FFXIV: Unable To Complete Version Check [FIXED]

Seemingly, Final Fantasy XIV’s FFXIV unable to complete version check error has persisted for as long as the game itself. This error in FFXIV has constantly plagued players every time the game gets an update. The error refuses to let anyone go past the launcher and appears right after an update drops. But don’t fret: I will get you through this error.

The error can be caused due to a bug in the game’s updation process but it can also be caused due to DNS being the cause.

Manually Change FFXIV’s Boot File

Sometimes the launcher doesn’t update the game version in the FFXIV’s boot config file which can lead to the error popping up. If the error were caused by your launcher not updating that single line of code, this solution would fix the issue. Here, we will manually update the line that checks for the game version on boot. This will make it forcibly version check and let you in-game.

Before we begin, close your launcher; Otherwise, this quick fix might not work for you. If you are unsure, check your hidden tray icons for the launcher.

Once done, follow these steps to get going: 

1. Open your File Explorer > paste this address on the address bar: ‘Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV – A Realm Reborn\.’
2.  Right-click on ‘FFXIV_BOOT.cfg’ > click on ‘Open With’ > choose Notepad to open the file.

   

3. Once the file is open > press ‘Ctrl + F’ > search for ‘BootVersionCheckMode.’
4. Change the 0 in front of the searched setting to 1.

   

5. When done, press ‘Ctrl + S’ to save the applied changes.

This should make the launcher correctly check for the game version, allowing you to boot, and fixing the ffxiv unable to complete version check error. 

Switch To A Public DNS

If removing the boot check doesn’t kill the Unable to Complete version check error. The second most preferable solution is to switch your DNS to a public and freely accessible one.

Public DNS servers typically have a larger user base and are well-maintained, which can lead to higher uptime and less downtime compared to some smaller ISP servers. This can potentially improve your overall connection stability.

Players online also found this fix helpful. While there are multiple Public DNS servers available, our advice would be to pick one of the following:

•  Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)
•  OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).

Follow the following steps to change your DNS Server:

1. Search for ‘Network Adapter’ > click enter > click  ‘More Network Adapter Options.’

   

2. Click on the connection you are using > click on Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 > Use the following DNS server > OK.

   

Allow FFXIV Through Windows Firewall

Microsoft’s implementation of it in Windows is a bit shaky. Sometimes, it can act up and flag secure server IPs as well. This can lead to an error popping up.

That is why I recommend allowing FFXIV through the Windows Firewall so the connection doesn’t get blocked by it and you can play the game again.

My Thoughts on the FFXIV Unable to Complete Version Check Error

I find it quite annoying when these kinds of errors show up after spending so much time waiting for the game to update. This game especially is a prime example of this. People were discussing this error on forums like the Square Enix Forums, Reddit, and Steam.

A lot of people were also talking about it on X/Twitter.

sees tweets about ffxiv maintenance, ok
after dnd like "oh I can play ffxiv tonight bc I don't work tomorrow"
"unable to complete version check" pic.twitter.com/tF8iIOG6wC

— gaslight gatekeep gothboss (@deathsknowledge) September 28, 2021

The developers have yet to address this error anywhere even though the Square Enix Forums are filled with complaints about it. This kind of negligence leads to a game’s downfall. Hopefully, they will fix the issue at some point because I don’t see the game surviving for much longer otherwise.