Final Fantasy XIV, the beloved MMORPG by Square Enix, has recently received a new expansion, Dawntrail. With this latest DLC, many players are diving into fresh content, exploring new regions, and going on thrilling adventures. While the DLC is yet to be released (currently available in Early Access), since you clicked on this guide, you have advanced access through the Standard or Collectors edition. However, when you hop in early to try out the game, you may have dealt with the DirectX 11 error, disrupting the gaming experience. So, is there a fix for this issue? Let’s find out how to resolve the FFXIV dx11 error and get back to enjoying the game!
DirectX (DX) is a set of APIs from Microsoft that handles multimedia tasks, especially gaming. Since Final Fantasy XIV’s release, DirectX has seen many updates, with DX11 offering advanced graphics and improved visuals. However, DX11 errors are not uncommon, particularly in older games adapting to new hardware and software updates. That being said, keep reading to learn about some fixes to get you back to your adventures in Eorzea.
FFXIV dx11 error: How to fix it
First and foremost, there is no single fix for this issue. Still, what we do have are some tried and tested workarounds that may help you get past the dx11 error.
Restart the Game and PC
With any issues in video games, can start with the simplest solutions. So, before you try any other workarounds, restart your game and your PC and keep it unplugged for some time. After a few minutes, reboot your system, launch the game, and see if you run into this error again.
Update to Windows 11
If you’re using an older version of Windows, you will have to update to Windows 11 or at least Windows 10. The latest operating system offers better compatibility and performance improvements for gaming, including more stable DirectX support. Many players with Windows 7 had to update to Windows 10 or better in order to get rid of the DirectX errors.
Check for Windows Updates
If you are running Windows 10 or 11, make sure your operating system is up-to-date. All you have to do is go to your Windows settings and check for any pending updates. Installing the latest updates can fix underlying system issues and improve overall stability, potentially resolving the DX11 error.
Check for GPU Driver Updates
Your outdated graphics drivers may be the culprit behind this issue. So, visit the website of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your graphics card. Also, always keep your GPU drivers updated at all times.
Use DX11 and DX12 Launch Commands
You can force FFXIV to use specific DirectX versions by adding launch commands. Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties”, and in the “General” tab, add -dx11 or -dx12 in the launch options field. This can help resolve compatibility issues by ensuring the game uses the correct DirectX version.
Verify Game Files
Corrupted or missing game files can cause crashes and errors. In Steam, right-click on FFXIV, go to “Properties”, and select the “Installed Files” tab. Click “Verify Integrity of Game Files” to scan and repair any damaged files. This process can fix errors that might be causing the DX11 issue.
Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, a clean reinstallation of FFXIV may be necessary. Uninstall the game through your Steam library, then reinstall it. While you are at it, delete all the residual files and try reinstalling the game on a faster drive, preferably an SSD. A player also mentioned that formatting their HDD from exfat to NTFS and then installing the game fixed the issue, so give it a try too.
We are hoping that a patch/update will fix this issue once and for all but until then, these are some effective workarounds for the dx11 error in FFXIV. We hope this was helpful. For more gaming guides like this, stick around with DigiStatement. Read more: Elden Ring: How to Get 60 FPS Performance Mode (Xbox & PS5)
