Regarding the current issue in FF11

[Eelet]

　Since the July version update, some players have reported problems such as "sluggish performance hindering gameplay" or "the client failing to launch entirely." After gathering information and conducting my own tests, I have found the following:

1. No issues occur with CPU-based (onboard) graphics output.
2. No issues occur with Radeon-series graphics cards.
3. Reports are coming primarily from users whose video processing relies on NVIDIA GeForce drivers.

　I confirmed these symptoms with members of my regular group—with whom I have other means of communication—specifically the issue where the FF11 game client fails to launch (even though the POL launcher starts up).

Fortunately, since the CPUs involved supported onboard graphics, I was able to verify that the game launches and runs without issues if you go to the NVIDIA Control Panel, select "pol.exe," and set it to output using "Integrated Graphics" (though, naturally, performance is somewhat slower due to the use of onboard graphics).

I would like to gather a larger sample size of these cases. If you are experiencing this problem, please report which CPU and GPU you are using.

[Alhanelem]

Fortunately, since the CPUs involved supported onboard graphics, I was able to verify that the game launches and runs without issues if you go to the NVIDIA Control Panel, select "pol.exe," and set it to output using "Integrated Graphics" (though, naturally, performance is somewhat slower due to the use of onboard graphics).

FFXI barely even uses your graphics card at all, so there really shouldn't be a lot of difference by using this option. While it shouldn't be necessary to use this step, it should perform more or less as before.

[Eelet]

I generally agree with that opinion.

　I do not believe that simply having a higher clock speed or
more onboard memory on the graphics card will result in
any drastic improvement in the performance of *Final Fantasy XI* itself.

　However, it appears that when video is output via certain
specific pathways, there is a drastic drop in performance
—whether related to rendering or general processing—
following the July 2026 update.

　Is it a CPU issue? A RAM issue? Or perhaps a problem
with graphics-related processing? As there are currently
few reported cases, I have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause.
That is why I decided to post this; I need to understand
the system environments of the players experiencing this issue.

Addendum: Ideally, this is an issue that the Square Enix
development team should address immediately. However, about
a week has already passed since the update was implemented,
yet no emergency patch has been released. I sincerely hope
the development team takes action as soon as possible.

FFXI barely even uses your graphics card at all, so there really shouldn't be a lot of difference by using this option. While it shouldn't be necessary to use this step, it should perform more or less as before.

[Jomiru]

I just wanted to chime in to your requested information:

Game has been pretty much unplayable for me since last update. I have tried just about everything. I would be happy to go into the exact details of what I'm experiencing and what I've tried if desired. Suffice to say I believe it falls into a similar category that you described.

However, you specifically wanted to know about CPU and GPU for such issues. On my desktop I'm running a 10700k with a 3060. This seems to fit your hypothesis. I have not tried my onboard graphics.

BUT, my laptop does the same exact things my PC does. It's just a basic ASUS with *only* on board graphics and no dedicated GPU.

Both started at the same time (immediately after patching) with no issues prior (i used both daily).

[Eelet]

Thank you for your reply. Although the number of cases is small, we have compiled the data and are beginning to see the cause of this issue. In particular, the problem is occurring extremely frequently with nVidia graphics cards.

However, it's also true that there are some cases where this issue occurs with onboard Radeon Graphics/Vega graphics, as well as with dedicated Radeon graphics cards.

What we should do is definitely communicate our usage environment clearly to the technical support team. However, I want to assure you that it seems almost certain that this is a graphics-related issue.

[Jomiru]

So it appears I hit the lottery on this one. I was mistaken so I want to update my post:

my laptop is an Acer Inspire 3 with Radeon graphics chip.

I'll list full specs later

[Eelet]

I have received reports of this issue occurring with Radeon Graphics and Radeon Vega Graphics. It appears that problems may arise with any graphics output other than Intel-based integrated graphics.

Specifically, the issue has been confirmed with:
1. NVIDIA GTX and RTX series graphics cards
2. Radeon series graphics cards
3. Radeon Graphics and Radeon Vega integrated graphics

There have also been reports involving Intel HD Graphics, which are currently under investigation. I would appreciate any further information you can provide. Thank you.

[Jomiru]

PC:

Intel Core i7 10700k cpu, 3.8 ghz
32 gb ram
Nvidia geforce rtx 3060 12 gb
FFXi running of a 1gig SSD, system uses 3 SSDs
Windows 10 with updates
Tried on hard wired cable and wifi 6.

Laptop:

Acer Aspire 3, 15.6" FHD Display
AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Processor
16GB RAM
AMD Radeon Graphics supporting Microsoft DirectX12
512GB SSD
Windows 11 Home

[Eelet]

First, please accept my apologies;

I am about to head to work, so I ask for your understanding as I provide only fragmented information.

FF11 requires a driver that is 100% compatible with DirectX 8.1, as well as the "DirectX End-User Runtime" to emulate it.

I am concerned about whether that laptop is compatible with DirectX 8.1.

[Jomiru]

It has never had an issue previously, at least nothing like this.

Internet indicates it should be backwards compatible with it. But I admit I'm not sure.