN while gearing up for your Fashion Week turn-in!
(Hello, Mr. Masked Rose…)
There is one more downside.
ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest provider on my list – Surfshark, PrivateVPN, and PIA all cost less.
Take a look at its subscription fees:
US dollars · checked Oct 23
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
But, if you’re smitten with the VPN provider like I am, here’s a MAJOR discount – on me. 😉
Pros
- Offers stable connection, low ping, and minimal to no lag while playing FFXIV
- Fastest VPN for FFXIV
- RAM-only servers in 113 countries worldwide
- Available for FFXIV on PC, PS4, and PS5 (with router setup for last two)
- Split tunneling feature
- DDoS protection
Cons
- Pricier than Surfshark, PrivateVPN, and PIA
- Slightly higher ping than NordVPN and Surfshark
- Dedicated IP is a paid add-on unless you buy the Pro tier
5. Private Internet Access – Servers in 91 Countries + Port Forwarding
Private Internet Access (or PIA) comes in fifth as one of the best VPNs for FFXIV – and rightfully so.
First, the VPN provider used to advertise the largest server network on my list (and possibly in VPN history).
That was before it took all mentions of its server count off its website.
It no longer publishes a number, but it currently lists 91 countries.
Luckily, while the number might be missing, there’s still plenty of servers to choose from in the app – and 91 countries are more than enough to find a server in or near your FFXIV Data Center.
This ensures your gaming experience is flawless.
AKA: expect a stable connection with minimal lag and low ping while running Gates in the Gold Saucer (or doing anything else in-game).
Plus, despite falling behind NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN in terms of speed, PIA’s (relatively low) ping tied with ExpressVPN’s at 16 ms!
Here are my speed tests results for PIA.
Speed Without PIA:
Speed With PIA:
Next, something that sets PIA apart from the other VPNs on my list is its port forwarding capabilities.
PrivateVPN offers it on selected locations, and ExpressVPN only with its router setup!
PIA, on the other hand, offers port forwarding for all of its apps.
But why would you use port forwarding for gaming with FFXIV?
For starters, it improves your connection stability even more – and lets you enjoy high-quality gaming (and high-quality screenshots)!
Unfortunately, PIA does have a downside.
Like PrivateVPN, it doesn’t offer a DNS setup for consoles.
This means if you play FFXIV on your PS4 or PS5, the only way to get VPN coverage is through a router setup or complex PC setup.
On the bright side, PIA offers a paid Dedicated IP add-on, so you can conquer network congestion to further enhance your gaming experience on FFXIV!
PIA also offers a split tunneling feature, though some Reddit users report it doesn’t always work.
This seems like a hit-or-miss situation more than anything.
Finally, PIA also offers DDoS protection, unlimited simultaneous connections, and one of the cheapest monthly plans on my list:
US dollars · checked Oct 23
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
But if you want a long-term plan, you can get a HUGE discount by clicking here!
Pros
- Offers stable connection, low ping, and minimal to no lag while playing FFXIV
- Port Forwarding for better gaming experience
- Fast speeds
- RAM-only servers in 91 countries
- Available for FFXIV on PC, PS4, and PS5 (with router setup or complex PC setup)
- Dedicated IP add-on + DDoS protection
Cons
- PS4 and PS5 coverage only available with router setup/complex configuration
- Slower than NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN
- Split tunneling feature is hit or miss
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right VPN for FFXIV?
Are you picky about your VPNs?
I don’t blame you – I’m picky too!
So, if you prefer researching and choosing a VPN by yourself, this section is for you!
You Can Use GP & CMatrix to Take Screenshots Later – First, Check Out My Checklist!
Don’t jump on the first VPN you find that might suit your needs!
Instead, consult my super-important checklist first:
Seamless FFXIV Gameplay
Your VPN for FFXIV should offer seamless gameplay.
In other words, you should have a stable connection with minimal to no lag and low ping.
This will require a lot of testing on your part to ensure your VPN rises above the rest.
For this reason, I recommend taking advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee (if your chosen provider is any good, they’ll offer one).
With a money-back guarantee, you can test the service and its gaming experience.
If you don’t like your results, contact customer support for a refund.
To give you an idea, you shouldn’t experience any lag when doing simple tasks in FFXIV, like wandering around (in areas where players aren’t gathered by the hundreds, like New Gridania), decorating your house, or taking screenshots in Group Pose.
For CPU-intensive tasks – like Fates or Eureka – your lag should be minimal.
But, ideally, you won’t lag at all.
That said, even I lag sometimes if there are a lot of players fighting a monster and spamming attacks/abilities.
As for your ping, during speed tests, it should fall between 8-20ms… and it should stay there.
If your ping jumps all over the place, your VPN isn’t doing a great job of stabilizing your connection.
A decent-but-not-great ping might land between 20-50ms.
