How do you make your Dualshock controller more comfortable for XIV?

My hands keep cramping, and I'm sick of it. I'm thinking about getting some accessories to help me with my problem, and I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions. I want to be ready for Stormblood, and I'm worried I won't be able to level Samurai, and get through the main story, without discomfort after long periods of playing.

Does your cramping have to do with the gymnastics of performing the class to its and your max? Or does it occur even if you do something more casual like killing mobs on the overworld while doing other stuff?
If it's the first, you could try to rearrange your hotbars or play a less action intensive class. Believe it or not some set ups are hellish to work with. Mine for example, people cringe at it, but I'm used to use "the claw" to perform actions with the D-pad while moving.
If it's the second, I'd go to the doctor and search for any accessories that could help you game safely. For real, your doctor is your best friend in this. You could be developing carpal tunnel syndrome and you would only hurt yourself further if you persist in gaming as hard as you are now.
My two cents.

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Originally Posted by Erys

Does your cramping have to do with the gymnastics of performing the class to its and your max? Or does it occur even if you do something more casual like killing mobs on the overworld while doing other stuff?
If it's the first, you could try to rearrange your hotbars or play a less action intensive class. Believe it or not some set ups are hellish to work with. Mine for example, people cringe at it, but I'm used to use "the claw" to perform actions with the D-pad while moving.
If it's the second, I'd go to the doctor and search for any accessories that could help you game safely. For real, your doctor is your best friend in this. You could be developing carpal tunnel syndrome and you would only hurt yourself further if you persist in gaming as hard as you are now.
My two cents.

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It's the first. Though I did have hand therapy, I am nervous to rearrange my hotbar. Is it really more optimal to change it?

Keyboard and mouse not an option? Much more relaxed and much easier to operate for this type of game.

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Originally Posted by DamianFatale

It's the first. Though I did have hand therapy, I am nervous to rearrange my hotbar. Is it really more optimal to change it?

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Depends on how you rearrange it. My example, I have combo skills (actions you are going to be pressing a lot) on the dpad, which wouldn't allow to move and attack at the same time (dpad and movement being on the same hand) unless you assume weird hand positions.

Ideally in your case you'd want to deviate from putting any skills on dpad keys and just go full triangle/square/x/circle. That way your left hand will only have to focus on trigger and joystick, getting rid of the dpad. It's the only real concession you can make when rearranging stuff on a controller, getting rid of finger gymnastics as much as you can.

Another thing that helps is rearranging your combos in ways that don't force you to react. For example making a 3 steps combo R2+square triangle circle so it follows a semicircular pattern clockwise pattern so you don't "panic" searching for the next skill, deeply rooting it in your muscle memory, further reducing gymnastics and sudden movements that could strain your hands. And practicing, a few minutes of practice a day will help your muscles to build some resistance and memory, just don't overdo things.

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Originally Posted by UnluckyXIII

Keyboard and mouse not an option? Much more relaxed and much easier to operate for this type of game.

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This depends on the person, I have a hard time with keyboard and mouse since they lack a certain feedback that the controller gives me. And the position on hands and arms is really awkward, doesn't really hurt but yeah.
He could try but it's not for everybody.

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Originally Posted by UnluckyXIII

Keyboard and mouse not an option? Much more relaxed and much easier to operate for this type of game.

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Screw that noise. I tried to play a new character with a mouse and keyboard, couldn't last more than 10 minutes before going back to Controller.

well i changed out my analog sticks and triggers and got a sylicone cover for my controller the aluminum analog sticks move smoother and have better grip and the extended triggers are nice for prolonged fighting and the silicon grip just makes it more comfy to hold

edit: all of wich can be bought off amazon for less than 10 to 15 $

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Originally Posted by Erys

This depends on the person, I have a hard time with keyboard and mouse since they lack a certain feedback that the controller gives me. And the position on hands and arms is really awkward, doesn't really hurt but yeah.
He could try but it's not for everybody.

