Square Enix will expand Final Fantasy 14’s matchmaking options on November 10, allowing players to find groups across logical data centers within the same physical region. The change follows a successful trial on the game’s Japanese servers and is expected to help reduce waits for specific duties, including alliance raids.
Final Fantasy 14 divides its servers into physical data centers—Japan, Europe, Oceania and North America—and smaller logical data centers within each region. Players can already travel between logical data centers, but doing so requires logging out, and group formation relies on the Party Finder.
With the update, matchmaking for activities such as roulettes will work across logical data centers in the same region. The Party Finder, cross-world linkshells, fellowships, friend lists and /tell messaging will also be available across them. Square Enix is also making data center travel easier.
The expanded access should make it simpler to find players for both routine duties and high-end content, without requiring them to switch data centers first. The update applies within physical regions; the announcement does not include cross-region travel.
Sources: PC Gamer.