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🧩Launchers & plugins

XIVLauncher

Open-source alternative launcher with auto-login, stability fixes, and access to the Dalamud plugin ecosystem — the de facto standard outside the official launcher

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What it is

XIVLauncher (goatcorp.github.io) is an open-source alternative launcher for FFXIV maintained by goatcorp. Around since 2018 and became the dominant launcher of moderately engaged players. Open source on GitHub (goatcorp/FFXIVQuickLauncher), GPL-3.0 license.

Core features:

  • Auto-login: save credentials once, login to the game in 1 click. The official Square Enix launcher requires 2FA every login.
  • Multi-account: switch between accounts/characters easily.
  • Stability fixes: detects and retries connection failures that the official launcher just fails silently.
  • Official Wine/Linux support: the goatcorp team maintains XIVLauncher for Linux (the only viable way to play FFXIV on Linux with QoL).
  • Access to Dalamud: the framework of plugins injected into the client. Hundreds of QoL plugins: minimap, customizable fly text, party finder filters, fast market board scanning, etc.

Free, open source.

What problem it solves

Square Enix's official launcher is functional but austere: slow login, 2FA every time, no automatic fix for stability issues, and completely closed to third-party extensions.

For players who play regularly:

  • Login overhead: 30 seconds each time in SE launcher → 2 seconds in XIVL.
  • Connection failures: SE launcher fails and dumps you to the login screen. XIVL retries automatically.
  • Plugins: SE doesn't allow mods/plugins officially. Dalamud (via XIVL) fills that gap with QoL plugins.
  • Multi-character: SE launcher requires logout/login to switch chars on another account. XIVL handles it seamlessly.

For Linux users, there's no real alternative — XIVLauncher is THE way.

How it differs from the official launcher

  • SE Official: what comes with the game. Functional, austere, closed.
  • XIVLauncher: same game, better UX + plugin ecosystem.

Both launch the same client. XIVL only wraps the login process and allows Dalamud injection. Gameplay is identical — only the pre/post game experience changes.

What people actually use it for

Quick daily login: for daily roulettes, opening SE launcher wastes 30 seconds each time. XIVL is instant.

Dalamud plugins: the real killer feature. Key plugins:

  • Marketboard Uploader (contribute to Universalis).
  • Cactbot (auto callouts of Savage mechanics).
  • Visual range adjustments.
  • Inventory tools.
  • Improved party finder plugin.

Linux gaming: the only civilized way to play FFXIV on Linux. goatcorp maintains the Wine config and wrapper.

Multi-account switching: for players with alts on separate accounts, or who share account with family.

Automatic reconnection: in client instability moments (high lag, long queue), XIVL retries vs SE just drops you.

Who it's NOT for

  • Casuals who log in once a month: the overhead of installing and configuring XIVL isn't justified if you play infrequently.
  • TOS-paranoid players: XIVL is technically not approved by Square Enix. Almost no one has been banned, but theoretical risk exists. Especially for PvP, don't use visible plugins.
  • Console-only players: XIVL is Windows/macOS/Linux. PS5/Xbox doesn't apply.
  • Those who prefer keeping the client pure: if the idea of injected plugins bothers you, stick with SE launcher.

How it's actually used

  1. Download XIVLauncher from goatcorp.github.io.

  2. First setup: enter Square Enix credentials. XIVL stores them encrypted (not in cleartext).

  3. For Windows: install .NET 7+, run XIVL like any app.

  4. For macOS: download the official goatcorp app (not from the App Store).

  5. For Linux: follow the specific guide (requires config of Wine + winetricks; tutorial in docs).

  6. Once active: login in 1 click. Launches directly into the client.

  7. For Dalamud: in XIVL Settings → enable Dalamud. Once in-game, open the menu with /xlplugins to install plugins.

Honest limitations

TOS gray area: Square Enix doesn't formally approve XIVL. In 7+ years almost no one has been banned for using it alone, but the technical risk exists — especially if you combine with plugins that violate TOS (combat cheats, cosmetic animation mods invisible to other players).

Vulnerable to patches: when a game patch lands, XIVL typically needs updating. goatcorp is fast (usually ready in hours), but there's a window where XIVL doesn't work post-patch.

Multi-account share workflow: although XIVL handles multi-account, it's not perfect. For families sharing a PC, requires separate configuration.

Linux setup can be fragile: although officially supported, Wine + Linux + FFXIV has edge cases. The goatcorp Discord community is helpful but requires patience.

Doesn't cooperate 1:1 with ACT: ACT (desktop parser) still runs outside the client, so the ACT + XIVL flow requires some coordination but works.

Community plugin quality varies: some Dalamud plugins are hobbyist and may have bugs / not be maintained. Stick to plugins recommended in the official goatcorp list.

How to get started

  1. Download XIVLauncher from goatcorp.github.io.

  2. For Windows: install .NET 7 + Visual C++ Runtime if missing. Run XIVL.

  3. Log in with your SE account + game ID. XIVL offers to securely save credentials.

  4. Configure multi-character if you have multiple chars.

  5. In Settings, enable Dalamud. Accept the terms (Dalamud warns about TOS gray area).

  6. Launch the game from XIVL. Once in-game, type /xlplugins to access the plugin manager.

  7. Recommended starter plugins: Marketboard Uploader (contributes to Universalis), Cactbot (raid callouts), and explore the catalog. Start conservative — don't enable 30 plugins simultaneously.

  8. If you play Linux, follow the specific Wine setup guide. The goatcorp Discord is active for help.

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