Netplay Guide: Difference between revisions

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Netplay is a defining feature of Dolphin: it allows you to connect any GameCube or Wii game for online play, without the problems or limitations of the [[Wii Network Guide|Nintendo WiFi Connection]] or hassle of [[Broadband Adapter|BBA]]. It is improving regularly, and while it is a bit finicky at the moment it is very playable and reliable with the right settings. This guide outlines what you need for reliable online play with Dolphin.
Netplay is a defining feature of Dolphin: it allows you to set up online sessions for any GameCube or Wii title with a local multiplayer mode, without the problems or limitations of the [[Wii Network Guide|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] or hassle of the [[Broadband Adapter|BBA]]. It is improving regularly, and GameCube Netplay should be painless. Wii Netplay is much more temperamental and should be treated as an experimental feature for advanced users.  Netplay is only for the Desktop version of Dolphin. Dolphin on Android does not currently support Netplay.


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|<blockquote>"The person I'm playing with seems to be moving around strangely but he says that I'm the one moving weirdly. What happened?"</blockquote>
|<blockquote>"The person I'm playing with seems to be moving around strangely but he says that I'm the one moving weirdly. What happened?"</blockquote>


This is a desync. Basically what both of you are seeing are two different games. See [[#Desync Troubleshooting]]
This is a desync. Basically what both of you are seeing are two different games. See [[#Desync Troubleshooting|Desync Troubleshooting]]
|}
|}


== Requirements ==
== Requirements ==
*Internet requirements are very light: any DSL or Cable internet connection should do. However, the internet demands rapidly increase as more players are added.
*The game you want to play <b>MUST</b> be in every player and/or spectator's gamelist.
*Game disc images between players must have matching region and game revision. ISO, WBFS and other compression formats are OK. The player who do not have a game on one's end will face the "Game not found" error message. The game must be added to Dolphin game list if hasn't already.
*Bandwidth requirements are very light: any DSL or Cable internet connection should do. However, the internet demands rapidly increase as more players are added. Because the latency (ping) of the internet connection determines how low input latency can get, using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi usually improves the gameplay experience.
*If hosting behind a router, port forwarding will be necessary (There are many different instructions available online for it. Google is your friend). Dolphin operates on a Peer to Peer architecture, meaning that there is no master server. Instead you must manually setup and host games with people beforehand. This allows Dolphin's netplay to have the lowest possible latency.
*Each player must have their own copy of the game, and the region and game revision of all copies must match. While most compressed game formats are compatible with standard ISOs (with NKit being a notable exception), it is heavily recommended that all players use identical dumps.
*The player will need to ensure that all firewalls allow Dolphin to send and receive packets.
*All players must use the same Dolphin version. Newer Dolphin versions are more likely to have fixes for Netplay. Many users opt to use the latest beta versions from the [https://dolphin-emu.org official website]. It can be isolated from your main Dolphin profile by using [[Help:Contents#Portable.txt|"portable.txt"]] or creating a [[Help:Contents#Command Line Options|special shortcut]]. Dolphin will not allow users to use mismatched versions for Netplay, to prevent desyncs.
*All players should use the same Dolphin build, preferably the latest development build from [http://dolphin-emu.org http://dolphin-emu.org]. It is favorable to have a dedicated Dolphin profile for Netplay for the special settings and save files. It can be isolated from your main Dolphin profile by using [[Controlling the Global User Directory#Disable the Global User Directory for a Specific Build with "portable.txt"|"portable.txt"]] or create a [[Controlling the Global User Directory#Use a Shortcut to Use a Specific User Directory for a Specific Build|special shortcut]].


== Setting Up Dolphin ==
== Setting Up Dolphin ==
{|class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em;"
|
<span style="border:1px solid #AAAAAA; margin:0px; font-size:90%; background-color:#99ff99;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> Will not cause desync if different<br />
<span style="border:1px solid #AAAAAA; margin:0px; font-size:90%; background-color:#fff9c6;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> MAY cause desync if different (Conditional)<br />
<span style="border:1px solid #AAAAAA; margin:0px; font-size:90%; background-color:#ff9999;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> Will cause desync if different<br />
<span style="border:1px solid #AAAAAA; margin:0px; font-size:90%; background-color:#dd6666;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> Will cause desync if else<br />
<b>Default/recommended setting in bold</b>
|}


Memory card of any kinds must be copied across every computers that players intended to use for netplay. Memory Cards for GameCube can be synchronized or disabled, meanwhile players may have to copy SD card to other computers themselves. Wii save files are currently disabled as of {{revision|4.0-6512}}. This means users do not need to synchronize Wii NANDs any longer, but cannot save in exchange.
Your Netplay Experience will greatly vary depending on what version of Dolphin that you are using.  Because Dolphin 5.0 is lacking so many netplay features, we highly recommend to use either the latest available beta or dev build.  Dolphin 5.0 won't have have Wii Save Synchronization ({{revision|5.0-8478}}), Automated Settings Synchronization ({{revision|5.0-8502}}), Cheat Code Synchronization ({{revision|5.0-9032}}), Synchronize All Wii Saves ({{revision|5.0-9037}}) as well as protections for recovering saves if Netplay crashes.  If you're looking to play a Wii title that requires using Wii Remotes and/or their attachments, it is highly recommended to use {{revision|5.0-17527}} or newer as Wii Remote Netplay has been rewritten and standardized to netplay conventions.
 
If you're inexperienced with netplay, then the biggest rule of thumb is not to change too much and try to follow this guide, as it will go through most of the important things to know.  The following information reflects the latest available development build as of its writing.
 
