One frustrating error that Final Fantasy XIV players have encountered is the dreaded “unable to download patch files” error. The error occurs in the pre-load client before you’ve even gotten into the game and can stop you from logging in.
So how do you fix the unable to download patch files error? Well, the issue seems to be related to either problems with your firewall, or network issues such as cache errors and port forwarding.
Related: Do you need PlayStation Plus to play Final Fantasy XIV on PlayStation?
Fix FFXIV Unable to Download Patch Files Error
Because this is primarily an issue with firewalls, your first step is to check you’ve made an exception for Final Fantasy XIV in your firewall. On Windows, you can do this by typing Windows Firewall after pressing your Start menu, and selecting Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
If you’re using a third-party firewall, you’ll have to manually create an exception in that. Even if you’ve created an exception, updates to both Final Fantasy XIV and your firewall can cause the exception to become outdated. Double-check you’ve made sure the firewall exception exists before proceeding with the troubleshooting.
Flush your DNS
One issue that can cause the unable to download patch files error is having an issue in your Domain Name System (DNS) cache. To solve this, you’ll need to flush your DNS cache. To do this click the Start button and type CMD to open the Command Prompt. In the command prompt window, type ipconfig /flushdns.
After you’ve done this, reload Final Fantasy XIV and attempt to re-download the patch.
Check your ports/reset your router
Another reason you might be facing the unable to download patch files error is because your ports aren’t forwarded. Again, while you may have had your ports forwarded before, something like an update to your router or the game can still change this.
To forward your ports, you’ll need to access your router. This is dependent on your make and model of router, and your ISP, so you’ll need to check how to access your router on a case-by-case basis.
Once you’ve got access to your router, make sure the following ports are forwarded:
Windows (non-Steam)
- TCP: 54992-54994, 55006-55007, 55021-55040
- UDP: 3478-3479, 3074
Steam
- TCP: 27015-27030, 27036-27037, 54992-54994, 55006-55007, 55021-55040
- UDP: 4380, 27000-27031, 27036
If you’re still struggling, double check there’s not a wider network issue with your ISP. Hopefully you’ll have resolved your issue, but if not, check out the Final Fantasy XIV Lodestone site for any ongoing issues with FFXIV itself.
For more Final Fantasy XIV news and information, check out All Final Fantasy XIV Warrior Quests on Pro Game Guides.
Michael lives in the UK, but wishes he lived in Eorzea. A life-long gamer, Four years ago, he ditched a "real" job to write about video games for a living, and hasn't looked back. When not guiding players how to get the latest mounts, crafting recipes, and in-game goodies, he spends his time nurturing an unhealthy addiction to MMOs and gacha games.