Introducing the MistXI Launcher

Feb 1, 2026

We’re excited to announce the official MistXI Launcher — a complete rethink of how you connect to the server.

This isn’t just another third-party tool. It’s a purpose-built application designed specifically for MistXI, automating the tedious parts of setup while giving you full control over your game configuration.


Why a custom launcher?

Getting into privatized FFXI has always been… complicated.

Between FFXI installation, PlayOnline configuration, Ashita setup, patching workflows, and addon management, new players sometimes face hours of troubleshooting before they even see the character select screen.

Even experienced players deal with annoyances — scattered config files, manual addon updates, forgetting which settings worked last time.

We wanted to fix that.

The MistXI Launcher handles everything automatically:

  • One-click FFXI installation (if you don’t have it installed)
  • Automated patching — DSP patch, PlayOnline updates, data folder setup
  • Ashita v4 integration — automatic downloads, updates, and configuration
  • Profile system — save multiple configurations, switch instantly
  • Addon & plugin management — visual interface, no manual script editing
  • Smart privilege elevation — runs as normal user, only elevates when needed

From download to in-game in about an hour. Most of that is waiting for files to download.


What makes it different?

Unlike generic launchers, the MistXI Launcher is tailored specifically for our server but without requiring a separate copy of the game just for us.

Curated addon list
We only show addons that work well with MistXI’s 75-era focus. No more hunting through incompatible plugins or dealing with broken scripts.

Server-specific defaults
The launcher pre-configures Ashita with settings optimized for MistXI. Graphics, performance, addons — it just works, but gives you the full suite of options to tune as you wish.

Automated patching workflow
The launcher walks you through DSP installation, PlayOnline file checks, and data folder setup. No more guessing which step you’re on.

Update protection
Your addon selections are saved in mistxi.txt instead of default.txt, so Ashita updates won’t overwrite your configuration.


Key features

Profile System

Save unlimited configurations. Testing a new resolution? Switching between windowed and fullscreen? Create a profile for each setup and switch instantly.

Each profile saves:

  • Resolution and window settings
  • Graphics quality (36 individual settings)
  • Audio, input, and visual preferences
  • Enabled addons and plugins
  • Frame rate cap settings

Addon & Plugin Manager

Enable addons with checkboxes. No manual script editing. The launcher automatically:

  • Loads the addons plugin (required for /addon commands to work)
  • Generates the startup script with proper timing
  • Handles plugin dependencies
  • Updates checkboxes in real-time

Approved addons include: config, distance, drawdistance, enternity, fps, hideconsole, mapdot, minimapmon, timestamp, tparty, nomount

Approved plugins: minimap, screenshot, deeps

FPS Control

Safe frame rate limiting using Ashita’s fps addon, without the hassle:

  • 30 FPS (Default) — Natural 30 FPS, no commands
  • 60 FPS (Recommended) — Smooth gameplay for a more modern feel
  • 30 FPS (Forced) — Explicit 30 FPS lock

No more crash-prone refresh rate registry hacks.

Smart Elevation

The launcher runs as a normal user. When it needs to write to Program Files (DSP patch, data folder), it uses an embedded helper that requests elevation only when needed.

Like Steam, Discord, and other modern apps — UAC prompts only when absolutely necessary.


Getting started

New players

  1. Download the launcher
  2. Run it — the first-run wizard starts automatically
  3. Click “Download & Install FFXI” if you don’t have it, or let the wizard locate an existing install to re-use!
  4. Follow the patching workflow (DSP → PlayOnline → Data Copy) - (Not necessary for current retail players)
  5. Create an account at mistxi.com
  6. Launch and play

Existing players

  1. Download the launcher
  2. It auto-detects your FFXI installation
  3. Follow the patching workflow if you haven’t already
  4. Enable your favorite addons
  5. Launch and play

What’s next?

This is v1.1.0 — a solid foundation, but we’re not done.

Planned improvements:

  • Profile import/export
  • In-app update notifications
  • Enhanced addon discovery
  • Community-requested features

If you run into issues or have suggestions, let us know in Discord.


Technical details

Platform: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Framework: .NET 8.0 (included)
Size: ~250 MB launcher, ~15 GB for full FFXI install
License: Free, built for the MistXI community

File locations:

  • Launcher data: %LocalAppData%\MistXILauncher\
  • Logs: %LocalAppData%\MistXILauncher\logs\launcher.log
  • Ashita runtime: %LocalAppData%\MistXILauncher\runtime\ashita\

Download

Download the Latest MistXI Launcher

System requirements:

  • Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
  • .NET 8.0 Runtime (included)
  • ~15 GB free space (for FFXI + launcher)
  • Internet connection

A note on philosophy

MistXI has always been about removing friction while respecting the classic experience.

The launcher follows that same principle. It automates the tedious setup work, but it doesn’t change the game. No pay-to-win, no shortcuts, no compromises.

Just a smoother path back to Vana’diel.


Questions? Issues? Join us in Discord or check the Getting Started guide.

Welcome home, adventurer.