== Starting a Netplay Session ==
 
A Netplay Session in Dolphin is started <i>before</i> actually running a game.  You can setup a netplay session from the Tools Menu -> Start Netplay Session for options for joining or hosting a netplay session.  If you wish to join a public netplay session, you can use the [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2019/04/06/netplay-server-browser/ "Netplay Server Browser"] available in {{revision|5.0-8478}} or newer.
 
=== Hosting a Netplay Session ===
 
If you wish to host netplay session, there are a few things to keep in mind.  You'll have the option to select a specific port, along with host via direct connection or the traversal server.  You can also set a name for yourself so that you can be identified in the player list.
 
*The player with the best internet, and in the geographic center when playing with 3 or more players, makes for the best host for slowest input latency.
*The host player should not be on a network with a Strict NAT.  Any player on a Strict NAT, even joining, may need to manually port forward.  On more permissive NATs, the traversal server option will allow you to host <i>without port forwarding.</i>
*Port Forwarding is different for every router/modem, so we cannot give exact instructions or how to do it.  If you do not have admin access to your router, you may not have the option of Port Forwarding.
 
{{Image|TraversalDirect.png|You can swap behind direct connect and traversal server in the host netplay session tab.|br}}
 
Once you've selected a game and are finished, you'll enter the host netplay menu.  If you've hosted via the traversal server, then you'll have a code to distribute to the players.  Otherwise, you'll need to distribute your IP and port.  Note that if you're behind multiple routers, there may be additional complications.  You may need to manually obtain your IP Address if Dolphin displays a local one when using Direct Connect.
 
Do note that you can host on the traversal server, but still allow certain users to direct connect if you trust them with your IP.  This is particularly useful for LAN games, where the traversal server connection method will not work.  You can allow outside players to connect over the traversal server while you can have local players connect directly with your IP and port.  Note that using the Traversal Server does not add any latency - it is only used for connectivity.
 
The host of the netplay session has additional responsibilities, such as configuring the input buffer, enabling/disabling various netplay features, and assigning netplay controllers for all of the players.
 
=== Joining a Netplay Session ===
 
Joining a netplay session is simple.  Simply set your name to whatever you want it to be, and enter the host's traversal code or IP address depending on how they've hosted.  If using direct connection, you'll need to connect via the host's IP Address and the port they are hosting on.  Once you've joined the netplay session, you simply need to wait until the host starts the game.
 
{{Image|NetplayClient.png|You can join a session from this screen.|br}}
 
=== Unable to Connect ===
 
If you're unable to connect, there are a multitude of common reasons.
 
*<b>Strict NAT</b>: If the host or clients have a Strict NAT, the traversal server may not work for connection.  The host must manually port forward in this case and all clients will have to use direct connect with the IP address and port forwarded.
*<b>Firewall issues</b>: If the users firewall blocks Dolphin and it cannot communicate with the internet, then netplay will not work.  If you run an aggresive firewall, be sure to make an exception for Dolphin so it can communicate over the internet.
*<b>Version Incompatibilities</b>: Older builds of Dolphin did not warn users if their Dolphin builds were incompatible.  This means that sometimes netplay may fail to join without any notification.  Newer builds have an error message specifically for this.
 
Because every router is different, you may need to consult a guide specific to your router in order to port forward.
 
== Configuring a Netplay Session ==
 
=== Configuring Netplay Buffer and How to use the Data Tab ===
 
Once a session is hosted, the host has the opportunity to adjust netplay settings before actually starting the game.  These settings may be crucial to the enjoyment of your netplay session, so please review them carefully.
 
{{Image|NetplayDataTab.png|The host will have access to more options than clients|br}}
 
*<b>Buffer</b>:  At the bottom of the screen is the buffer option.  Buffer is the amount of latency added to inputs.  If you're noticing slowdown and stuttering <i>even</i> on very low impact scenes like a game's splash screens, odds are the buffer is too low and you might need to increase it.  A simple formula that is accurate for most titles is <b>1 pad buffer per 15 ms</b> of latency per client. Two players at 50 ms latency would be roughly 3 - 4 buffer, where as three players at 50 and 65 ms would be roughly 7 buffer.  Depending on your computer's performance (higher performance computers finish frames sooner, meaning slightly less buffer may be needed) and the quality of your internet, you may need to adjust this.  Sometimes poll more/less than others, which may result in the formula not working at all.
*<b>No Save Data</b>: This setting is when you're playing a game that does not need save data and you do not need to record your progress.  The netplay session will be entirely contained inside of itself, and will not permanently save any data.
*<b>Load Host's Save Data Only</b>:  This setting loads the host's save for the netplay title, but will not save any progress. Can be useful when using stock saves on games like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Brawl.
*<b>Load and Write Host's Save Data</b>:  This setting loads the host's save for the game, and will update the host's save as you progress.  This setting is particularly useful for long-form game sessions.  **Note**: Clients do not get their saves overwritten by this setting.  Their local saves will be unaffected.
*<b>Sync All Wii Saves</b>: This synchronizes all Wii Save Data instead of just the active title's save data for the netplay session.  Useful if you're booting a romhack that uses different savedata than the actual file you're loading.  Example: Project M uses a .elf, but loads savedata from the NAND under a different title name.
*<b>Sync AR/Gecko Codes</b>: This option synchronizes which Action Replay and Gecko Codes are enabled between players.  The codes enabled on the host's computer will automatically be enabled on clients when the netplay game starts.  Note that it only synchronizes which codes are enabled, it will not transfer new codes between players.  If this feature causes problems, it may be because the codes differ in each player's install of Dolphin.
*<b>Strict Settings Sync</b>: This setting more aggressively synchronizes various volatile settings in Dolphin, such as minor Graphics Settings such as Internal Resolution.  This can be used if you have a desync caused by a setting that you cannot identify.
 
