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Square Enix is proactive about the upcoming launch of Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail. With the game's ever-growing popularity, server congestion is almost a given during major expansions. Learning from the past, Square Enix has put forth several strategies to ensure a smoother launch this time around.
The first crucial step is a massive upgrade of the data centers and the addition of new Worlds. This classic approach of expanding server capacity should ease some of the load. However, Square Enix is mindful that this action alone won't be enough, given the anticipated surge in player activity with Dawntrail’s release. They understand players will be eager to explore new content, resulting in longer play sessions.
In light of this, Square Enix emphasizes patience as a virtue. Players must wait in login queues, which will prioritize those with full versions of the game over free trial users. Persisting in the queue is vital; leaving it means starting the wait from scratch. This system may not be perfect, but it ensures fairness and prevents crashes due to excessive load.
To further manage congestion, some restrictions will be implemented upon the release of the 7.0 expansion patch. These include temporary limitations on character creation and world travel. Players are also advised to return their characters to their home Worlds before Dawntrail’s launch since congested servers might delay this process post-launch. A queue system for instanced content is also set to address potential bottlenecks.
If all measures falter, players might experience "Error 2002" when choosing characters. This error acts as a safeguard against server crashes. If encountered, pausing before retrying is recommended. Reconnection within 60 seconds is possible if network issues disrupt your queue position. Lastly, an AFK timer will kick inactive players after 30 minutes, ensuring server space for active adventurers.
Square Enix’s multi-layered approach combines technical upgrades with practical user guidelines to navigate the anticipated server stress. Their plans aim to balance the influx of players while keeping the game functional and enjoyable during the high-demand period.