Cannot connect to lobby server - error 2002

[Shiftie]

I have been having non-stop issues trying to connect to the game after updating it on my laptop while coming back from a rather long hiatus. Whenever I go to log into a data center, it errors out with the 2002 error that I know normally comes when servers are overloaded. Fine. But I've tried logging in probably 50 times over the course of 4 or 5 days, throughout each of the days. No way is that due to server load. Pretty much all of the research I've done on google and forums has pointed to that being the issue, so that doesn't help. I've tried reinstalling the game (3 times now). I've tried port forwarding to the appropriate ports. I've tried logging into other data centers. I've tried rebooting my router (also many times). I've tried multiple wireless networks (same router though). Nothing works to help me get beyond that screen to the character select screen. I can play the game fine on my home PC, so I know it's not my account, but my laptop (currently located at my girlfriend's house) couldn't connect to the game to save it's life.

I own the windows version as well, so the only thing I can think of at this point is maybe there are some leftover install files from that that are mucking things up. Though I would hope reinstalling the game as many times as I have would have fixed it by now.... NOPE. So beyond that, maybe the router?.... but the rest of the network works ok, if a bit slow. I have no issues with the downloads, though, again which I've already installed several times.

Any assistance here would be amazing, I am at my wits end.

Thanks!

[Gabby]

Final Fantasy 14 Error 2002 – Server Congestion

This error is very similar to error 1017, except to say that FF14 has had restrictions put in place for players to try and prevent servers from becoming overcrowded and creating issues for those still playing the game.

This error will likely happen on the main menu (where it plays the famous Final Fantasy tune) and the ‘Start’ button will be greyed out.

You won’t be able to click start and, if it doesn’t become available within a couple of seconds, will mean you’re unable to connect to the character selection screen.

This is in a bid to prevent too many connecting to the game and, sadly, cannot be fixed through traditional means.

However, it is also worth noting that Error 2002 can be caused by your router and the port settings. If you keep getting this error code then access your router to unblock the following ports:

UDP
55296-55551

TCP
80, 8080, 443, 55296-55551

The update functionality of Final Fantasy 14 makes use of UPnP, and so can be block by some ISPs. Though you can still download update data with UPnP inactive, if you are experiencing issues then it is worth unblocking these ports to attempt a fix.

There is no guarantee that this will help, but it’s worth attempting to get back into the game.

[Shiftie]

Yup, that was one of the results I got from Google. The issue persisted after forwarding all of those ports. Thanks though!

[Gabby]

After you forwarded these ports, did you reboot your system and your router? (Allowing the changes to fully take effect.)

Also have you attempted to use a VPN?

[Shiftie]

Still no luck after yet another reboot of both. I'd imagine using a VPN would affect my latency too much to even really play the game, no?

[Gabby]

Nope, in fact VPNs are used to fix latency issues.

[Shiftie]

The VPN worked.. that's really frustrating. Can't say I want to pay for a VPN to play a game that I already pay for. Guess I'll need to figure out what the root of the issue is. Thanks for the help.

[Gabby]

Usually if a VPN is the only way it works it means your ISP is blocking ports.

Comcast by any chance?

[Shiftie]

Yup, comcast :|

[Gabby]

VPNs your shot. Comcast is becoming notorious for quietly blocking people's ports and acting like nothing is happening.

[Sweetful]

Oh

[Shiftie]

New router seems to have fixed it.. was bottlenecking the network like no other as well.. so far so good though

[Lord Cromwell]

The issue I was having with the error was that I had to confirm my account and apparently you have to click the resend but for it to actually send the email. This is strange since I had already confirmed my account with another game. I am now able to get into multiplayer.