Final Fantasy XIV setup guide
Choose mouse and keyboard or gamepad first. Match hotbars to controls you can reach, and add a mouse, keypad, or display only when it fits the way you play.
Hardware picks
The same FFXIV hotbar map can work with different hardware. Start with the controls you already reach comfortably.
We don't run ads but we do have affiliate links for some products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Scroll sideways to compare the picks on a narrow screen.
| Control path | Pick | How it fits | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twelve-button mouse |  Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed (Black) | A fixed thumb grid can mirror the positions on a 3×4 hotbar. | Use the FFXIV MMO mouse guide to map the grid. |
| Sliding twelve-button mouse |  Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE (White) | A sliding thumb panel gives you another way to place a 12-button grid. | Choose by where the grid sits under your thumb. |
| Gamepad |  8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (White) | Use it with FFXIV’s native Cross Hotbar controls. | Set up Expanded Hold Controls and W Cross Hotbar (WXHB) in game. |
| Gamepad |  Razer Wolverine V3 Pro (Black) | Another controller option for a Cross Hotbar layout. | Check the button layout and connection mode you plan to use on PC. |
Set up your hotbars
FFXIV supports mouse and keyboard as well as gamepad controls on PC. Each path has its own in-game hotbar settings.
For a fixed grid, start with the Razer Naga V2 HyperSpeed; compare the Scimitar SE if you want a sliding panel. See the FFXIV MMO mouse guide for a step-by-step map.
Expanded Hold Controls can be set to LT→RT or RT→LT. WXHB is a separate option; after enabling its double-tap setting, double-tap LT or RT to display it.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro are controller options in the picks table; configure either through FFXIV’s Gamepad Mode and Cross Hotbar settings.
Choose a fixed thumb grid, a sliding panel, or modular 12/6/2 side plates, then map the layout to a 3×4 hotbar.
Use either with FFXIV’s Gamepad Mode and Cross Hotbar settings.
Movement and display
Standard Type uses character-based movement; Legacy Type uses camera-based movement. Try both in Character Configuration → Control Settings and keep the one you can steer predictably. Then place the party list, target information, cast bars, status effects, and job gauge where you can read them without covering the play field.
For 21:9 layout tradeoffs, see the FFXIV ultrawide setup guide.
MMOSetup / Layout notes
Compare thumb-grid geometry and ways to replicate G-Shift.
A dedicated left-hand keypad can put movement on the thumb pad while nearby keys cover action binds.
Baseline setup
Once your controls are picked, lock finished hotbars, back up the configuration, and test the busiest part of your rotation before adding gear.
A shared physical map makes job changes less disruptive. Recheck the layout when you change platform or pick up a job with a very different hotbar shape.
Best when cursor targeting, chat, menus, and dense hotbars are part of every session.
Best if you would rather fight with cross-hotbar layers and controller movement.
Useful when a three-by-four thumb grid saves keyboard reach and stays consistent across jobs. Start with a lighter fixed grid or a sliding panel; use the Naga V2 HyperSpeed for a fixed grid or the Scimitar SE for a sliding panel.
Keep a mouse or keyboard available even when the controller or MMO mouse handles combat.
Place the party list, target information, cast bars, status effects, and job gauge where the active role can read them without covering mechanics.
Use one primary control scheme. A mouse grid should mirror hotbar positions, while a gamepad should build around cross-hotbar layers.
Scale and move HUD elements by reading distance and role. Keep critical information near the play field and utility panels farther out.
Separate encounter cues, party voice, and game music. Keep the sounds that tell you when to move or react.
Keep the keyboard, mouse, or controller within a repeatable reach. Job changes should not require rebuilding the desk.
Guides
Ultrawide displays, MMO mice, keypads, Mac mouse software, and controllers. Buying a gift? See the MMO gamer gift guide.
21:9 gameplay, letterboxed cutscenes, centered HUD bands, and monitor picks.
FFXIVChoose by grid position and thumb reach, then map stable hotbar positions across jobs.
Choose a keypad input mode, map stable hotbar roles, and keep the keyboard fallback.
Check the current configuration-software path before buying for the Mac client.
The dedicated Naga left-hand grid versus a lower-button ambidextrous fallback.
Gamepad players still need a documented Windows connection path and a layout they already know.
Compare
Open a head-to-head when two named models are already on the list.
Fixed 12-button grid versus a sliding thumb panel.
The Wolverine adds four back buttons and two extra bumpers; the 8BitDo pairs two rear paddles with a charging dock.
Equipment comparisons
Compare multi-client space, refresh, and static-HUD tradeoffs.
4K 144Hz multi-client space versus 21:9 at 60Hz with 90W USB-C and KVM.
FAQ
Settle controls and hotbars before you shortlist gear.
The PC version supports mouse and keyboard and gamepad controls. Mouse and keyboard uses configurable hotbars and cursor controls; gamepad uses the Cross Hotbar. Choose the path whose movement, targeting, and action binds you can repeat comfortably.
No. A 12-button grid can mirror a 3×4 hotbar, but it helps only if you can reach and distinguish the buttons. Keep your current mouse if its hotbars are easy to use.
Choose a control path, arrange readable hotbars, set targeting and movement, and try the busiest part of a job with your regular binds. Back up settings before making major changes.
Keep the same physical controls for familiar roles across jobs, then change which action each hotbar slot triggers. The positions can stay stable even when actions change.
Open System → Character Configuration → Hotbar Settings → Display → Hotbar Display Settings and set a hotbar to 3×4, or adjust it in HUD Layout. Then assign FFXIV keybinds to positions on your mouse grid. Hotbar shape changes appearance; it does not assign mouse buttons by itself.
Choose Gamepad Mode, then open Character Configuration → Hotbar Settings → Custom to configure Expanded Hold Controls and enable WXHB double-tap activation. Choose LT→RT or RT→LT. WXHB display options are under Character Configuration → Hotbar Settings → Cross. After enabling double-tap activation, double-tap LT or RT to display it.
A 21:9 display gives the HUD more horizontal space, but it does not automatically move or resize UI elements. Place important information where you can scan it, and see the FFXIV ultrawide setup guide for layout tradeoffs.
Sources
For specific hardware picks, see the mouse and keypad guides.
FFXIV lets you choose mouse and keyboard or gamepad controls, then adjust them in the in-game Keybind and Configuration menus.
FFXIV operation manualFFXIV view manualChanging the shape of hotbarsExpanded Hold ControlsUsing the W Cross HotbarSquare Enix user agreement
Use the mouse keybind visualizer after you settle on your FFXIV hotbar map.
