Best servers to play on in Final Fantasy XIV

One of the first decisions players have to make when entering most MMOs is which server to play on. In Final Fantasy XIV, this is a little more confusing because there are two types of servers: Data Centers and Worlds.

The two types can even bewilder players familiar with MMOs, but due to World and Data Center travel, picking a server that doesn’t match your playstyle or friends list isn’t the end of the world.

Depending on which Worlds are congested, you might not even be able to play on the same World as your friends, and you may have to wait a while before you can join them. The congested Worlds shift based on the number of active players, allowing you to move your characters once they open up again. Until then, though, playing together is still very possible—sometimes even seamless.

What is the difference between a Data Center and a World in Final Fantasy XIV?

Data Centers

Data Centers are region-based servers around the world. Square Enix has North American, European, Japanese, and Oceanic server locations. Playing on the Data Center closest to your region will ensure you have less lag and lower ping. If you want to experience the game with your friends, you should at least pick the same Data Center region, because you can’t visit Data Centers in other regions.

But you can transfer between Data Centers within your own region. For example, players on the Aether Data Center in North America can visit other players on the Primal Data Center, which is also located in North America.

Worlds

There are several Worlds in each Data Center. Some are more populated than others, which is why one might be open to new characters and character transfers, but others might be closed off. As long as the world isn’t congested, you can create new characters there.

If you have friends who already play, the best decision will be to play on their World. It will not restrict you in any way when you want to visit them or party with them. Don’t worry if you can’t get onto the same World as your friends because it’s congested—you can freely travel Worlds when you want to visit each other, and only a few things are restricted, like not being able to get to Retainers.

You can transfer Worlds as long as a World is open and accepting new and existing characters. There is a cost involved if the World is not listed as preferred or new. World transfers can be purchased on the Mogstation.

Which Data Center and World should I join in Final Fantasy XIV?

You should choose your Data Centers and Worlds based on a number of factors. The first is where friends are located. Ask your friends which World they’re on so you can join the same one. If you don’t have any friends that play, certain Data Centers in Final Fantasy XIV have become known for certain types of players. Each Data Center and what it caters to are listed below.

• North America
  • Aether: favors hardcore raiders
  • Crystal: favors role-players
  • Primal: favors role-players and hardcore raiders
  • Dynamis: the newest and least-populated server, will likely have more preferred worlds
• Japanese
  • Elemental – favors English-speaking and Southeast Asian players
  • Gaia – favors Japanese players
  • Mana – favors Japanese players
  • Meteor – the newest and least-populated server, has some preferred worlds
• Europe
  • Cerberus: favors Russian-speaking players
  • Moogle: favors French-speaking players
  • Shiva: favors German-speaking players
• Oceania
  • Materia – Completely new server

All currently congested and preferred Worlds in Final Fantasy XIV

Below is a list of all of the Worlds and their server status at the time of writing. Congested Worlds won’t accept character transfers or new characters. Standard Worlds typically take new characters and transfers, but sometimes they do not. Worlds marked with an asterisk are listed as Standard or Preferred but don’t accept new characters or transfers currently. Preferred or new Worlds are free to transfer to and typically have a low population. There are also some XP bonuses for players on preferred Worlds.

North American Worlds

Japanese Worlds

European Worlds

Oceania Worlds