=== Network Tab ===
 
{{Image|NetplayNetworkTab.png|Network Tab lets you change how inputs are synchronized.|br}}
 
*<b>Fair Input Delay</b>: Dolphin's default netplay setting.  This splits buffer between all players, resulting in all players having the same input delay.  Best for games in which all players need to act at once.
*<b>Host Input Authority</b>: Host Input Authority mode gives the host zero latency, but makes each player only responsible for their own buffer to the host.  The base latency for clients is doubled, but this can result in a lower overall latency when playing with 4 players over great distances.
*<b>Golf Mode</b>: Golf Mode is Host Input Authority mode <i>except</i> you now have the power to swap which player has zero latency.  This is perfect for multiplayer games that only have one player acting at a time.  This mode is incompatible with Wii Remote netplay.
 
=== Checksum ===
 
The Checksum tab is a very powerful tool for verifying files that Dolphin cannot synchronize between players.  It can be used to check and see if every player has a proper, matching dump of the game attempting to be loaded.  If you're having desyncs that you cannot solve through other methods, be sure to use the checksum tab to verify that everyone's game (and SD card, if applicable for the game you're playing) matches.
 
{{Image|NetplayChecksumTab.png|This tab lets you verify the current game, other games, and the SD Card.|br}}
 
=== Other ===
 
The other tab has a few extra settings that are applicable in rare situations.  These are extra settings you may or may not want to have on, and some of these settings can be accessed by the client.
 
{{Image|NetplayOtherTab.png|The other settings are for very specific situations.|br}}
 
*<b>Record Inputs</b>: Records inputs for the current netplay session.  Will not work if you change the netplay buffer while the netplay session is running.
*<b>Show Golf Mode Overlay</b>: Provides a small window in the actual Dolphin render window that allows you to swap who is the current player that has no latency.
*<b>Hide Remote GBAs</b>: This setting is specifically for GBA <-> GCN Netplay titles.  When this setting is enabled, each player will only be able to see/hear the main Dolphin render window, and the GBA assigned to them.  This is perfect for games like Four Swords Adventures and Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles where the game only gives certain information to certain players.
 
== Setting Up Netplay Controllers ==
 
Setting up netplay controllers is a very simple system. Note that as of ({{revision|5.0-9037}}), Wii Remotes now follow the standard configuration procedure. If you need to use Wii Remote netplay on an older build, please skip to the later part of the guide.
 
=== Setting Up Standard Controllers for Netplay ===
 
When using a Standard Controller for netplay, it's very simple to configure things.  If there is one player on each computer, then Dolphin will automatically map things correctly on its own.
 
{{Image|NetplayControllerTypicalConfiguration.png|Dolphin automatically assigns one GC controller to each player that joins.|br}}
 
In this setting, Dolphin takes whatever configuration is in Controller Port 1 of User and maps it to port 1 of the netplay session.  For User 2, it takes whatever controller is mapped to Controller Port 1 and maps it to port 2 of the netplay session.  This means whatever configuration is in controller port 1 for each player is used for their netplay controller.  This keeps things simple, so that a player doesn't have to map port 4 just to play on netplay - Dolphin will grab from the first available port!  This applies for up to 4 separate players.  This is specifically for when one player is on each computer.
 
{{Image|NetplayControllerTypicalConfiguration4player.png|Dolphin automatically assigns one GC controller to each player that joins.|br}}
 
Remember, each player <b>does not</b> need to configure the controller for the port they are in with this situation.  Dolphin will grab whatever controller profile is configured to the first GameCube Controller Port in Options -> Controller Settings.
 
{{Image|ControllerConfiguration.png|Dolphin pulls input configurations from the first controller on each computer.|br}}
 
As a note, the <i>Native GameCube Adapter for Wii U</i> is also supported, and just needs to be assigned to the first controller port in this example.
 
=== Setting up Standard Controllers When More Than One Player is on a single PC ===
 
If you have two or more friends connecting from the same computer, you can give a single computer multiple controllers.  In this example, the user labeled "friends" has two players wanting to play from the same computer.  In this case, the host goes to "Assign Controller Ports" and simply gives that player's computer two controller ports.
 
{{Image|NetplayMultiplePlayerson1PC.png|It's simple to play with two or more players on one computer!|br}}
 
Now "friends"'s computer will have control of controller ports 2 and 3 during the game.  However, much like before, they only need to configure the first two ports of the Controller Configuration page.  Dolphin will give the first controller's profile to the first assigned instance of their PC, and the second controller's profile to the second assigned friend.  This can be done with the host as well, by simply assigning the host's computer to multiple controller slots.
 
=== Setting up a Spectator ===
 
If you want someone to be able to watch without impacting latency, you can do that simply by removing them from any of the controller slots.  If a spectator's computer lags, the actual netplay match won't be disrupted and the spectator will simply fall behind.


