The responsiveness of online games is crucial for an immersive and enjoyable player experience. In Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), however, there’s a persistent issue that many players may not be consciously aware of, but subtly affects gameplay: the server tick rate. To illustrate this, consider this demonstration: https://youtu.be/hToWKu79Jm0. As the video clearly shows, actions performed by one player client are not immediately reflected on another client, even when both are on the same network. This delay stems from FFXIV’s relatively slow server update frequency, or tick rate. This server tick rate, which dictates how often the game server updates the game state for all players, has remained largely unchanged since patch 2.1, when it was increased to address difficulties in dodging Titan’s attacks. While the game is playable, this delay introduces a range of problems that impact various aspects of FFXIV, particularly in player-versus-player (PvP) scenarios and certain player-versus-environment (PvE) mechanics.
The Impact of Server Delay on FFXIV Gameplay
The most noticeable consequence of a slow server tick rate is the discrepancy between what players see on their screens and the actual game state on the server. In PvP, this means enemy players are often not where they appear to be. For example, attempting to use knockback abilities to displace enemies becomes unreliable. Without stunning an opponent first, positioning yourself to knock them away and into your team is largely guesswork. By the time the server registers your action and updates other clients, the opponent may have already moved, rendering your strategy ineffective.
This delay also creates challenges in PvE content. Mechanics that require precise timing and coordination with other players, such as passing debuffs in Savage raids like P4S Phase 1 or coordinating positions in encounters like the scales mechanic in Aglaia’s final boss, are made more complicated than necessary.
Examples of Gameplay Issues
Let’s delve into specific examples to illustrate the frustrations caused by the server tick rate:
Debuff Passing: In scenarios where debuffs need to be passed between players by physical contact, the server’s slow update frequency can cause missed transfers. If two players run past each other quickly, the server might not register their intersection within a single tick, failing to trigger the debuff transfer. While standing still can mitigate this, it still introduces an element of unreliability due to the server update intervals.
Balancing Mechanics: The final boss encounter in Aglaia features a mechanic where players must balance scales by positioning themselves on different sides of the arena. The server delay frequently leads to situations where players see the scales as balanced on their client, but due to other players’ movements not being instantly updated, the server registers an imbalance. This can cause a frustrating cycle of players over-adjusting, leading to wipes that feel unfair due to the perceived desynchronization.
Area of Effect (AoE) Marker Misunderstandings: A commonSource of frustration arises when multiple players are targeted with AoE markers and attempt to move away from each other. Due to the delay, a player might perceive another player as being further behind them than they actually are. This can result in both players moving in the same direction, believing the other will move away, ultimately leading to overlapping AoEs and avoidable damage.
These examples highlight how the server tick rate, while not game-breaking, contributes to unnecessary frustration and a less polished gameplay experience in FFXIV. For many players, particularly those engaging in high-end content or competitive PvP, these issues are a persistent source of annoyance.
Addressing Potential Counterarguments
It’s important to address common arguments against increasing the server tick rate.
“It’s not a big deal, just adapt and get good.” While players can adapt to the current server limitations, it doesn’t negate the fact that the delay introduces unnecessary friction and frustration. It’s not about difficulty; it’s about responsiveness and clarity in gameplay.
“There are more important things to fix.” Prioritizing fixes is understandable, but improving server responsiveness is a fundamental aspect of online game quality. Addressing multiple issues concurrently is feasible and beneficial for overall game health.
“It’s too expensive.” FFXIV is a highly successful game generating substantial revenue for Square Enix. Investing in server infrastructure to improve game responsiveness is a justifiable expense for a premium subscription-based MMORPG.
“Spaghetti code/it’s too hard.” Game Director Naoki Yoshida has stated that the game engine is not a limiting factor for implementing desired changes. This suggests that technical limitations are not insurmountable.
“I don’t care/This doesn’t affect me.” Even if the issue isn’t immediately apparent to all players, improvements to server responsiveness benefit the entire player base, creating a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Players paying for a subscription service have the right to expect continuous improvements to the game.
“Japan doesn’t complain about it, so nothing will change.” While community feedback from Japan is important, neglecting concerns raised by the Western player base is detrimental. Square Enix should strive to address issues that impact players globally, regardless of regional feedback biases. The GCD delay issue, which saw significant Western outcry, eventually led to changes, demonstrating that Western feedback can drive development priorities.
Conclusion: A Call for Improved Server Responsiveness
In conclusion, while FFXIV remains a highly enjoyable game, addressing the server tick rate and the resulting gameplay delays would significantly enhance the player experience, particularly in PvP and challenging PvE content. Increasing the server update frequency would lead to more responsive controls, reduced frustration, and a more polished feel to the game. For a game of FFXIV’s caliber and financial success, investing in server infrastructure to improve this fundamental aspect of online gameplay is a worthwhile endeavor. It’s time for Creative Business Unit III to consider revisiting the server tick rate and bring FFXIV’s responsiveness up to par with modern online gaming standards.
