Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that has been available since 2013. It takes place in Eorzea, a fictional realm where players control a customized character.
The game is a story-rich experience and potentially takes around 1,000 hours to fully explore either solo or with friends. FF14 is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, as well as PlayStation 4 and 5. The MMORPG is so popular that it had 21 million subscribers in 2021, which is impressive considering its initial 2010 offering flunked miserably.
That being said, not everyone is able to enjoy the game. With its servers primarily in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, FFXIV is unavailable in certain countries. Also, there have been notable examples when a new update slowed its servers, making the game barely playable. However, these problems are easily solved with a VPN.
Why Use a VPN With Final Fantasy XIV?
There are a few advantages to using a VPN in general. For example, it’s safer to browse through encrypted servers, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Moreover, a reliable service can maintain a stable internet connection while not changing the internet speed.
A VPN can come in handy when playing FFXIV to help keep latency minimal, preventing high ping and lowering lag when playing on foreign servers. Also, a VPN circumvents regulations on gaming, whether they are geo-restrictions or companies and schools blocking games. This includes bypassing ISP throttling, too, where an internet provider deliberately restricts and slows a user’s network.
Furthermore, a top-notch VPN keeps cyberthreats at bay by protecting its users from hacking attempts. These can include denial of service (DoS) attacks, when one player sends targeted ads to another’s server to slow their connection, ruining their gaming experience.
While it’s more often true of free online games, it is possible that a provider collects data on a user while they play. However, VPN encryption protocols ensure that all data remains private. It can only be a good thing if not even the software can track your online activities.
Best VPN Services for FFXIV in 2023
ExpressVPN
Anyone looking for a VPN has likely already heard of ExpressVPN, as it’s one of the most advertised on the market. Fortunately, its popularity is justified thanks to its vast number of servers that are spread over 94 countries.
The software incorporates the IKEv2 protocol to ensure a fast connection and OpenVPN for a more secure one. Regardless of your choice, both provide unlimited bandwidth, so you’ll soon notice minimized ping and lag while ISP throttling is bypassed.
Its built-in Smart DNS changes the way websites see your IP, which is perfect for circumventing geo-restrictions. It can also function as a hotspot if you’re planning to play FFXIV on PlayStation and ExpressVPN guides you through establishing a connection.
The service continuously keeps an eye on internet traffic, automatically activating its kill switch to shut down the connection when the VPN crashes. Unfortunately, the VPN’s prices are rather steep, but the company ensures a risk-free trial period by offering a 30-day refund.
ExpressVPN's Connection
ExpressVPN's VPN Network
ExpressVPN's Device Support
Anonine
Anonine was among the first VPN providers to incorporate WireGuard into its software, which is one of the fastest VPN protocols. Plus, by making use of its military-grade encryption, users can browse and game securely.
The company emphasizes the importance of its users’ privacy by following a strict no-logs policy, meaning that not even the VPN itself logs your online activities. This is further boosted by a strong connection to its servers, based in 34 countries. Admittedly, this isn’t a lot, but it does represent every continent.
The service offers gaming console support via a VPN router, allowing you to extend the connection to all your smart devices. Anonine is cheaper than its competitors and its money-back guarantee ensures the first seven days remain stress free.
Anonine's Home Page
Anonine App Menu
Anonine Connected To Tokyo
HideIPVPN
HideIPVPN is pleasant to look at and easy to use, but it’s much more than that. For example, the VPN provider offers unlimited traffic through servers that can have 1GB/s bandwidth. Its 24 servers are available in 11 countries – while this isn’t a huge amount, the various features offered more than make up for it.
For example, the VPN comes with seven protocols, which includes WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. Moreover, it offers strong security measures like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and an Application Killer. This last tool – presented with a Darth Vader icon – has a list of .exe programs and disables them when the software unexpectedly crashes.
Additionally, PlayStation players can use a Smart DNS to establish a smooth VPN connection for their games console. HideIPVPN is one of the cheapest VPN providers on the market, and even that’s further backed up by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
HideIPVPN's Main Interface
HideIPVPN U.S. Speed Test
HideIPVPN Server Selection
How to Set up a VPN With Final Fantasy 14
Establishing a VPN connection for your adventures in Eorzea isn’t difficult, especially after learning which features to look for. If you play on a gaming console, it’s best if it comes with multi-platform support. But you can safely skip this feature if you’re playing on a PC or Mac. To set up a connection, there are a handful of simple steps to follow:
- Choose a VPN and register. If possible, opt for a free trial.
- Download and install the desktop application, and sign in.
- Set up security by enabling the kill switch and DoS protection and turn on the WireGuard or IKEv2 protocols to maximize server speed.
- If you’re playing on a PlayStation, activate a Smart DNS or set up a VPN router, and connect to it in your console’s internet settings. If you’re on a computer, skip this step.
- Pick a server. It’s best if you choose one close to the game’s server to decrease ping and latency.
- Look for DNS leaks with an online service like IPLeak. Some VPNs provide their own DNS leak tests as well.
- Play and enjoy!
FF14 Errors and Bans With VPN Usage
Square Enix, the developer and publisher of Final Fantasy XIV, is exceptionally generous with VPN users. The company doesn’t prohibit using the encrypted servers of such services to play – the game is aimed at an international audience, after all.
One potential problem is that a VPN can shut down in the middle of a game. This will suddenly increase your ping and make your overall connection unstable, especially if you’re located far from the game’s servers. With this affecting the connection and gaming experience of other players too, it may make them want to kick you out.
To avoid such a scenario, always enable your VPN’s kill switch, as it’ll shut down your internet if the VPN disconnects and so log you out at the same time. While suddenly losing your network is infuriating when you’re about to deal the final blow to a boss, it does save you from making fellow players angry and you can always explain what happened when you log back in later.
Best VPN Guides for Games and Gaming Platforms
- Best VPNs for Apex Legends
- Best VPNs for CS:GO
- Best VPNs for FFXIV
- Best VPNs for Fortnite
- Best VPNs for GeForce Now
- Best VPNs for League of Legends
- Best VPNs for Online Gambling
- Best VPNs for PlayStation Now
- Best VPNs for Poker
- Best VPNs for PUBG
- Best VPNs for PUBG Lite
- Best VPNs for Steam
- Best VPNs for World of Warcraft
Best VPN Services of 2023
| Rank | Provider | Info | Visit |
1 | Editor's Choice 2023  | ||
2 |  | ||
3 |  |
Get the Best VPN Deals
Want to stay up to date on the latest VPN news and discounts? Get exclusive offers and deals sent straight to your inbox!