How Do I Reinstall FFXIV on My New Computer? The Complete 2023 Guide
As a long-time Final Fantasy XIV gamer and content creator, reinstalling the game on new devices is a breeze once you know the steps. With FFXIV continuing growth to over 36 million players at the end of 2022, updating your gaming setup for optimal performance is more vital than ever.
So if you‘re upgrading to a shiny new computer, this definitive guide has you covered on smoothly transitioning your FFXIV adventure over!
Step-by-Step: Reinstalling FFXIV on a New Computer
Follow these essential steps:
Fully uninstall FFXIV and the Squre Enix launcher from old device first – Clear out leftover registry files to avoid conflicts.
Download the latest FFXIV game client – Always get the freshest client, especially after major patches.
Install on your main hard drive (C: drive) – Don‘t clutter up your storage, plus main drives have faster loading speeds.
Log into your existing Square Enix account – No need to rebuy anything! Just use your credentials as normal.
Once logged in, the client will automatically update itself to the newest version. Then you can optimize graphics settings for your new rig and jump back into the action!
Why a Fresh Install is Best Practice
While you can just copy over your existing game files from one PC to another, a fresh FFXIV install ensures best performance and fewer bugs.
Here‘s why seasoned players recommend the reinstall method:
- Eliminates legacy DLL issues or registry conflicts
- Latest client has performance enhancements
- Forced game reconfiguration for new hardware
- Safeguards against corruption from storage migration
- Reason for clean slate troubleshooting, if needed
Trust me, the minor hassle is worth it! Take if from a FFXIV veteran who‘s migrated between 5 PCs and countless hard drives over the years.
Playing FFXIV Across Multiple Devices
One of FFXIV greatest assets is cross-platform compatibility. Here‘s the breakdown of playing on various devices with a single Square Enix account:
| Platform | Compatible With | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Mac, Steam | None |
| Steam PC | None | Must repurchase expansions if switching from Windows PC |
| Mac | Windows PC | None |
| PlayStation 3 | PlayStation 4 | Separate account, no crossplay |
| PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 3 | Separate account, no crossplay |
As you can see, Windows PC, Mac, and Steam share full account integration. You can freely hop between them without paying for anything twice!
However, the PlayStation ecosystem is completely siloed and requires a separate Square Enix account and game/expansion purchases.
Cross-Progression: What Carries Over Between Platforms?
Your entire FFXIV account stays perfectly synchronized across Windows PC, Mac, and Steam thanks to the magic of cloud saving. Here‘s what seamlessly carries over:
- Character appearance, race, class, level
- Inventory, armory chest items
- Story progression and completed quests
- Levels for battle/crafting jobs
- Achievements and macros
- Gil wallet and retainers inventory/market sales
- Housing furnishings and workshop creations
- Mounts, minions, and orchestrion song unlocks
So no need to start that deep Dark Knight grind over just because you‘ve upgraded your hardware! Pick right up wherever you left off.
Do Expansions Need to Be Rebought on New Platforms?
As referenced earlier, FFXIV‘s expansions are platform-dependent purchases:
- Windows PC and Mac share expansions
- Steam PC requires separate expansion purchases
- PlayStation requires full separate purchases
So if you switch from Windows PC to Steam down the road, you‘ll have to obtain Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker again on Steam.
However, hopping between Mac, Windows PC, and different desktop rigs does NOT require any double-dipping!Everything seamlessly transfers based on your Square Enix account.
Square Enix offered 50% discounts for existing players when Endwalker released on newer platforms to ease the transition pain points. Here‘s hoping they extend that courtesy for future expansions as well!
New In 2023: Updated FFXIV Launcher
In March 2023, Square Enix released a brand new streamlined launcher for the FFXIV PC client with enhanced account tools. Key features include:
- Sleek intuitive design matching latest console and mobile logins
- Improved patch download speeds and peer-to-peer delivery
- Option to bind multiple service accounts to one launcher
- Account-wide world visit system coming in a future update
- Backend platform migration to prepare for lifespan beyond 2032
So if you‘ve taken a break from FFXIV for awhile, this refreshed launcher experience may surprise you on your return while reinstalling the game! It sets the stage for even more massive growth in FFXIV‘s second decade.
Key Takeaways: Reinstalling FFXIV on New Computers
While transferring FFXIV to a new computer takes a bit more effort that dragging over folders, the clean install approach pays dividends in performance and stability.
Here are the core tips to safely getting your existing characters, progression, items, and achievements migrated over:
- Fully uninstall from old computer first
- Download new launcher and game client from FFXIV site
- Choose main C: hard drive for fewer Issues
- Log into your existing Square Enix account
- Update graphics settings and plugins for new hardware
- Windows PC, Mac, and Steam sync everything automatically
- Treat PlayStation as separate ecosystem
- Rebuying expansions only necessary when switching PC distribution platforms
With these best practices,say goodbye to login errors, glitches, crashes, and other frustrations! Let your new beastly rig unlock Eorzea in buttery frame rates.
Now if only I could install some materia into my actual computer tower for a speed boost…but I digress! Let me know if any questions come up during your FFXIV transition.