Rule of thumb is that most settings should be set to default and you are expected to follow specific settings where the instruction (made by host or matchmaking websites) has told you to set before playing online.
=== Controlling GBAs on Netplay ===


=== General Configuration ===
Since {{Revision|5.0-14690}}, Dolphin can use GBA Controllers on netplay via the Integrated GBA powered by mGBA.  This can be used to play GBA <-> GCN games on netplay.  For games like the The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, you can assign one player to play the main game and another to play the Tingle Tuner.  On Four Swords Adventures, you can assign each player a GBA for multiplayer mayhem.  The list goes on, and even Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD battles can be played on netplay... with some extra setup.  Please refer to the [https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Integrated_GBA the Integrated GBA guide] to make sure your Integrated GBA is functioning correctly before attempting to use netplay.  Each player must have a GBA BIOS configured that the Integrated GBA can automatically load.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! General
! Interface
! Audio
! GameCube
! Wii
! Path
! Advanced
|-


|
The same rules apply for GBA controllers - Dolphin will pull from the first controller profile possible from each computer when assigning controls.  If a computer is given multiple controllers, it'll assign the first port, then the second, etc.  This means each player will need to at least configure the Integrated GBA in port 1 in order for their controls to work.  If you have not configured it yet, it will use the default controls which may not be suitable for normal gameplay.
{|
| Basic Settings
{|
| bgcolor=#ff9999|
Enable Dual Core: <b>ON</b><br />
Enable Idle Core: <b>ON</b>
|-
| bgcolor=#fff9c6|
Enable Cheats: <b>OFF</b><br />
Framelimit: <b>Auto</b>
|}
|}


{|
{{Image|NetplayPreppingIntegratedGBA.png|Example of a configured Integrated GBA.}}
| Advanced Settings
{{Image|GBASaveSettings.png|GBA BIOS can be configured in Configuration -> GameCube Tab.|br}}
{|
| bgcolor=#99ff99| (Settings synced)
|}
|}


| bgcolor=#99ff99| (No desync)
You <b>do not</b> need Integrated GBA currently set as the controller in the port.  The important thing is to just make sure that the controls are set so that Dolphin has an input profile to pull from.  For netplay, the GBA itself is actually enabled in the Netplay Window under Assign Controller Ports.  Let's say that Player 1 is controlling Link in Wind Waker and Player 2 is controlling the Tingle Tuner.


|
{{Image|NetplayPlayer2GBA.png|Player 1 is a GameCube Controller, while Player 2 is a GBA.|br}}
{|
{{Image|WindWakerGBANetplay.png|With "Hide Remote GBAs" only player 2 can see the GBA screen!|br}}
| DSP Emulator Engine
{|
| bgcolor=#ff9999|<b>DSP HLE emulation</b>
|}
|}


|
Assigning multiple players to GBAs is just as simple as checking more of the boxes.
{|
| IPL Settings
{|
|
|}
|}


{|
{{Image|FourSwordsNetplay.png|Without Hide Remote GBAs enabled, the other players can see exactly where you're hiding!|br}}
| Device Settings
{|
| bgcolor=#ff9999|
Slot A: <b>Memory Card</b><br />
Slot B: <b><nowiki><</nowiki>Nothing<nowiki>></nowiki></b><br />
SP1: <b><nowiki><</nowiki>Nothing<nowiki>></nowiki></b>
|}
|}


|
=== Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD Netplay ===
{|
| Misc Settings
{|
| bgcolor=#99ff99| (Settings synced)
|}
|}


{|
The two Pokemon titles are among the most complicated to play on netplay simply because they require GBA ROMs of the GBA games, and they require savefiles.  All of the same rules apply that apply for normal netplay, with a few more limitations
| Device Settings
{|
| bgcolor=#ff9999| Insert SD Card: <b>OFF</b>
|-
| Connect USB Keyboard
|}
|}


| bgcolor=#cccccc| (User setup)
*<b>Host and Clients must configure the default GBA ROM to the game they want to go in that GBA for each GBA that is playing.</b>
*<b>All players must send their GBA saves to the host</b>
*<b>Host must make sure to assign the correct port to each savefile to ensure it is loaded for netplay.</b>


|
If everything is done correctly, each player can reset their personal GBA (by right clicking on it and hitting reset) in order to reload the BIOS and trigger connectivity when the GameCube game is ready.
{|
| CPU Options
{|
| bgcolor=#99ff99| (Settings synced)
|}
|}


|}
{{Image|PokemonColosseumGBANetplay.png|With a lot of setup, you can do online pokemon battles!|br}}


*Idle skipping doesn't affect Netplay, only movie playback, so it can be left on.
=== Netplay with Wii Remotes ===


*Deterministic Dualcore Netplay is now merged into master. While compatibility is not perfect, it should allow more games to synchronize on dualcore with three exceptions. Games that require Skip EFB Access to CPU, Store EFB Copies to Texture Only and/or Disable XFB unchecked will are not guaranteed to sync up.  There are exceptions to this, but single core is recommended in games that require those settings. As well, some games are not compatible with deterministic dualcore netplay and will hang.  Disabling Dualcore will provide better compatibility but lower performance.
As of {{revision|5.0-17527}}, Wii Remotes mostly work the same as other controllers.  You have to use Emulated Wii Remotes on netplay. If you would prefer to use Real Wii Remotes on netplay, you must do that through Emulated Wii Remotes via the <i>Connect Wii Remotes for Emulated Controllers</i>.  Your Wii Remote will now show up as an emulated controller that can be assigned buttons, and with Dolphin's <i>Wii Remote with MotionPlus Pointing (Stock)</i> profile, you can automatically assign everything exactly how it would be if you were using it directly as a real Wii RemoteThe "Real Wii Remote" controller option itself is not supported on netplay.


