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Install the Client

You need a working retail FFXI client. After that, the usual path is the Legendary Launcher — it installs Ashita or Windower, XIPivot, and Legendary names for you.

If you've already got the game running for retail or another private server, download the Legendary Launcher and point it at the folder you already have.

Requirements

  • A retail FFXI client — the Steam edition or an original PlayOnline install both work.
  • Legendary Launcher — download it here. It can install Ashita or Windower if you do not already have one.

Steps

  1. Install FFXI. If you don't already have the game, the official Windows client installer is the easiest way to get it.
  2. Run the PlayOnline updater and let it finish completely. The client has to be fully patched before it will connect.
  3. Download the Legendary Launcher. Extract it and run LegendaryLauncher.exe.
  4. Pick Ashita or Windower, press Set up Legendary, then Play.

Manual path

If you want to keep a client you already assembled by hand, Connect to the Server still documents Ashita / Windower + xiloader.exe. The launcher can also attach to that folder instead of making a fresh one.

Optional extras

Players on the Legendary Launcher already get names, XIPivot, Augment Browser, and Augment Trade from Set up Legendary. The Downloads page still has the older standalone DAT pack and addon zips if you launch the old way.

Hitting a snag?

Connection failures and version-mismatch errors are almost always a patching or config issue. The Troubleshooting page covers the common ones.

Last updated: 2026-09-11 12:54 PDT