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 5,200+ servers in 60 countries, 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 ExpressVPN and Surfshark – are great alternatives.
Stick around for the details!
Top 3 VPNs for FFXIV (February, 2025)

ExpressVPN is a deserving runner-up for the best VPN for FFXIV – it gets rid of lag, lowers your ping, and stabilizes your connection. It’s also compatible with all FFXIV devices (and comes with an easy DNS setup), includes a split tunneling feature, and offers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries.

NordVPN is easily the best VPN for FFXIV, thanks to its ability to destroy lag, lower your ping, and offer a seamless FFXIV gaming experience. NordVPN is also compatible with all FFXIV platforms and includes a split tunneling feature, dedicated IP add-on, and 5,200+ servers in 60 countries.

Surfshark slides in third as one of the most reliable VPNs for FFXIV. The provider offers 3,200+ servers in 65 countries and includes a split tunneling feature, so you can choose which programs are covered by your VPN while gaming on FFXIV! Its plans are also some of the most affordable on my list.
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)
- ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for FFXIV: Editor’s Choice
- Surfshark – Fast & Affordable VPN for FFXIV With Static IP Options
- Private Internet Access – Largest Server Network + Port Forwarding
- CyberGhost – Dedicated Gaming Servers With a Caveat
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.
Take a look!
Speed Without NordVPN:

Speed With NordVPN:

Despite using US/UK servers to play FFXIV [mentioned below], I used the closest/fastest server for my speed tests.
This was to give you an idea of each VPN’s speed capabilities.
Expect slightly more speed loss the further you are from the VPN server.
Even better, NordVPN has a massive server network with 5,200+ servers in 60 countries, 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 $70/year and is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a stable connection without sharing an IP with other NordVPN users.
Plus, NordVPN is one of the only VPNs on my list offering such an add-on, with the other two being PIA and CyberGhost.

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:
You can also get an EXCLUSIVE discount by clicking here!
Pros
- Offers stable connection, low ping, and minimal to no lag while playing FFXIV
- Blazing-fast server speeds
- 5,200+ RAM-only servers in 60 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. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for FFXIV: Editor’s Choice

I really wanted to put ExpressVPN first.
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).
Fortunately, ExpressVPN is still more than deserving of second place – especially because there are areas where it pulls ahead of NordVPN and the others 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:

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 |
ExpressVPN | 228.12 Mbps | 223.27 Mbps | -4.85 Mbps | 16 ms | 180 ms |
Surfshark | 211.19 Mbps | 204.75 Mbps | -6.44 Mbps | 12 ms | 162 ms |
PIA | 205.29 Mbps | 192.58 Mbps | -12.71 Mbps | 16 ms | 188 ms |
CyberGhost | 226.38 Mbps | 206.86 Mbps | -19.52 Mbps | 22 ms | 200 ms |
Unfortunately, as you can see, ExpressVPN did give me a slightly higher ping than NordVPN (and Surfshark), which is another reason the provider is second instead of first.
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, including CyberGhost.)
The next thing ExpressVPN offers that sets it apart from NordVPN is its MediaStreamer option.
Don’t get confused by the name!
I’ve successfully used ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer on my PS4 to play FFXIV and other games.
This means, unlike NordVPN (and PIA), you can enjoy ExpressVPN on your PS4 or PS5 without resorting to a router/complex setup!
So, if you’re dying to enjoy level grinding by running Heaven on High over and over on your PS4, you’re in luck.

Moving on, ExpressVPN also offers 3000+ servers in 94 countries – the least amount of servers on my list but the most countries!
And, fortunately, server coverage in 94 countries is enough to guarantee a fast connection that’s close to your Data Center.
And while ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated IP add-on, it 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 is the most expensive provider on my list.
Take a look at its subscription fees:
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
- 3,000+ RAM-only servers in 94 countries worldwide
- Available for FFXIV on PC, PS4, and PS5 (with router setup or MediaStreamer)
- Split tunneling feature
- DDoS protection
Cons
- More expensive than most providers
- Slightly higher ping than NordVPN and Surfshark
- No Dedicated IP add-on
3. Surfshark – Fast & Affordable VPN With Static IP Options

Next on my list of the most trustworthy VPNs for FFXIV is Surfshark – a worthy contender for gaming on FFXIV, thanks to its lightning-fast speeds, affordable long-term plans, 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 both PIA and CyberGhost (and the latter by a landslide).
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 – 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 Surfshark is the only VPN on my list that offers them (in its standard package, no less).

Moving on, Surfshark also offers 3,200+ servers in 65 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.

