Using ping/vpn programs to reduce latency?

[Siete]

Have you tried using the different routes, or clearing settings (if you've used it quite a bit)? I use WTFast in australia and it helps quite a lot in my experience, but sometimes I need to clear settings, or select a different country at a busy time of the day. I normally set it to just "Select Optimal wtfast Server 1" (automatic selection), but sometimes I specifically select Japan for a stable connection when it's otherwise unstable, because that's my datacenter location anyway. It can help with resolving data loss and spike issues. Sometimes just disconnecting WTFast and connecting again helps. I select connect during character selection

I tried some, it actually gets worse hah.
Well, I won't be getting over 50% percentile I guess

[Buzzwords]

they're completely legal and allowed and all that, but as far as performance is concerned they primarily just "fix mistakes" rather than "alter the fundamental laws of the universe"

your communications with the server might take a more efficient route (if they were using an inefficient route) and that could reduce ping; but distance is distance and at a certain point there's nothing to be gained. some VPNs do offer free trials though, and i think mudfish even charges by the megabyte (playing the game is actually not that "heavy" but if you go that route you might wanna UPDATE with it off)

[rachcouture]

Tried all of that, but getting it to work consistently was always the issue, and that's something many people unfortunately experience with WTFast. Picking a server close to FFXIV's with my regular VPN was another story.

I actually don't know of anything I use other than the occasional purchase off of Mog Station where a VPN is an actual hindrance. Tbh, I assumed most people used Netflix on a device hooked to their TV, not through their web browser. I personally wouldn't know; I prefer my movies on something I own.

[Dagget]

An FC member of ours located in Queensland uses Exitlag and it trims a bit of latency down, from around 330 to 260 (Aus-->EU) and also far less chance of random latency spikes.

[Fhaerron]

I'm actually unable to play the game without VPN, as soon as I log into the world and the world loads I get disconnected and send back to the character select screen.
This started to happen when they did that netwerk stuff during SB, as always their horrible EU support did nothing and their response was actually that I should make a thread here on the forums and talk to other players.

Anyway, so I've used Tunnelbear for a year until 2018 somewhere and that worked fine, now I've been using NordVPN for over a year and that works great too, I select a German server because the DC is located in Germany.
I also use NordVPN to watch Netflix & Crunchyroll shows that are blocked in my country without issues (for over a year as well and no bans).

Just need to deactivate it for mogstation because reasons.

WTFast and other 'VPN's for gaming' have been a total failure and did not do anything in my case.

[Lilseph]

Is it legal? If so what are some good ones?
I'm tired of getting hit by stuff I dodged over a half second ago

Hi, Siete. I am also from Argentina and I ditched WTFast few months ago. It used to work great, actually, but overtime it dropped its quality. I've found a new VPN called "NoPing", which it's Brazilian and apparently it has a neat routing. I'm from Córdoba, and my ping to the NA DCs is 160 to 170ms on average. It would be nearly 300ms without it. They have a 7days trial I believe, so you won't end up wasting your money if it doesn't work out for you!

You can select the premium servers, but the "San José 2" servers (second tab) worked great for me.

[Saefinn]

Some are better than others. I use NordVPN but not just specifically for games, but I have had a couple of routing issues, it was screwing with my Discord too.

But if you are looking to reduce ping.
An alternative I've seen recommended is ExitLag, which seems to have game specific configurations and is designed as a latency tool and not as a VPN.
They have a free trial, so worth a try at least. Though as always, it's dependent on the cause of your high ping.

[Noitems]

I was using Mudfish for a time since it was fairly cheap and dropping down a couple of bucks secured me a good amount of bandwith. It worked fine for what it was, but I'd say the majority here are posting better options. I do know WTFast is one of the few VPN's that you can actually purchase a sub to at Gamestop since they're partnered.