=== Graphics Configuration ===
==== Using Wii Remote Netplay prior to {{revision|5.0-17527}} ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! General
! Enhancements
! Hacks
! Advanced
|-


| bgcolor=#99ff99| (No desync)
On older builds, Wii Remote Netplay was a lot more confusing to setup due to the fact that controllers were not automatically reordered like with standard controllers. Each player must set a configuration profile to the <b>Wii Remote Slot they will be using on netplay.</b>  That means if you are the host and using Wii Remote 1, you must have the first Emulated Wii Remote configured to your controller on your computer.  If you are a client joining and you are assigned to Wii Remote 2, you must have Emulated Wii Remote 2 configured with your controls.  In order to prevent desyncs, all players should configure the correct attachments to all controllers.  Though Dolphin <i>should</i> attempt to synchronize attachments, it has been known to have issues.  If you are using a physical Wii Remote connected as an emulated controller you do not have to set the attachment ahead of time as the stock profile automatically configures it.


| bgcolor=#99ff99| (No desync)
{{Image|NetplayPlayer2WiiRemote2.png|Player 2 on Netplay must have their controls setup for Wii Remote 2|br}}


|
Wii Remotes in general are very sensitive to desyncs, and there is a chance that any kind of desync will cause netplay to entirely crash.  We recommend Wii Remote netplay is only attempted by advanced Dolphin users.  If a Wii game supports GameCube controllers, we highly recommend using them when possible.  Wii Remote Netplay should be considered an experimental feature.
{|
| Embedded Frame Buffer
{|
| bgcolor=#ff9999| Skip EFB Access from CPU: <b>OFF</b>
|}
|}


| bgcolor=#99ff99| (No desync)
== Desync Trouble Shooting ==


|}
There are many reasons as to why a desync could happen.  These are the most common reasons we've seen for a potential desync.


*EFB Access to CPU and Store EFB Copies to Texture Only must be the same on all PCs. On Dualcore Netplay, it's highly recommended that both are checked.
=== Mismatched ISOs ===


*Enhancements can mostly be turned on or off without incident on higher end processors. The only exception to this is when an enhancement breaks a game, such EFB Copy readback.
For lockstep netplay to work, all players must create an identical emulated environment on all PCs. If one player has an ISO with a defect, then they may not sync with other players.  Please refer to the Checksum options explained above for more on how to detect these issues.


=== Controller Settings ===
=== Mismatched SD Card ===
*Enable and configure GameCube controller port 1 for your controller (this applies to both host and joiners) then enable other ports corresponding number of players willing to join and leave them dummy "plugged in". Any additional local players should use second or third ports.


*Wiimotes bindings work more or less the same way as GameCube Controller settings, however only emulated Wii Remotes should be used. Real Wii Remotes do not work very well on netplay. They are subject to random failures on startup even when perfectly setup. Even beyond that, the attachments for the Wii Remotes must not be used. They will always cause desync. If users insist with using real Wii Remotes, monitor the netplay chatbox for desync on startup then restart the emulator when it happens.
If you have the SD Card enabled in the Options -> Configuration -> Wii tab, then it may be the cause of your desyncs. We recommend unchecking it whenever possible for Wii Netplay.  If you must use the SD Card as part of your netplay session, please ensure that the SD Card is identical before starting with the SD Card option in the Checksum tab in the netplay Window.


== Netplay Settings ==
=== Netplay Between Different Recompilers ===


=== How to set the Pad buffer ===
The AArch64 JIT and the x86-64 JIT can produce very slightly different code which is enough to trip Dolphin's desync detection. Usually these desyncs do not actually affect the game, but it also means that desync checker won't be able to detect more serious desyncs. We do not recommend netplay between different CPU architectures unless all players involved are advanced users.
Because input on the GameCube and Wii are polled by non-frame intervals, buffer does not directly relate to frames and can even vary per game. Lower the buffer as much as possible without causing slowdown for an optimal experience, ideally in areas that insure there isn't computer related slowdown such as a menu. In most games, add 1 roughly pad buffer per 15ms of latency per client. Two players at 50ms latency would be roughly 3 - 4 buffer, where as three players at 50 and 65 ms would be roughly 7 buffer.


=== Assigning Controller Ports ===
=== Memory Card Desyncs ===
By default, only players of the first port on each computers will be used. The host will be player one, and the first joiner will be player two, and so on. But the host can change the port order and invite the secondary players of the same computer. To do so, simply hit the "Assign Controller Ports" button, then add and/or order their names to the port number respectively.


=== Setting a Spectator ===
If you do not enable save syncing but have memory cards enabled, you may cause a desync. We recommend enabling save syncing to bypass this.
A Spectator is a connected computer that has no controllers assigned to them. This can be done by going to the "Configure Pads" window (only host has access to it) and remove the spectator's name from any of the controller ports. The spectator will not cause lag or latency but can still watch the netplay session.


== Desync Troubleshooting ==
=== Wii Remote Desyncs ===
Double check your settings and confirm if you and other players have good ISO dump. {{revision|4.0-6638}} added the ability to detect desyncs. Watch the textbox for if it notices desyncs, as very often it will be able to tell the game has desynced before the players and may help them pinpoint the problem.


Netplay has matured considerably in recent time, but still requires user competency and problem solving to get over some of the hurdles.
Wii Remotes are extremely touchy with how they're configured and if they're configured improperly, they may cause desyncs on their own.  In order to test if the Wii Remotes are the cause of the desync, you can simply assign GC controllers instead of Wii Remotes for the game.  Even if you can't control the game, if you see that the game runs without desyncs without Wii Remotes configured, then you know the problem is with the Wii Remote.  Reconfiguring the Wii Remotes and their attachments may solve this issue.


