FFXIV Unable to Complete Version Check Fix

If you see the “Unable to complete version check� error in Final Fantasy XIV, the game client cannot reach or properly verify Square Enix’s patch servers, usually due to a network, DNS, or cached-data problem. The fix typically involves clearing the game’s temporary files, flushing your DNS, or adjusting your router’s MTU settings. Below is a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue and get back to Eorzea.

What Causes the Version Check Error

The version check is the first step the FFXIV launcher performs when you start the game. It contacts Square Enix’s servers to compare your installed patch version with the latest one. If that connection fails or returns an unexpected response, the launcher shows “Unable to complete version checkâ€� with a [30413], [20457], or [30605] error code. Common triggers include:

• ISP-level DNS blocking or slow DNS resolution
• Corrupted patch files in the game’s downloads folder
• Router MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) set too high for your connection
• VPN or proxy software interfering with the connection
• Windows Firewall or antivirus blocking the launcher
• Square Enix servers temporarily down (rare but possible)

Quick Fix: Clear the Game’s Cache

The most common cause is a corrupted or incomplete patch file left behind by a previous update. Clearing the cache forces the launcher to re-download the patch metadata.

1. Close the FFXIV launcher completely.
2. Open your game installation folder (default: C:\Program Files (x86)\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn).
3. Find the downloads folder and delete everything inside it. Do not delete the folder itself.
4. Restart the launcher. It will re-verify the game files and download any missing patch data.

If you installed the game through Steam, the folder is usually under C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. The same downloads folder exists there.

Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings

Your computer’s DNS cache can become stale or poisoned, preventing the launcher from resolving Square Enix’s server addresses. Flushing it is safe and takes seconds.

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
3. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter, then ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
4. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
5. Restart your computer and try the launcher again.

If you are comfortable changing DNS servers, switching to a public one like Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can bypass ISP-level blocking. This is done in your network adapter’s IPv4 properties.

Adjust Router MTU Settings

Many players report that the version check fails because their router’s MTU is set to 1500 (the maximum for Ethernet) but their ISP uses PPPoE, which requires a lower value. A too-high MTU fragments packets, and the launcher’s small request packets get lost.

1. Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find the WAN or Internet settings section.
3. Look for “MTU� and change it from 1500 to 1492. If that does not work, try 1400.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

If you cannot change the router, you can set a lower MTU on your PC itself via an elevated Command Prompt: netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Ethernet" mtu=1492 store=persistent. Replace “Ethernetâ€� with your connection name (check with ipconfig).

Disable VPN, Proxy, and Antivirus Interference

VPNs and proxy services can route your traffic through servers that Square Enix’s anti-cheat system flags, causing the version check to fail. Temporarily disable any VPN, proxy, or network-boosting software and try again. Also, add the FFXIV launcher and game executable to your antivirus/firewall whitelist. The launcher is usually ffxivboot.exe and the game is ffxiv_dx11.exe.

Windows Defender Firewall can also block the launcher. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through the firewall and ensure both executables are checked for Private and Public networks.

Check Square Enix Server Status

Although rare, the version check can fail if Square Enix’s patch servers are down for maintenance. Check the official FINAL FANTASY XIV Lodestone (the game’s official website) for maintenance notices or server status. You can also visit third-party status sites, but the Lodestone is the authoritative source. If a maintenance window is active, wait until it ends and retry.

Advanced: Delete Temporary Internet Files

Some players have fixed the error by clearing the launcher’s embedded Internet Explorer cache, since the launcher uses IE components. Open Internet Explorer (or Edge in IE mode), go to Settings > Internet Options > General tab, and under Browsing history click “Delete�. Check “Temporary Internet files and website files� and delete. This does not affect your game data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the error code change between 30413, 20457, and 30605?

Different codes indicate different failure points. 30413 usually means the launcher cannot connect to the patch server at all, 20457 often points to corrupted patch files, and 30605 is frequently related to DNS or network instability. The fixes above address all three, but if you consistently see one code, focus on the corresponding cause.

Will I lose my character or settings if I delete the downloads folder?

No. The downloads folder only contains temporary patch data. Your character, gear, settings, and UI layout are stored on Square Enix’s servers or in the My Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn folder, which you are not touching.

Does this error happen on both Windows and PlayStation?

Yes, but the fix differs. On PlayStation, you cannot clear the downloads folder easily, but you can restart the console in safe mode and rebuild the database, or change your DNS settings in the console’s network settings. The MTU adjustment also applies to the PS4/PS5 network settings.

I use a mobile hotspot and get this error. What should I do?

Mobile hotspots often have higher latency and different MTU requirements. Try the MTU fix (set to 1400) and disable IPv6 on your PC’s network adapter. Also, some mobile carriers block gaming traffic; try tethering via USB instead of Wi-Fi.

Can I bypass the version check entirely?

No. The version check is mandatory to ensure your game files match the server’s version. Bypassing it would likely cause disconnects or prevent you from logging in. Stick to the fixes above.

Why does the error appear after a Windows update?

Windows updates can change network settings or reset firewall rules. After a major update, re-apply the firewall exceptions for FFXIV and re-run netsh winsock reset. If the issue persists, check that your network adapter drivers are up to date.

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