Getting Started

Install Final Fantasy XI

You need an existing FFXI client installation with all expansions through Seekers of Adoulin. If you don't have one, install it through the official PlayOnline installer — a retail subscription or purchase is not required to connect that client to Scythe.

Official FFXI Client Installer

Do not install replacement DAT files. Scythe uses the clean retail FFXI client and does not require a DAT pack. Never replace VTABLE.DAT, FTABLE.DAT, or files inside the ROM folders to connect.

If you installed the previously linked Scythe DAT archive, restore a clean client with the official PlayOnline file check or reinstall FFXI before launching Scythe. Do not copy those DAT files into another installation.

Download the Scythe Bootloader Bundle

A bootloader directs your FFXI client to Scythe. The supported path is Ashita v4 with LandSandBoat xiloader 1.1.5. Install Ashita in its own folder, such as C:\Ashita, then place xiloader.exe somewhere inside that folder, such as C:\Ashita\bootloader\xiloader.exe.

Install Ashita v4 Get xiloader 1.1.5

Scythe currently requires the LandSandBoat xiloader 1.1.x protocol; 1.1.5 is the latest compatible release. Do not replace it with xiloader 2.x unless this page is updated after the login server is upgraded.

Windower is also supported if you prefer it. Both work fine. The key requirement is a 1.1.x-compatible xiloader that can redirect the FFXI client to a custom server address.

Create an Account

Account creation is self-service and takes about a minute. Start the Scythe boot profile, choose Create Account in xiloader, and enter the username and password you want to use. After xiloader confirms creation, choose Login and use those same credentials.

You may use up to two accounts per player for dual-boxing, with both online simultaneously. Keep your credentials safe — lost passwords cannot be recovered automatically.

If anyone else has seen your password, change it first. Choose Change Password in xiloader and set a new, unique password before signing in to the website. Enter it only in xiloader or the secure Scythe login page; staff will never ask for it in Discord or chat.

Configure the Connection

Copy an Ashita boot profile to config/boot/scythe.ini, then set its bootloader and connection command like this (adjust the file path if you placed xiloader elsewhere):

[ashita.launcher]
name = Scythe

[ashita.boot]
file = C:\Ashita\bootloader\xiloader.exe
command = --server 212.28.177.210

Launch it with ashita-cli.exe scythe.ini. No extra port flag is required: the compatible xiloader uses Scythe's standard login ports automatically (authentication 54231, data 54230, and view 54001).

Launch and Play

Start your bootloader, log in, and you're in Vana'diel. Create a character, pick a starting nation, and you're ready to go. Your character automatically receives every map and a server linkpearl on first login.

Your first move in-game: type !buff to turn on the levelling buff (scaling Regen/Refresh/Regain + 200% EXP), then !cc to warp to Chocobo Circuit — the custom hub zone with the auction house, crafting guild vendors, crystal moogle, Advanced Support NPC, and mission-item shop.