[[Category:Tutorials]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Revision as of 17:13, 4 October 2022

Netplay is a defining feature of Dolphin: it allows you to set up online sessions for any GameCube or Wii title with a local multiplayer mode, without the problems or limitations of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or hassle of the BBA. It is improving regularly, and GameCube Netplay should be painless. Wii Netplay is much more temperamental and should be treated as an experimental feature for advanced users. Netplay is only for the Desktop version of Dolphin. Dolphin on Android does not currently support Netplay.

"The person I'm playing with seems to be moving around strangely but he says that I'm the one moving weirdly. What happened?"

This is a desync. Basically what both of you are seeing are two different games. See Desync Troubleshooting

Requirements

  • The game you want to play MUST be in every player and/or spectator's gamelist.
  • Bandwidth requirements are very light: any DSL or Cable internet connection should do. However, the internet demands rapidly increase as more players are added. Because the latency (ping) of the internet connection determines how low input latency can get, using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi usually improves the gameplay experience.
  • Each player must have their own copy of the game, and the region and game revision of all copies must match. While most compressed game formats are compatible with standard ISOs (with NKit being a notable exception), it is heavily recommended that all players use identical dumps.
  • All players must use the same Dolphin version. Newer Dolphin versions are more likely to have fixes for Netplay. Many users opt to use the latest beta versions from the official website. It can be isolated from your main Dolphin profile by using "portable.txt" or creating a special shortcut. Dolphin will not allow users to use mismatched versions for Netplay, to prevent desyncs.

Setting Up Dolphin

Your Netplay Experience will greatly vary depending on what version of Dolphin that you are using. Because Dolphin 5.0 is lacking so many netplay features, we highly recommend to use either the latest available beta or dev build. Dolphin 5.0 won't have have Wii Save Synchronization (5.0-8478), Automated Settings Synchronization (5.0-8502), Cheat Code Synchronization (5.0-9032), Synchronize All Wii Saves (5.0-9037) as well as protections for recovering saves if Netplay crashes. If you're looking to play a Wii title that requires using Wii Remotes and/or their attachments, it is highly recommended to use 5.0-17527 or newer as Wii Remote Netplay has been rewritten and standardized to netplay conventions.

If you're inexperienced with netplay, then the biggest rule of thumb is not to change too much and try to follow this guide, as it will go through most of the important things to know. The following information reflects the latest available development build as of its writing.

Starting a Netplay Session

A Netplay Session in Dolphin is started before actually running a game. You can setup a netplay session from the Tools Menu -> Start Netplay Session for options for joining or hosting a netplay session. If you wish to join a public netplay session, you can use the "Netplay Server Browser" available in 5.0-8478 or newer.

Hosting a Netplay Session

If you wish to host netplay session, there are a few things to keep in mind. You'll have the option to select a specific port, along with host via direct connection or the traversal server. You can also set a name for yourself so that you can be identified in the player list.

  • The player with the best internet, and in the geographic center when playing with 3 or more players, makes for the best host for slowest input latency.
  • The host player should not be on a network with a Strict NAT. Any player on a Strict NAT, even joining, may need to manually port forward. On more permissive NATs, the traversal server option will allow you to host without port forwarding.
  • Port Forwarding is different for every router/modem, so we cannot give exact instructions or how to do it. If you do not have admin access to your router, you may not have the option of Port Forwarding.

Once you've selected a game and are finished, you'll enter the host netplay menu. If you've hosted via the traversal server, then you'll have a code to distribute to the players. Otherwise, you'll need to distribute your IP and port. Note that if you're behind multiple routers, there may be additional complications. You may need to manually obtain your IP Address if Dolphin displays a local one when using Direct Connect.

Do note that you can host on the traversal server, but still allow certain users to direct connect if you trust them with your IP. This is particularly useful for LAN games, where the traversal server connection method will not work. You can allow outside players to connect over the traversal server while you can have local players connect directly with your IP and port. Note that using the Traversal Server does not add any latency - it is only used for connectivity.

The host of the netplay session has additional responsibilities, such as configuring the input buffer, enabling/disabling various netplay features, and assigning netplay controllers for all of the players.

Joining a Netplay Session

Joining a netplay session is simple. Simply set your name to whatever you want it to be, and enter the host's traversal code or IP address depending on how they've hosted. If using direct connection, you'll need to connect via the host's IP Address and the port they are hosting on. Once you've joined the netplay session, you simply need to wait until the host starts the game.

Unable to Connect

If you're unable to connect, there are a multitude of common reasons.

  • Strict NAT: If the host or clients have a Strict NAT, the traversal server may not work for connection. The host must manually port forward in this case and all clients will have to use direct connect with the IP address and port forwarded.
  • Firewall issues: If the users firewall blocks Dolphin and it cannot communicate with the internet, then netplay will not work. If you run an aggresive firewall, be sure to make an exception for Dolphin so it can communicate over the internet.
  • Version Incompatibilities: Older builds of Dolphin did not warn users if their Dolphin builds were incompatible. This means that sometimes netplay may fail to join without any notification. Newer builds have an error message specifically for this.

Because every router is different, you may need to consult a guide specific to your router in order to port forward.

Configuring a Netplay Session

Configuring Netplay Buffer and How to use the Data Tab

Once a session is hosted, the host has the opportunity to adjust netplay settings before actually starting the game. These settings may be crucial to the enjoyment of your netplay session, so please review them carefully.