On the other hand, if you’re pinging your FFXIV Data Center (discussed below), your ping might fall anywhere from 100ms to 200ms, depending on how far you are from the Data Center.
Mine usually varies from 120ms to 180ms – which seems high, but is low enough that I don’t experience lag!
However, ultimately, it depends on your ISP and location – you might get an even higher ping.
Or lower.
Only you know what’s normal for your internet plan.
Fast Server Speeds
Something that will help with your overall gaming experience on FFXIV is fast server speeds (obviously).
The best VPNs will cause a speed drop so minimal that it takes a speed test to notice it.
Others, like PIA, might be easier to identify – but not to the point of negatively impacting your gaming experience.
Ideally, your speed loss difference won’t fall below -20 Mbps.
And the fastest VPNs won’t drop below -10 Mbps.
Large Server Network + Coverage
Playing into server speeds is your VPN’s server network and coverage.
The more servers your VPN offers, the less likely you are to experience network congestion (when too many users are on one server at a time).
And the more countries your VPN’s server network covers, the more likely you are to find a server in or near your FFXIV Data Center (further improving your gaming experience).
A good amount of servers is 3,000+ and a good amount of countries is 60+.
All of the VPNs on my list clear the country mark, and NordVPN and Surfshark clear the server one easily (ExpressVPN and PIA no longer publish server counts, and PrivateVPN’s 200+ servers just happen to sit in the right cities) – so if you want to skip the hassle, grab NordVPN’s current deal and get gaming!
Device Compatibility
FFXIV is available on PC, PS4, and PS5.
So, if you play on one or more platforms, your VPN needs to support those platforms.
Most providers offer router setups and complex PC setups for playing FFXIV on your PS4/PS5 with your VPN.
But the best providers offer easy DNS setups for consoles (and Smart TVs), like NordVPN (SmartDNS) and ExpressVPN (MediaStreamer), though ExpressVPN’s can’t change your location.
Still, it’s important to note that DNS setups (vs. router/PC setups) might cause more speed loss.
I rarely experience monumental speed issues using this method, though.
But, again, it depends on your normal internet connection.
Extra Gaming Features
Extra gaming features to consider when shopping for a VPN for FFXIV include a dedicated IP option, split tunneling, and DDoS protection.
Not many VPN providers offer a dedicated IP add-on, but when they do, it’s usually a few dollars a month.
In the case of FFXIV, a dedicated IP add-on is beneficial for eliminating the possibility of network overload, thus improving your overall FFXIV experience.
Split tunneling is useful for choosing which programs and apps are affected by your VPN.
So, if you want to listen to a local radio station while playing FFXIV with your VPN, a split tunneling feature will allow you to do so.
And while there’s not a lot of worry for DDoS attacks (launched against you; Square Enix, on the other hand, is a popular target), DDoS protection is a nice gaming feature to have, anyway.
After all, you never know when an angry gamer will try to seek revenge.
BONUS: Other Features + Price
Finally, there are other features any great VPN will offer, including 256-bit AES encryption, security features (like obfuscation and RAM-only servers), a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy.
Always check your VPN’s features before purchasing a subscription.
Speaking of purchasing a subscription, keep an eye on how much your VPN charges for its plans and compare several VPNs before making a decision.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Beat Lag on FFXIV?
A free VPN won’t help you beat lag on FFXIV.
In fact, it’ll probably slow your connection even more.
This is because free VPNs are limited, typically implementing data caps, restricted features (and servers), and mediocre to terrible speeds.
And that’s if you’re lucky.
Some free VPNs are even worse – perhaps even malware in disguise.
Or, at the very least, selling your data to third parties (to keep its VPN service afloat, of course).
But if I can’t convince you to skip trying a free VPN entirely, at least use a trusted one.
For example, ProtonVPN is a freemium VPN (premium provider with a free option) that offers free servers in 10 countries, no data caps, and medium speeds.
And once you try ProtonVPN and realize even the best free VPNs aren’t enough to improve your FFXIV experience, use my sign-up link to get NordVPN at a majorly discounted price.
How to Set Up My VPN for FFXIV, So I Can Run PotD/HoH ASAP?
Trying to run PotD or HoH to level up your WHM?
Same.
Luckily, setting up your VPN to play FFXIV is easy – just follow these steps:
- Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) and purchase a subscription.
US dollars · checked Oct 22
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
- Download and install the VPN app on your FFXIV platform(s).
- Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
- Click the Connect button for the fastest server near you. Or, if you need a server close to your FFXIV Data Center, select your preferred location from the server list.
- Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
- Fire up FFXIV and enjoy a stable gaming experience!
How to Set Up My VPN for FFXIV on PS4/PS5?
The following step-by-step instructions are for a DNS setup, using ExpressVPN and a PS4 as my example (however, PS5 setup should be similar). A DNS setup can’t change your location or encrypt your traffic, so use a router setup if you need either:
- Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) with a DNS setup for consoles and purchase a subscription.
