If you’re a Final Fantasy XIV console player, you may not know how many third-party PC tools players can use. This not only includes DPS-focused ones, such as the FFXIV Plug-In for Active Combat Tracker (ACT), but also glamours, additional customizations, and more. As of last Friday, the most popular customization-sharing plugin, Mare Synchronos, officially ended its services.
Today, we’ll go over what is Mare Synchronos, FFXIV’s stance on third-party tools, and how should affected players move on. If you or someone you know might benefit from some closure, feel free to read on!
What is the Mare Synchronos Plugin About?
Please note the following summary was verified with players who have used Mare Synchronos previously. They, along with Icy Veins, have no relation to the development nor ending of the third-party tool.
For those unaware, Mare Synchronos is a third-party tool that allowed other users to see enabled player customizations or plugins. Named after Mare Lamentorum, this third-party plugin began gaining popularity in Endwalker. For example, players could use Mare Synchronos to see other character details or modifications, or see friends’ custom emotes not available natively.
Active users commonly referred to the plugin as Mare Lamentorum when discussing in-game, or as part of their Search Info. When previewing a character’s Adventurer Plate, if you saw “Mare,” “Mare Lamentorum,” or similar, they were likely a Mare Synchronos plugin user.
Just to clarify: not all PC players use Mare Synchronos. While this tool has a large following, you’ve never required the use of a third-party tool to play FFXIV as you like. Mare Synchronos could be used by anyone who installed it for any reason. For example, the plugin allowed others to download customization data with permission, or discover new users from a public “Syncshell“.
Based off the idea of linkshells, users could share their customizations within a community via a public Syncshell. This is a feature in Mare Synchronos where joined users could sync with a customization database, and see all enabled customizations from other users in the Syncshell. As long as you were connected, you could see everyone’s customizations and everyone in the Syncshell could see yours.
So as you can imagine, Mare Synchronos is a very powerful tool for socializing with communities, and could possibly take up over 50% of your hard drive space. Third-party tools don’t have regulated storage restrictions, after all!
Why Did Mare Synchronos Shut Down?
Based on the Mare Synchronos developer’s statement, they stopped Mare Synchronos’s development entirely due to a “legal inquiry”. This included removing the various repositories (client, server, and API), as well as cancelling their Patreon, Ko-Fi, and various funding tiers. The statement was shared over various third-party tool Discord servers, Reddit, and other social media platforms. As of this time, there are no additional notices from Mare Synchronos regarding the matter.
What’s Square Enix Doing About This?
Now, let’s get some things straight. FFXIV has always had a very clear stance when it comes to third-party tools. They can’t identify every third-party tool in existence, so they choose to prohibit all third-party tools. Even if it’s harmless, if Square Enix hears about a third-party tool, development must cease and desist.
If you’re unfamiliar, or it’s been a while, check out the official Lodestone post where they addressed the matter. Always keep this in mind, Warriors of Light: all third-party tools are a privilege to have, and privileges can be taken away without notice. If it’s not within the game’s Terms of Service, don’t expect it to last forever.
This doesn’t mean the FFXIV developers aren’t listening to its community at all. Many quality-of-life features today are from community requests, whether it be on the official forums or by unnamed third-party tools. For example: expanded waymarks and markers, planning whiteboards (releasing in Patch 7.4 or later), outfit glamours, better Aetheryte shard teleports, and more. If you want something added, tell them through official channels!
How is the FFXIV Community Responding?
Many users on various platforms, including X, the r/FFXIV subreddit, and even Steam reviews, all have their own speculations. But regardless, players should not expect Mare Synchronos to return again. Remember to stay vigilant with your safety, as bad actors may take advantage of the situation!
Notably, many players think they can continue to enjoy plugins as long as they do not speak of it. For example, one user over on X shared a Discord screenshot of someone discussing Syncshells, stating “until people either learn or we have a good moderation option for [discussing plugins], we’re turning [Syncshells] off for now”. (Warning: Profanity use)
Though the image could be fake, there are a few takeaways. Regardless whether you use third-party tools, all players should keep the following in mind:
- If you are caught using any third-party tool, your account can be temporarily suspended or permanently banned.
- Mare Synchronos required its own server to run, which suggests development is expensive. Be aware of supporting third-party tools haphazardly, as Square Enix cannot reimburse you for any possible complications.
- Mare Synchronos is independent of other third-party tools. This means if you have plugins or other modifications, they are not yet affected. However, due to the recency of the previous Cease & Desist, please learn to be more independent or let go of these third-party tools entirely.
- You never required third-party tools to enjoy FFXIV or build friendships. Though the game has its flaws, use your creativity in other ways. You can commission artists or pick up a new hobby. Enjoyment doesn’t need much beyond your imagination.
Keep your heads up, Warriors of Light! The end of a third-party tool does not mean everything else must end too. Remember to take breaks! Perhaps one day we’ll enjoy a community not built on third-party tools in FFXIV.