  • Buffer: At the bottom of the screen is the buffer option. Buffer is the amount of latency added to inputs. If you're noticing slowdown and stuttering even on very low impact scenes like a game's splash screens, odds are the buffer is too low and you might need to increase it. A simple formula that is accurate for most titles is 1 pad buffer per 15 ms of latency per client. Two players at 50 ms latency would be roughly 3 - 4 buffer, where as three players at 50 and 65 ms would be roughly 7 buffer. Depending on your computer's performance (higher performance computers finish frames sooner, meaning slightly less buffer may be needed) and the quality of your internet, you may need to adjust this. Sometimes poll more/less than others, which may result in the formula not working at all.
  • No Save Data: This setting is when you're playing a game that does not need save data and you do not need to record your progress. The netplay session will be entirely contained inside of itself, and will not permanently save any data.
  • Load Host's Save Data Only: This setting loads the host's save for the netplay title, but will not save any progress. Can be useful when using stock saves on games like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Brawl.
  • Load and Write Host's Save Data: This setting loads the host's save for the game, and will update the host's save as you progress. This setting is particularly useful for long-form game sessions. **Note**: Clients do not get their saves overwritten by this setting. Their local saves will be unaffected.
  • Sync All Wii Saves: This synchronizes all Wii Save Data instead of just the active title's save data for the netplay session. Useful if you're booting a romhack that uses different savedata than the actual file you're loading. Example: Project M uses a .elf, but loads savedata from the NAND under a different title name.
  • Sync AR/Gecko Codes: This option synchronizes which Action Replay and Gecko Codes are enabled between players. The codes enabled on the host's computer will automatically be enabled on clients when the netplay game starts. Note that it only synchronizes which codes are enabled, it will not transfer new codes between players. If this feature causes problems, it may be because the codes differ in each player's install of Dolphin.
  • Strict Settings Sync: This setting more aggressively synchronizes various volatile settings in Dolphin, such as minor Graphics Settings such as Internal Resolution. This can be used if you have a desync caused by a setting that you cannot identify.

Network Tab

  • Fair Input Delay: Dolphin's default netplay setting. This splits buffer between all players, resulting in all players having the same input delay. Best for games in which all players need to act at once.
  • Host Input Authority: Host Input Authority mode gives the host zero latency, but makes each player only responsible for their own buffer to the host. The base latency for clients is doubled, but this can result in a lower overall latency when playing with 4 players over great distances.
  • Golf Mode: Golf Mode is Host Input Authority mode except you now have the power to swap which player has zero latency. This is perfect for multiplayer games that only have one player acting at a time. This mode is incompatible with Wii Remote netplay.

Checksum

The Checksum tab is a very powerful tool for verifying files that Dolphin cannot synchronize between players. It can be used to check and see if every player has a proper, matching dump of the game attempting to be loaded. If you're having desyncs that you cannot solve through other methods, be sure to use the checksum tab to verify that everyone's game (and SD card, if applicable for the game you're playing) matches.

Other

The other tab has a few extra settings that are applicable in rare situations. These are extra settings you may or may not want to have on, and some of these settings can be accessed by the client.

  • Record Inputs: Records inputs for the current netplay session. Will not work if you change the netplay buffer while the netplay session is running.
  • Show Golf Mode Overlay: Provides a small window in the actual Dolphin render window that allows you to swap who is the current player that has no latency.
  • Hide Remote GBAs: This setting is specifically for GBA <-> GCN Netplay titles. When this setting is enabled, each player will only be able to see/hear the main Dolphin render window, and the GBA assigned to them. This is perfect for games like Four Swords Adventures and Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles where the game only gives certain information to certain players.

Setting Up Netplay Controllers

Setting up netplay controllers is a very simple system. Note that as of (5.0-9037), Wii Remotes now follow the standard configuration procedure. If you need to use Wii Remote netplay on an older build, please skip to the later part of the guide.

Setting Up Standard Controllers for Netplay

When using a Standard Controller for netplay, it's very simple to configure things. If there is one player on each computer, then Dolphin will automatically map things correctly on its own.

In this setting, Dolphin takes whatever configuration is in Controller Port 1 of User and maps it to port 1 of the netplay session. For User 2, it takes whatever controller is mapped to Controller Port 1 and maps it to port 2 of the netplay session. This means whatever configuration is in controller port 1 for each player is used for their netplay controller. This keeps things simple, so that a player doesn't have to map port 4 just to play on netplay - Dolphin will grab from the first available port! This applies for up to 4 separate players. This is specifically for when one player is on each computer.

Remember, each player does not need to configure the controller for the port they are in with this situation. Dolphin will grab whatever controller profile is configured to the first GameCube Controller Port in Options -> Controller Settings.

As a note, the Native GameCube Adapter for Wii U is also supported, and just needs to be assigned to the first controller port in this example.

Setting up Standard Controllers When More Than One Player is on a single PC

If you have two or more friends connecting from the same computer, you can give a single computer multiple controllers. In this example, the user labeled "friends" has two players wanting to play from the same computer. In this case, the host goes to "Assign Controller Ports" and simply gives that player's computer two controller ports.

Now "friends"'s computer will have control of controller ports 2 and 3 during the game. However, much like before, they only need to configure the first two ports of the Controller Configuration page. Dolphin will give the first controller's profile to the first assigned instance of their PC, and the second controller's profile to the second assigned friend. This can be done with the host as well, by simply assigning the host's computer to multiple controller slots.

