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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Square Enix reported DDoS-related network disruption affecting FINAL FANTASY XIV Worlds in North American data centres in January 2026. Players could be disconnected, struggle to log in, or have trouble accessing or sending and receiving game data. The notices do not establish that other regions were affected.
What happened to FFXIV’s North American servers?
Square Enix’s Lodestone notice said network technical difficulties caused by a DDoS attack began on Jan. 6, 2026, at 10:09 GMT. The affected service was FINAL FANTASY XIV, and the notice identified Worlds in the North American data centre(s) as affected. It did not report an impact across all regions.
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A related recovery notice listed a later incident window on Jan. 7, 2026, from 18:35 to 23:40 GMT, corresponding to Jan. 8 from 5:35 to 10:40 AEDT. These are the times Square Enix published; they do not establish the full duration or scope of every disruption players experienced. Read Square Enix’s Lodestone notices.
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Why is FFXIV disconnecting, and what symptoms were reported?
Square Enix attributed the network difficulties to a DDoS attack. Its notice said players might be disconnected from North American Worlds, have difficulty logging in, or have trouble accessing, sending, and receiving data. Those symptoms are consistent with a service-side network disruption, but the notice does not diagnose any individual player’s connection.
#1 Best Overall
- Adventure awaits you beyond the horizon in FINAL FANTASY XIV.
- This product is a digital 60-Day Game Time Card for FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. It serves as a payment option that allows players to add 60 days of game time to their FFXIV account at the Standard subscription rate, subject to account limits. Both the game and game time are required to play.
- This product can be redeemed on service accounts registered with the Windows, Mac, PlayStation, or Steam versions of FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. However, it cannot be redeemed on service accounts that have only the XBOX or Nintendo Switch 2 versions registered.
For a specific connection problem, checking your own internet connection can still help distinguish a local issue from a wider service disruption. Restarting a router or checking a cable cannot stop an attack against Square Enix’s service.
Is FFXIV down right now?
The notices establish incidents on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7, 2026; they do not establish the game’s live status at a later time. Check the FINAL FANTASY XIV Lodestone notices for current service updates. The reported symptoms applied to North American data centre Worlds, not necessarily to every World or region.
Rank #2
- Access to all expansion content from Heavensward and Stormblood, unlocking additional jobs, areas, story quests and more ways to explore: flying, swimming and diving
- A flexible class system that allows players to switch freely between a variety of classes and jobs, including new additions red mage and samurai, and reach the new level cap of level 70
- All the hallmarks of the FINAL FANTASY franchise, including an engaging storyline, genre-leading graphics, and HD real time cut scenes.
- Robust gameplay features such as player-managed Free Companies, diverse party finder features to group up with other players with ease, and a variety of fun activities in the Gold Saucer area, all designed to accommodate a dynamic player community.
- Challenging trials, dungeons and raids for groups of up to 24, and exciting player-vs-player (PvP) content for groups of up to 72 players
What did Square Enix say it would do?
In its recovery notice, Square Enix said: “We will continue to monitor the situation and work with ISPs to come up with countermeasures.” The notice does not give technical details about the attack’s volume or method, identify an attacker, or quantify the effectiveness of specific mitigation measures.
Did VPNs fix the problem?
PC Gamer reported that some players said rerouting through a VPN helped. That is anecdotal player experience, not official Square Enix advice or a verified general fix. The same coverage speculated about a network-provider node, but Square Enix’s notices did not confirm a routing cause. Treat that explanation as speculation, not the company’s stated finding. PC Gamer’s Jan. 7, 2026 report describes the player reports and speculation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Increased level cap from 50 to 60
- Dark Knight: Tank - Wields a two-handed greatsword and the power of darkness to deal damage to their foes
- Astrologian: Healer - Tap the power of the stars to cast potent healing magicks, while drawing energies from constellation-based divining cards to support your party
- Machinist: DPS - Deal damage from afar using a combination of firearms enhanced with various attachments, and mechanical turrets deployed on the battlefield
- Included in this expansion pack is a new race called The Au Ra, a new City-State - Ishgard, new Primals Bismarck and Ravana, and Flying Mounts
Rank #4
- Customer must have Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn to play Stormblood
- Increased level cap up to level 70
- New Jobs – Red Mage and Samurai
- New Beast Tribe and Primal
- New Alliance Raid
Rank #3
- A new adventure awaits in Norvrandt
- New jobs, including gun breaker and dancer
- New playable races: Viera and Hrothgar
- Level cap increase from 70 to 80
- New cities to explore: The Crystarium and Eulmore
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
