Unable to Complete Version Check Error like 30605 in FFXIV? Fixed!

Alright, let’s set the scene. You fire up the FFXIV launcher, your coffee’s hot, your raid group is pinging on Discord, and bam — instead of jumping into Eorzea, you get slammed with “Unable to Complete Version Check”. Brutal. And if you’re like me — a long-time Final Fantasy XIV veteran — you’ve probably hit this wall at the worst possible times, like right after a patch or during weekend grind sessions.

Good news though: this error can absolutely be fixed, and I’ve got all the working solutions for you right here.

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What Is the “Unable to Complete Version Check” Error in FFXIV?

If you’re seeing this message on your launcher, it means your FFXIV client is having trouble connecting to Square Enix’s update servers. It usually happens right after logging in or launching the game, and it’s often tied to the FFXIV version check process.

This process is how the game confirms that your client is up to date before allowing you to log in. If anything breaks that connection — firewalls, DNS issues, corrupt files, you name it — you’re getting hit with this version check error. You might also see error codes like 30605, 20495, or 30413, but even if there’s no number, it’s the same root problem.

Common Causes of the Version Check Error in FFXIV

From personal experience and dozens of community posts, here are the main things that cause the “unable to complete version check” issue in FFXIV:

• Your DNS is misconfigured or your ISP is blocking part of the game’s server

• Firewall or antivirus software is blocking the launcher

• Your FFXIV boot files are corrupted or outdated

• Temporary server-side issues or maintenance

• Incorrect proxy or VPN settings

• System permissions blocking the launcher from connecting properly

Luckily, these are all fixable without needing to call in a GM or submit a support ticket.

Fix 1: Restart Your Router and PC

Let’s start with the good old-fashioned fix — reboot everything. A router restart resets your IP, clears up temporary DNS issues, and can resolve some of the more subtle version check failures. Do this:

1. Turn off your PC.

2. Unplug your modem and router for at least 30 seconds.

3. Plug them back in and wait for them to fully boot.

4. Turn your PC back on and launch FFXIV.

It sounds basic, but this fix has bailed me out more than once.

Fix 2: Run FFXIV Launcher as Administrator

Sometimes Windows will restrict access to the network depending on how you launch your game. To fix that:

• Right-click on the FFXIV launcher icon.

• Select Run as administrator.

This gives the launcher full access to your system’s network stack and usually clears out weird permissions issues.

Fix 3: Flush DNS and Renew IP

When your DNS cache is outdated or broken, it can block your connection to the game servers. Here’s how to flush your DNS and renew your IP address:

1. Open the Command Prompt (search cmd, then right-click and run as admin).

2. Type these one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

   bash

   ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew

Once done, close the window and try launching FFXIV again. This works wonders if your ISP is doing weird routing stuff.

Fix 4: Change to Google DNS

Some ISPs just don’t play nice with FFXIV’s servers. Switching to Google DNS is one of the top recommended fixes by the community:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

2. Click Change adapter settings on the left.

3. Right-click your connection, then click Properties.

4. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and hit Properties.

5. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and type in:

   • Preferred: 8.8.8.8

   • Alternate: 8.8.4.4

6. Save your changes, restart your connection, and try again.

Fix 5: Delete and Recreate the Boot Folder

This is another go-to fix for veteran players. Sometimes your boot folder gets corrupted and causes the version check to fail.

1. Navigate to your install directory:

   java

   C:\Program Files (x86)\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn\

2. Find and delete the folder named boot.

3. Launch the game — it will re-download the boot files automatically.

This reset often clears up the error completely.

Fix 6: Add Launcher Exceptions to Your Firewall and Antivirus

Security software likes to play the overprotective parent. You’ll want to whitelist or allow the following files:

• ffxivboot.exe

• ffxivlauncher.exe

• ffxiv_dx11.exe or ffxiv.exe if using DirectX9

These are located in your FFXIV install folder. If your firewall or antivirus is blocking them, it can absolutely cause the unable to complete version check issue.

Fix 7: Try a VPN

If your region or ISP is having temporary routing problems, connecting through a VPN can solve the issue. Just don’t forget to pick a fast server nearby.

Popular choices include:

• ProtonVPN (has a free plan)

• NordVPN

• ExpressVPN

Once connected, try launching the game again. This workaround has helped tons of players in regions with weird routing or throttling issues.

Fix 8: Reinstall the Launcher (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, your launcher files may be irreparably broken. As a last resort:

1. Back up your FFXIV settings and hotbars using the game’s backup feature.

2. Uninstall FFXIV.

3. Download the launcher fresh from the official Square Enix site.

4. Reinstall and patch the game.

It’s a pain, but sometimes it’s the only way to start clean and eliminate deeper file issues.

Bonus: Check for Maintenance or Server Outages

Before you go nuts trying to fix everything on your end, make sure the issue isn’t actually on Square Enix’s end. Check:

• Lodestone Server Status

• FFXIV Reddit or Twitter for live reports

The game might be under maintenance, which can cause version check errors to appear even though your setup is fine.

Final Thoughts from a Real Player

Look, I’ve been playing FFXIV since 1.0 and have seen every launcher bug you can imagine. This “Unable to Complete Version Check” error is frustrating, but 9 times out of 10, one of the steps above will fix it.

Once you're back in game, don't forget to prepare for that raid, grab your house plot, or just stock up on mats for crafting. And if gil is holding you back, definitely take a look at PVPBank. We’ve got FFXIV gil for sale, with a rep for fast and safe delivery.

No matter how annoying the error is, don’t let it break your grind. You’ve got this. See you in Eorzea, Warrior of Light.