Square Enix Is Already Fixing Final Fantasy 14's Switch 2 Loading Times

In a note to players, Square Enix explained that the delays tend to happen when you enter a content area while surrounded by a large number of characters. In those moments, the data reloading and cache clearing the game needs for safe rendering can take an extended amount of time, which is what leaves you staring at a dark screen. The studio said it is optimizing those processes so the Switch 2 version loads more smoothly. It did not commit to a date, only that an update is planned to address the issue.

Loading times are exactly the kind of rough edge that can sour a major port, and an MMO like Final Fantasy 14 lives on constant zoning between towns, dungeons, and raids. The encouraging part is that the rest of the launch has landed well: early impressions of the Switch 2 version have been broadly positive, with players glad to have a full featured Final Fantasy 14 they can carry anywhere. A loading issue the developer has already pinpointed and is actively addressing is a far better place to be than a vague performance problem nobody will acknowledge. If you are weighing whether to jump into Eorzea on Switch 2, this is one to watch across the next few updates.