Setting up a Spectator

If you want someone to be able to watch without impacting latency, you can do that simply by removing them from any of the controller slots. If a spectator's computer lags, the actual netplay match won't be disrupted and the spectator will simply fall behind.

Controlling GBAs on Netplay

Since 5.0-14690, Dolphin can use GBA Controllers on netplay via the Integrated GBA powered by mGBA. This can be used to play GBA <-> GCN games on netplay. For games like the The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, you can assign one player to play the main game and another to play the Tingle Tuner. On Four Swords Adventures, you can assign each player a GBA for multiplayer mayhem. The list goes on, and even Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD battles can be played on netplay... with some extra setup. Please refer to the the Integrated GBA guide to make sure your Integrated GBA is functioning correctly before attempting to use netplay. Each player must have a GBA BIOS configured that the Integrated GBA can automatically load.

The same rules apply for GBA controllers - Dolphin will pull from the first controller profile possible from each computer when assigning controls. If a computer is given multiple controllers, it'll assign the first port, then the second, etc. This means each player will need to at least configure the Integrated GBA in port 1 in order for their controls to work. If you have not configured it yet, it will use the default controls which may not be suitable for normal gameplay.

You do not need Integrated GBA currently set as the controller in the port. The important thing is to just make sure that the controls are set so that Dolphin has an input profile to pull from. For netplay, the GBA itself is actually enabled in the Netplay Window under Assign Controller Ports. Let's say that Player 1 is controlling Link in Wind Waker and Player 2 is controlling the Tingle Tuner.

Assigning multiple players to GBAs is just as simple as checking more of the boxes.

Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD Netplay

The two Pokemon titles are among the most complicated to play on netplay simply because they require GBA ROMs of the GBA games, and they require savefiles. All of the same rules apply that apply for normal netplay, with a few more limitations

  • Host and Clients must configure the default GBA ROM to the game they want to go in that GBA for each GBA that is playing.
  • All players must send their GBA saves to the host
  • Host must make sure to assign the correct port to each savefile to ensure it is loaded for netplay.

If everything is done correctly, each player can reset their personal GBA (by right clicking on it and hitting reset) in order to reload the BIOS and trigger connectivity when the GameCube game is ready.

Netplay with Wii Remotes

As of 5.0-17527, Wii Remotes mostly work the same as other controllers. You have to use Emulated Wii Remotes on netplay. If you would prefer to use Real Wii Remotes on netplay, you must do that through Emulated Wii Remotes via the Connect Wii Remotes for Emulated Controllers. Your Wii Remote will now show up as an emulated controller that can be assigned buttons, and with Dolphin's Wii Remote with MotionPlus Pointing (Stock) profile, you can automatically assign everything exactly how it would be if you were using it directly as a real Wii Remote. The "Real Wii Remote" controller option itself is not supported on netplay.

= Using Wii Remote Netplay prior to 5.0-17527

On older builds, Wii Remote Netplay was a lot more confusing to setup due to the fact that controllers were not automatically reordered like with standard controllers. Each player must set a configuration profile to the Wii Remote Slot they will be using on netplay. That means if you are the host and using Wii Remote 1, you must have the first Emulated Wii Remote configured to your controller on your computer. If you are a client joining and you are assigned to Wii Remote 2, you must have Emulated Wii Remote 2 configured with your controls. In order to prevent desyncs, all players should configure the correct attachments to all controllers. Though Dolphin should attempt to synchronize attachments, it has been known to have issues. If you are using a physical Wii Remote connected as an emulated controller you do not have to set the attachment ahead of time as the stock profile automatically configures it.

Wii Remotes in general are very sensitive to desyncs, and there is a chance that any kind of desync will cause netplay to entirely crash. We recommend Wii Remote netplay is only attempted by advanced Dolphin users. If a Wii game supports GameCube controllers, we highly recommend using them when possible. Wii Remote Netplay should be considered an experimental feature.

Desync Trouble Shooting

There are many reasons as to why a desync could happen. These are the most common reasons we've seen for a potential desync.

Mismatched ISOs

For lockstep netplay to work, all players must create an identical emulated environment on all PCs. If one player has an ISO with a defect, then they may not sync with other players. Please refer to the Checksum options explained above for more on how to detect these issues.

Mismatched SD Card

If you have the SD Card enabled in the Options -> Configuration -> Wii tab, then it may be the cause of your desyncs. We recommend unchecking it whenever possible for Wii Netplay. If you must use the SD Card as part of your netplay session, please ensure that the SD Card is identical before starting with the SD Card option in the Checksum tab in the netplay Window.

Netplay Between Different Recompilers

The AArch64 JIT and the x86-64 JIT can produce very slightly different code which is enough to trip Dolphin's desync detection. Usually these desyncs do not actually affect the game, but it also means that desync checker won't be able to detect more serious desyncs. We do not recommend netplay between different CPU architectures unless all players involved are advanced users.

Memory Card Desyncs

If you do not enable save syncing but have memory cards enabled, you may cause a desync. We recommend enabling save syncing to bypass this.

Wii Remote Desyncs

Wii Remotes are extremely touchy with how they're configured and if they're configured improperly, they may cause desyncs on their own. In order to test if the Wii Remotes are the cause of the desync, you can simply assign GC controllers instead of Wii Remotes for the game. Even if you can't control the game, if you see that the game runs without desyncs without Wii Remotes configured, then you know the problem is with the Wii Remote. Reconfiguring the Wii Remotes and their attachments may solve this issue.