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Very much so, and just because it works for some doesn't mean it works for others, personally I couldn't imagine playing something like an mmo with its huge amount of input options on a controller with its limitations but to some this is a non-issue. I can't agree on that the position is "really awkward" though, for me Keyboard and Mouse feel natural as input methods for a device and for a game with restricted chat options I see them as a must to get the most out of an mmo when playing via a console.

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Originally Posted by otarolgam

Screw that noise. I tried to play a new character with a mouse and keyboard, couldn't last more than 10 minutes before going back to Controller.

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Its very much a personable opinion thing, I've gamed across both platforms for years (PC and Console) and both have their pro's and con's - If OP hasn't tried Keyboard/Mouse combo I would say its worth trying just to see if it works for them or not.

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Originally Posted by UnluckyXIII

I can't agree on that the position is "really awkward" though, for me Keyboard and Mouse feel natural as input methods for a device and for a game with restricted chat options I see them as a must to get the most out of an mmo when playing via a console.

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For controller your hands fall on your lap in the natural position you put your hands to rest palms up. For keyboard you have to at least raise your right hand to reach to the mouse and if you have your keyboard on your desk aswell, in a piano like position. Already the arms in a 45º-ish degree angle is awkward and unresting. Dunno.
You are right about chatting tho, it's a "nightmare" on controller, but I'm used to type lightning fast with it. Not like I chat too much anyways.

Also OP, how do you grab your controller? Like, do you grab it firmly? Do you arch your thumbs over the joysticks and buttons to press them with your fingertips? This could also be important to alleviate some stress and I just realized x'D

Another option, but costly, are controller with extra programmable buttons, like the NACON Revolution PRO Controller or the Razer Raiju controller

Do you hold the controller very tightly? I personally get hand discomfort/cramps if i use a keyboard and mouse combo so i'm surprised you are getting them on controller. It might really help people to offer suggestions if you posted your UI? Are you taking advantage of the expanded hotbars?

for the record i used a trusty old dual shock for XI and 1.0 but come 2.0 I switched to an XBox style because of compatibility issues back then, i like the shape because i have long fingers and it offered a wider grip, you might consider it yourself, the official wired microsoft xbox 360 one is rather inexpensive ($29 here from a computer store)

I had the same problem. Happens when I try to use the controller in FFXIV. Also happens a lot when I play fighting games on the PS4. Nowhere else though. Switched to keyboard/mouse and haven't had an issue since.

The logitech G600 MMO gaming mouse will work on the PS4. I use it. Won't work well if you have big hands, however. Really takes the sting out of having to program your brain to press the 1 through = keys on the keyboard by putting all of those buttons under the thumb of your right hand (which wasn't doing anything anyway).

Though, something is to be said for lounging back with a controller. Most people can't comfortably do that with a keyboard/mouse.

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Originally Posted by DamianFatale

My hands keep cramping, and I'm sick of it. I'm thinking about getting some accessories to help me with my problem, and I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions. I want to be ready for Stormblood, and I'm worried I won't be able to level Samurai, and get through the main story, without discomfort after long periods of playing.

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That sounds like carpal tunnel bro, id go see a doctor or cut down on playing!

I use XBox One controller. I find it a lot more ergonomic than the Dualshock controller. Additionally, be sure to keep a loose grip. Also, be inventive in your hotbar usage. You might have to toss in some creative macros to keep the gymnastics of controller play at a minimum, but it all starts with planning and testing your crossbar layout. As others have pointed out, there could be some medical issues here too. Does the problem only manifest with extended game sessions or do you find yourself having hand cramp problems throughout the day? If it's the latter, you might want to see a doctor. If it's the former, take the above tips and maybe take a break every hour or so to give your hands a rest.

For the record, I have had a wrist fusion due to the removal of a carpal boss. I understand what you are going through very well. My hands can still cramp up and yet I have no problems with extended game play with a controller. If the above fixes don't alleviate your problem you should definitely see a doctor. Also, when I say loosen your grip I mean by A LOT. When I play my hands are basically resting on my lap and I'm more cradling the controller than even gripping it. A loose grip goes a long ways towards preventing pain and cramps.