Better yet, like ExpressVPN, Surfshark offers a DNS setup for PS4/PS5 users, meaning you can enjoy FFXIV on your preferred platform!
And, finally, Surfshark also offers a split tunneling feature (Whitelister) and DDoS protection.
Plus, as promised, it has some very affordable long-term plans (the cheapest on my list!):
But for an even BIGGER discount, click here!
Pros
- Offers stable connection, low ping, and minimal to no lag while playing FFXIV
- Lightning-fast speeds
- 3,200+ RAM-only servers in 65 countries worldwide
- Available for FFXIV on PC, PS4, and PS5 (with router setup or DNS setup)
- Split tunneling feature (Whitelister) + Static IP servers
- DDoS protection
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN
- Expensive monthly plan
4. Private Internet Access – Largest Server Network + Port Forwarding

Private Internet Access (or PIA) comes in fourth as one of the best VPNs for FFXIV – and rightfully so.
First, the VPN provider offers the largest server network on my list (and possibly in VPN history).
Or, at least, it did before it took all mentions of its server network off its website.
The last known number is 30,900+ servers in 78 countries.
Luckily, while the number might be missing, there’s still plenty of servers to choose from in the app – and 78 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 my top three VPNs in terms of speed, PIA still beat CyberGhost by quite a lot, including its (relatively low) ping (that tied with ExpressVPN)!
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.
The only other VPN to offer such a feature is ExpressVPN – and that’s 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 NordVPN, 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 Dedicated IP add-on at $5/month, 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 and the cheapest monthly plan on my list:
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
- 30,900+ RAM-only servers in 78 countries worldwide
- 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 top three VPNs for FFXIV
- Split tunneling feature is hit or miss
5. CyberGhost – Dedicated Gaming Servers With a Caveat

Last but not least is CyberGhost, with its dedicated gaming servers.
You might be wondering, “If CyberGhost has dedicated gaming servers, why didn’t it place higher?”
Well…that’s where the caveat comes in.
CyberGhost is an anomaly in that it offers a wide variety of dedicated gaming servers in multiple countries (Germany, the US, the UK, and France – perhaps particularly useful for players in the NA and EU Data Centers).

And the gaming servers are phenomenal when you get them to work!

But that’s the problem.
They don’t always work, and when they do, their speeds aren’t always great.
This is disappointing, as CyberGhost is a slower VPN, to begin with.
So, while you won’t experience a great speed loss, you’ll still notice quite a drop compared to the other VPNs on my list.
Take a look!
Speed Without CyberGhost:

Speed With CyberGhost:

Fortunately, CyberGhost’s speeds are still fast enough to guarantee a stable gaming experience with FFXIV, so you can take screenshots of your favorite glamours to your heart’s content!
And if you’re like me, your “heart’s content” is pretty expansive.
AKA: hundreds of FFXIV screenshots flood your PC.
Maybe even…6GB worth? (¬_¬)

You’ll also experience minimal lag and relatively low ping with CyberGhost, though it still had the highest ping out of all the VPNs here.
And, as mentioned earlier, I experienced some lag when trying to take screenshots with GP and CMatrix.
(But I still got a couple of good ones!)
Moving on, there are other features that CyberGhost offers that make it worthy of a place on my list.
For starters, it offers both a Dedicated IP add-on (at $5/month) and a DNS setup for FFXIV players who use a PS4 or PS5.
The VPN provider also has a massive server network (7,200+ servers in 91 countries), coming second only to PIA.
This means you’ll have no trouble finding a server close to your FFXIV Data Center, so you can keep playing with your friends without lag!

(Although, I’m really excited for Endwalker’s Data Center travel update!)
Unfortunately, CyberGhost has another downfall.
It’s the only VPN on my list that doesn’t offer split tunneling for all of its apps.
In fact, it only offers the feature for its Android app.
I can’t even begin to describe how disappointing that is.
But, at the very least, the provider offers DDoS protection… though its subscription fees are pretty expensive (rivaling ExpressVPN, even):

Luckily, you can get a monumental discount by using my sign-up link!
Pros
- Offers stable connection, low-ish ping, and minimal lag while playing FFXIV
- Relatively fast speeds
- 7,200+ RAM-only servers in 91 countries worldwide
- Available for FFXIV on PC, PS4, and PS5 (with router setup or DNS setup)
- Dedicated IP add-on + DDoS protection
- Dedicated gaming servers
Cons
- Slower than other VPNs on my list (and with a higher ping)
- Dedicated gaming servers don’t always work or are slow
- Split tunneling only available with the Android app
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 CyberGhost, 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 meet these criteria – so if you want to skip the hassle, grab my exclusive NordVPN deal now 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 ExpressVPN.
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 $5/month or less.
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 23 servers in 3 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.
- 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):
- Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) with a DNS setup for consoles and purchase a subscription.
- 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 190+ servers in Australia and 5,200+ servers worldwide, giving you plenty of options for the best possible FFXIV connection.
That said, ExpressVPN and Surfshark 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 discount, so you don’t have to pay a huge fee on top of your FFXIV subscription.