FFXIV: World Data Could Not Be Obtained [FIXED]

The FFXIV “World Data could not be obtained” error has plagued every Final Fantasy XIV player since the game was released. Until now, the error code has not gotten any official resolution from Square Enix. The error message is extremely persistent and does not necessarily explain the problem, which makes it incredibly frustrating. This error message can appear virtually anywhere. Although, you are most likely to encounter it when trying to join a Final Fantasy 14 server.

What Is The FFXIV “World Data Could Not Be Obtained” Error?

The error indicates that you failed to communicate with the FFXIV servers. This is why it can occur in several places that require direct communication between you and the servers.

Of course, there can only be two primary suspects in this case; the FFXIV servers or your internet connection. If the issue arises from the server end, it could mean they are offline due to maintenance or encountering technical difficulties.

On the other hand, diagnosing the exact problem can be slightly tricky if your internet is to blame. It could be slow network speeds, closed ports, or NAT issues causing the “World Data could not be obtained” error. These things commonly contribute to most communication problems you encounter in most games.

Solutions For FFXIV World Data Error

First, you must eliminate the possibility of the servers experiencing downtime. You can easily confirm this by starting the FFXIV launcher and looking at the icons next to each server.

If the server (referred to as “World”) you’re using is highlighted green, then the “World Data could not be obtained” error is not caused by any issues on the server’s side. If the icon is yellow or red, you should wait until the servers are up and running again.

That only leaves your internet connection. Before anything else, restart your network router. It’s quick and can be very helpful in improving your internet connection. If the error persists after a router reboot, try out all of the solutions mentioned below until the error is fixed. 

Change Default DNS Server

The default DNS server provided by your internet service provider may not be optimal. It might have slow communication speeds or experience frequent downtime for specific IP addresses. These default DNS servers often lead to FFXIV errors like these. Therefore, you should switch to the foolproof public DNS server provided by Google. 

Here is how you can do it on your Microsoft Windows PC:

1. Click the Windows icon on the bottom left side of your screen to open the start menu. Type Control Panel in the search bar and click on the result.
2. In the Control Panel, select the Network and Internet section. Now enter the Network and Sharing Center. 
3. Click on Change Adapter settings. This will open a new Window. 

4. In the new Window, right-click the applicable Network Adapter and click properties.

5. In properties, make sure you are in the Networking tab.
6. Under “This connection uses the following items.” locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
7. Highlight the protocol with a tick next to it and click on properties. 

8. Now click Advanced and go to the DNS tab. If this section has any DNS servers, remove them and click OK.
9. Back in the protocol properties, select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
10. IPV4 users must enter 8.8.8.8 for the preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternate DNS server.

11. IPV6 users can apply 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844.

12. Now click OK and restart your PC.

Open Ports

Closed ports are often the leading cause of most network-related errors. Ports are unique numbers that help in the communication between two network endpoints. When a crucial Port of a network endpoint you’re trying to reach gets blocked, it stops the flow of data packets. This will likely lead to the world data communication error in FFXIV. To fix this, you can manually open the ports required by the FFXIV servers.

Do note that you should avoid opening ports that you don’t need. For example, PC players do not need to open ports for other platforms. With that in mind, here is the list of all the port ranges you need for FFXIV.

Steam:

• TCP: 27015-27030, 27036-27037, 54992, 54993, 54994, 55006-55007, & 55021-55040
• UDP: 4380, 27000-27031, & 2703

PlayStation 4 & 5

• TCP: 1935, 3478, 3479, 3480, 8080, & 55296-55551
• UDP: 3074, 3478-3479, & 55296-55551

Follow these steps to open ports on your network router:

1. Look at the back of your router and note down its IP address along with the login information.
2. Open a browser, enter your Router’s IP address in the search bar, and log in to access the Router configuration.
3. Once in, find the port forwarding settings. You will typically find them in the advanced section. Some Routers may assign alternative names to the port settings, such as NAT, Port Forwarding, or Virtual Servers.
4. When found, add the port range that applies to your platform and save.
5. You might have to enter a name. If so, type Final Fantasy XIV. Reboot your router to apply the changes.

Check Your NAT Type

Your NAT Type is another crucial factor in ensuring smooth network communication. Your NAT is what pushes data packets forward to reach their destination. If a NAT restriction exists, the data packets cannot travel even if they know the intended destination. There are three different NAT types; NAT Type 1 (Open), NAT Type 2 (Moderate), and NAT Type 3 (Strict).

The best-case scenario is an Open NAT type. It ensures seamless communication with no interruptions. A Moderate NAT type is also acceptable and effectively fulfills its purpose. Finally, a Strict NAT type is what causes all the problems. If your NAT type is strict, it is likely the culprit behind almost all the communication errors you might be experiencing.

Before modifying your NAT type, you must verify if it’s strict. If it is not, you do not have to change anything.

Here’s how you can check your NAT type on your PC:

1. Click the Windows icon on your desktop to open the start menu. Now click the gear icon to access Windows settings.
2. Once in, click the Gaming section. Here, switch to the Xbox Networking tab.
3. Windows will automatically carry out the network test and display your NAT type.

This is how you can verify your NAT type on a PlayStation 4 & 5:

1. Navigate to your console’s settings by clicking on the gear icon.
2. Locate the Network section of the settings and enter it.
3. Now click Test Internet Connection. Your PlayStation 4/5 will automatically run the test and display your NAT type.

Players with a Strict NAT type should now move on to changing it. The easiest way is to enable UPnP in your Router settings. This is how you can do it:

1. Similar to before, log into your router’s configuration. 
2. Now locate the UPnP settings. You will typically find it in the advanced section.
3. When found, enable UPnP and restart your Router. This will change your NAT type.

Final Words

FFXIV is the biggest MMORPG of the decade. Despite being an ancient game, it still boasts an impressive number of dedicated players, which only seems to be increasing. Now that you have resolved the error of “World Data could not be obtained,” check out the FFXIV Leveling Guide 1-90. Also, learn about the best ways to get company seals and reach greater heights in FFXIV.

Next:

• FFXIV Best Grand Company: How To Rank & Change
• FFXIV BEST Retainer Class: Unlock & Materials
• FFXIV Best In Slot: End-Game Gear Full Guide