How to Blacklist Someone in Final Fantasy XIV: A Comprehensive Guide
The ability to manage your interactions with other players is crucial in any online game, and Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is no exception. Blacklisting someone allows you to effectively silence them, preventing them from contacting you and removing their messages from your chat log. Here’s exactly how to do it:
How to Blacklist Someone on FFXIV:
- Open the Chat Log: Locate the chat log window in your game interface.
- Access the Subcommand Menu: Find the character name you want to blacklist in the chat log. Right-click on their name. This opens the subcommand menu.
- Select “Add to Blacklist”: In the subcommand menu, choose the option labeled “Add to Blacklist”.
- Confirm Your Choice: A confirmation window will appear. Click “Yes” to finalize your decision.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the player is officially on your blacklist. They will no longer be able to send you private messages, and their messages will be hidden from your chat log. This simple yet effective tool allows you to curate your FFXIV experience and avoid unwanted interactions.
Understanding the Blacklist Feature in FFXIV
The blacklist function in FFXIV is a vital tool for maintaining a positive and enjoyable gaming environment. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics:
What Does Blacklisting Do?
When you blacklist someone, the following happens:
- Blocked Private Messages: The blacklisted player cannot send you tell messages (private messages).
- Chat Log Filter: Their messages are hidden from your general chat log. This includes Say, Shout, Yell, Party, and Alliance chat channels.
- Limited Interaction: They cannot send you friend requests or invite you to parties.
What Blacklisting Doesn’t Do:
- Remove from Friend List: If the player is already on your friend list, blacklisting them will not remove them. You’ll need to manually remove them from your friend list separately.
- Prevent Interactions in Certain Content: Blacklisting does not prevent you from being matched with them in Duty Finder content (dungeons, trials, etc.). You may still encounter them in instanced content.
- Completely Erase Their Presence: While their chat is blocked, you may still see their character running around in the open world.
Why Use the Blacklist?
The blacklist is primarily used to:
- Avoid Harassment: Prevent unwanted messages or interactions from players engaging in harassment or disruptive behavior.
- Reduce Spam: Filter out spam messages, especially those related to Real Money Trading (RMT).
- Improve Focus: Eliminate distractions from chat, allowing you to concentrate on your gameplay.
Reporting Players in FFXIV
While the blacklist helps you manage your personal interactions, it’s essential to remember that serious offenses require reporting to Square Enix.
How to Report a Player
- In-Game Reporting: The primary method for reporting is through the in-game system.
- Go to the System Menu.
- Select Support Desk.
- Choose Contact Us.
- Click Report Cheating.
- Reporting RMT Activity: You can also directly report RMT advertisements by right-clicking the character’s name in the chat log and selecting Report -> Report RMT Activity.
What to Report
Report any behavior that violates the Final Fantasy XIV User Agreement and Square Enix Account Terms of Use. This includes:
- Harassment: Any speech or behavior that causes deep emotional distress.
- RMT (Real Money Trading): Advertising or participating in the buying or selling of in-game items or services for real money.
- Cheating: Using unauthorized third-party programs or exploiting game mechanics.
- Obstructive Behavior: Actions that negatively impact other players’ gameplay.
Consequences of Reporting
If a report is filed and the prohibited activity is confirmed, Square Enix will issue a penalty. Penalties range from temporary suspensions to permanent account termination, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.
Other Ways to Manage Interactions
Besides blacklisting, FFXIV offers other features to help you control your interactions with other players.
Hiding Player Names
Sometimes, you might want to temporarily hide player names to improve visibility, especially in crowded areas.
- Target Filter: Hold the “X” key (by default) to temporarily hide player nameplates. This makes it easier to select your desired target.
Hiding Your FFLogs Profile
If you wish to keep your battle performance data private, you can hide your character’s profile on FFLogs.
- Lodestone Modification: Log in to your character on the Lodestone (the official FFXIV website). In the Profile section, add the code “fflogs-hidden“. This will prevent FFLogs from displaying your character’s data.
FAQs About Blacklisting and Reporting in FFXIV
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of blacklisting and reporting in FFXIV:
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How do I know if someone has blacklisted me in FFXIV?
There’s no direct way to know if someone has blacklisted you. You will still see them on your friend list if you are friends. The only indirect way to suspect it is if you try to send them a mail and it fails.
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What is the penalty for harassment in FFXIV?
The penalty for harassment varies, but it can be a temporary service account suspension or, in severe cases, a permanent account termination.
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Can I get banned for leaving a dungeon in FFXIV?
No, you will not get banned for leaving a dungeon. While excessive leaving can result in temporary penalties like a lockout from Duty Finder, it doesn’t lead to a full ban.
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How long is a typical FFXIV ban?
Temporary service account suspensions can last for 3 days, 10 days, or 20 days, depending on the severity of the offense.
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Will I get banned for using ACT (Advanced Combat Tracker) in FFXIV?
Using ACT itself isn’t bannable, but sharing ACT data with other players who are unaware or against its use can lead to reports and potential penalties. It is highly recommended to not disclose ACT data to other players.
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What happens when you report someone in FFXIV?
Square Enix investigates the report, and if the prohibited activity is confirmed, they issue a penalty, ranging from temporary suspension to permanent account termination.
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What is considered harassment in FFXIV?
Harassment includes any speech or behavior that inflicts deep emotional distress on another person. This can include personal attacks, threats, discriminatory remarks, and other forms of abusive communication.
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Are FFXIV bans permanent?
Yes, a “Service Account Termination” is a permanent ban that revokes your access to Final Fantasy XIV.
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What can you be banned for in FFXIV?
You can be banned for various violations, including harassment, RMT, cheating, obstructive behavior, and any actions that violate the Final Fantasy XIV User Agreement and Square Enix Account Terms of Use.
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Can I delete my FFLogs account?
Yes, you can delete your FFLogs account by sending an email to [email protected] with your request.
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How do I hide my real name on Steam?
On your Steam profile, click “Edit Profile,” then “My Privacy Settings.” You can control who sees your real name there.
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Does blacklisting someone remove them from my friend list?
No, blacklisting someone does not automatically remove them from your friend list. You must remove them manually.
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Can I still be matched with a blacklisted player in Duty Finder?
Yes, blacklisting does not prevent you from being matched with them in Duty Finder content.
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If I blacklist someone, can they still see my character in the game world?
Yes, blacklisting only affects chat and private messages; it does not prevent them from seeing your character in the game world.
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Where can I find more information about acceptable player conduct in FFXIV?
You can review the Final Fantasy XIV User Agreement and Square Enix Account Terms of Use on the official Square Enix website. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for maintaining a positive gaming experience for yourself and others. Consider also checking out the Games Learning Society for insights on game design and community management at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By understanding and utilizing the tools and procedures outlined above, you can effectively manage your interactions in FFXIV and contribute to a more positive and enjoyable community for all.