US dollars · checked Oct 23
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
- Log in to the website and navigate to your account overview page.
- Locate the setup tutorials and find the DNS setup instructions. For ExpressVPN, it’s MediaStreamer.
- If necessary, register your IP and activate the DNS service.
- You should get a DNS address to use. Copy it down and fire up your PS4.
- On your PS4, go to Network > Set Up Internet Connection and choose “Automatic” for every option except DNS.
- When prompted, choose “Manual” for DNS and enter your DNS address(es).
- Test your internet connection on your PS4.
- Fire up FFXIV and enjoy a stable gaming experience!
If your VPN provider doesn’t offer a DNS setup, look at its PS4 and PS5 setup tutorials.
Your two options will likely be via a router or PC-as-a-router (or hotspot).
How to Check My Ping in FFXIV?
Unfortunately, you can’t check your ping in-game.
However, you can check it from your PC.
I’ll be using Windows in this example, but there are ways to check your ping on every OS.
To check your ping on Windows, follow these steps:
- Open “Run” by pressing your Windows + R keys.
- Type “CMD.” A command prompt window will open.
- Jot down your Data Center’s IP address (courtesy of Reddit user u/BrynXIV):
- NA Data Centers:
- Aether: neolobby02.ffxiv.com [204.2.229.9]
- Primal: neolobby04.ffxiv.com [204.2.229.10]
- Crystal: neolobby08.ffxiv.com [204.2.229.11]
- EU Data Centers:
- Chaos: neolobby06.ffxiv.com [195.82.50.9]
- Light: neolobby07.ffxiv.com [195.82.50.10]
- JP Data Centers:
- Elemental: neolobby01.ffxiv.com [124.150.157.158]
- Gaia: neolobby03.ffxiv.com [124.150.157.157]
- Mana: neolobby05.ffxiv.com [124.150.157.156]
- Back in your command prompt window, type “ping <IP Address>.”
- You’ll see your minimum, maximum, and average ping!
Can I Use Mudfish VPN for FFXIV?
Mudfish VPN is hit or miss – but one thing’s for sure: it’s solely intended for gamers.
So, while you can use it for FFXIV, it doesn’t include must-have features that the VPNs on my list do – like military-grade encryption, DDoS protection, and split tunneling.
For this reason, I recommend sticking with a full, trustworthy VPN service (like NordVPN), as you’ll get the same results as with Mudfish (a stable connection, no lag, and low ping).
FAQ
Will I Be Banned for Using a VPN With FFXIV??
At the time of writing, Square Enix, the developer of FFXIV, doesn’t ban players for using a VPN.
In fact, there are many discussions across FFXIV forums that talk about the best VPNs to use with the MMORPG for the best gaming experience.
So, if you want to enjoy a stable connection, no lag, and low ping while playing FFXIV, a reputable VPN (like NordVPN) is highly recommended.
Will a VPN for FFXIV Help With Lag?
Yes, a VPN for FFXIV can help with lag – whether you’re lagging from bandwidth throttling (thanks to your ISP) or high latency (ping).
Furthermore, by connecting to a VPN server in or near your FFXIV Data Center, your gaming experience can be further enhanced, thus ensuring minimal to no lag.
What VPN Server Should I Use for FFXIV?
It depends.
You should test your speeds and ping with several VPN servers before settling on one.
For example, try VPN servers in or near your Data Center.
Then try connecting to the nearest/fastest VPN server.
And if your VPN provider has dedicated gaming servers, try those too.
Whatever gives you the best connection should be the VPN server you use.
What’s the Best VPN for FFXIV in Australia?
My top recommendation for the best VPN for FFXIV in Australia is NordVPN, as it offers servers in five Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide) and 7,000+ servers worldwide, giving you plenty of options for the best possible FFXIV connection – handy for the Oceanian Materia Data Center.
That said, Surfshark and PrivateVPN (with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth locations) are also great choices for playing FFXIV in Australia with a VPN.
Is ExpressVPN a Good VPN for FFXIV?
Yes, ExpressVPN is a phenomenal VPN for FFXIV.
It provides players with a stable connection, no lag, and low ping.
It’s also the fastest VPN I tested with FFXIV – and it offers easy setups for all FFXIV platforms, including Windows, macOS, PS4, and PS5.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers a split tunneling feature, so you can enjoy local content on your PC while playing FFXIV, even if you’re connected to a server in a different country.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a good idea of what VPNs are perfect for FFXIV.
Of course, my top recommendation is NordVPN, thanks to its ability to stabilize my connection, get rid of any lag, and lower my ping.
And what’s to complain about its massive server network, Dedicated IP add-on, and split tunneling feature?
So, if you’re ready to play FFXIV with NordVPN, click here!
I’ll set you up with a MAJOR NordVPN discount, so you don’t have to pay a huge fee on top of your FFXIV subscription.
