Reduce Lag and Improve Ping Guide

[whilke]

0.3 sec pos checking hardly makes the game unplayable. Bad connection and latency can be real issues though. /thumbsup to OP!

Then why are they increasing the position check frequency in end game instances for 2.1?

I don't understand people who continue to defend the horrible network performance of this game, even after SE basically admitted to it.

[Kitfox]

Then why are they increasing the position check frequency in end game instances for 2.1?

I don't understand people who continue to defend the horrible network performance of this game, even after SE basically admitted to it.

Just saying the pos checking isn't the end of the world, not that it's the preferred situation. Nothing is currently tuned so tightly that it's not dodgeable with the implemented pos checking.

[Delsus]

Then why are they increasing the position check frequency in end game instances for 2.1?

I don't understand people who continue to defend the horrible network performance of this game, even after SE basically admitted to it.

So tell me in your infinite wisdom, how does a service that ONLY changes the route to the servers (Proxy/VPN) suddenly make the game instantly playable, SE has no control over the routes taken.

[whilke]

Hi all,

I have recently taken steps which has reduced my ping to the Masamune JP Legacy server from 480ms down to 250ms while playing from the UK 6000 miles away. I have decided to put it all in a video if anyone might find it useful: http://youtu.be/kUr7kaPl1vg

In the video I show you how to reduce lag, vastly improve ping and make playing the game, and using the internet a lot more responsive. This means on fights where latency is crucial, such as Titan Hard Mode, I am able to avoid all boss damage as intended.

I have also provided links to every tool, guide, and resource I used to accomplish this in the video's description.

The general summary is:
1) Update TCPIP Network Registry settings with:
TcpAckFrequency = 1
TCPNoDelay = 1

2) Update DNS server with one best for me. I determine this by using namebench.

3) I install and use Toolwiz Care, which is 100% freeware, no adverts, no trial version, completely free computer optimiser.

4) I use WTFast because it helps reduce ping generally.

5) I also read other resources explaining how this all helps and why which are also linked.

If anyone else has suggestions how to improve it even further please let me know. Hope you all find it useful.

~ Mithrie

#1 *Might* effect other software or download speeds on your computer if you mess with the ack frequency and no delay. At the very least this will increase your upload bandwidth used across all software. If you have a smaller upload limit, you might start hitting it quicker.

#2 - This will not improve your ping/latency one bit. This won't even change your experience with FFXIV. This *could* improve your general web browsing experience as dns lookup frequency is high in a browser.

#3 - Just no. What do you think this is *optimizing*?

#4 - This is the only thing that is really changing your ping times, and most people don't want to have to pay for a 3rd party service in order to play this game properly.

[Mithrie]

#1 *Might* effect other software or download speeds on your computer if you mess with the ack frequency and no delay. At the very least this will increase your upload bandwidth used across all software. If you have a smaller upload limit, you might start hitting it quicker.

#2 - This will not improve your ping/latency one bit. This won't even change your experience with FFXIV. This *could* improve your general web browsing experience as dns lookup frequency is high in a browser...

I do appreciate the feedback, I do want the information provided in the video to be as useful as possible. This was an overall improve internet responsiveness video for both game and computer, and each step has made marked improvement for me. I just wanted to share. I am definitely not an expert on this topic.

[Elvin]

Yep, only 1 and 4 are usefull to be honest.

Mainly the 4º one, and is just a vpn service, so is not exactly something anyone can use for free....

Maybe it is in good will, but I woudn't post a guide for something when I clearly don't know what I'm talking about.

[Mithrie]

Yep, only 1 and 4 are usefull to be honest.

Mainly the 4º one, and is just a vpn service, so is not exactly something anyone can use for free....

Maybe it is in good will, but I woudn't post a guide for something when I clearly don't know what I'm talking about.

I do believe all these steps have improved the speed/responsiveness and quality of my internet and gaming experience and I have explained why. I say give them a go and if they do not help let me know. It is better to try and see, then to assume otherwise.

[Elvin]

Of course those steps improved the quality of your gaming experiency. But only some of those steps. Just because you use WTfast and eat some chocolat and your gaming experiencie improves doesnt mean that using WTfast and eating chocolat improve your gaming experience. Only WTfast does.

So, eating chocolate shoudn't be on a guide. It's the same for those steps of your guide

And I woudn't put WTfast. At least not just it, there are other services wich work the same way...

[Mithrie]

And I woudn't put WTfast. At least not just it, there are other services wich work the same way...

I am trying to stick to the positives of what everyone is saying. I have received feedback as well from friends that an alternative tunnel solution is Pingzapper, which I have now updated and added to the first post and video description. I will add more as I receive more information from others. And yeah eating chocolate and gaming is awesome, though might not be the healthiest. I have also updated the title of the thread to reflect that the video does cover general internet/browsing tweaks as well.

It is so, so sad to have to do all this to get a better playing experience in this game.

It is worth it though, as general optimizing and learning about how to make your computer go faster is always fun to discover, at least it is for me. To avoid having to do it though, Square Enix are already addressing it by releasing a PS4 version and have acknowledged and are working on server latency issues by design, so I say thumbs up to Yoshi P and the development team for always aspiring to a better gameplay experience for all.

[KarstenS]

I have received feedback as well from friends that an alternative tunnel solution is Pingzapper, which I have now updated and added to the first post and video description.

I'm using Battleping.

Before: >90% of plumes at Titan HM fight hit me.
After: Can dodge all of them.