Ashita opens, then closes, and the game never starts

guide · Server guide

From launcher 0.2.40 the launcher tells you the reason in a message. If you're on an older launcher, or want to check yourself, these are the causes in the order they usually happen:

- Old launcher. Update the launcher. 0.2.30 or newer is needed since the server moved to xiloader 2.2, and 0.2.39 or newer installs the C++ runtime the loader needs.
- Antivirus removed Ashita or xiloader. Norton, Avast and similar programs sometimes quarantine xiloader.exe or Ashita-cli.exe. Restore the file from quarantine and add your Ashita folder as an exclusion. Then open Setup in the launcher and press Check and update.
- Old C++ runtime (the window closes a few seconds after "Connected to the profile server"). Install https://aka.ms/vc14/vc_redist.x86.exe. Get the x86 one even on 64-bit Windows, then restart your PC.
- Your network can't reach the server. Some providers, school or work networks and VPNs block the game's ports (TCP 54231, 54001, 54230 and 51220). Turn off any VPN. If that doesn't help, ask on Discord for Tailscale access, then tick Tailscale on the launcher's Profiles page.
- Never had FFXI on this PC. Run the PlayOnline update once, or use launcher 0.2.39 or newer, which sets up PlayOnline for you.

Still stuck? Watch the loader's black window when you press Play. It prints the reason just before it closes. Take a screenshot and post it in the Discord bug channel.