Current Dolphin Build: 5.0-321
Why the New Build and extra step?!
As with every build in the past, dolphin makes several steps with improvements and unless we keep up, we will fall greatly behind and in the long run of things, which will cause more issues than good. This build has several new perks/fixes to it that stretch across all the games emulated on the ladder.
From 4.0-6554
- 25% performance boost (due to dolphin being built on Visual Studios 2015).
- Netplay Join Crash Bug fixed.
- 2gb Ram Error Bug fixed.
- Improved OGL/D3D backends.
- Improved Menu Speeds across Wii games (fixes several brawl/pm bugs in terms of missing character portraits in game).
- The ability to host .dol/.elf files on Netplay.
- Memory Leaks during Netplay and Virtual console emulation fixed.
- Write Block on SD cards during netplay to prevent desynchs.
From 4.0-7840
- Syncing netplay settings. (Also will prevent different dolphin versions from connecting).
- Improved Listening Ports for portforwarding/opening ports.
- Improved Gamecube Direct Connect performance (Controller Reset Code [x+y+start] from console works to reset deadzones).
- Improved graphic settings/tweaks.
- Direct 3D 12 (Windows 10 Users) (Major graphics update)
- Performance boost as is with every build.
- Customized Ladder Theme along with preconfigured settings and a very simple setup.
- A more fined tune buffer system for netplay. Was 1 buffer per 16ms of ping. Now it is 1 buffer per 8 ms of ping for ProjectM and Brawl users. (Each buffer now = 1/4 of a frame rather than 1/2 a frame). Melee Users is 1 buffer per 4 ms (1/8th of a frame).
Links to other useful guides:
Table of Contents
- Dolphin Changelog
- Dolphin Setup
- Input lag
- Connection Issues
- Crashes/Error Messages/Graphical Defects
- Dolphin Builds
Dolphin Changelog
5.0-321: Update to Netplay Essentials, and Upgrade in Gamecube Direct Connect performance/polling. Direct 3D 12. Fixed Melee Codes.
4.0-7840: Performance boost, fixed join crashing bug, improved graphics backends, memory leak on netplay fixed.
4.0-7161: Updates the Netplay Community Settings, adds desync detector, fixes crashes and aspect ratios.
4.0-6554: Wii games work on Netplay.
4.0-5886: Fixes huge performance bug with Netplay.
4.0-5743: The Wii U Adapter (Native Support) works on Netplay.
4.0-5681: Hosting with 8 character codes is added to the master branch of Dolphin, replacing the year-old build.
4.0-652 : Dual Core Netplay.
Dolphin Setup
How do I set up Dolphin to play with others?
Please follow this Guide: Click Here
How do I optimize Dolphin for the best performance?
Dolphin is heavily reliant on the CPU, so the CPU is usually the bottleneck if the game is not running at full speed. If you are on a laptop, make sure your power profile it set to high performance. Some NVIDIA cards have issues where they don't run at full speed so you may try creating a high performance profile in the NVIDIA control panel.
In terms of Dolphin settings, you should turn on Use Fullscreen. Dolphin has a feature called Exclusive Fullscreen which reduces GPU overhead to make it easier on the GPU. You can't really alleviate stress on the CPU but you can make it easier on the GPU if that happens to be the bottleneck by turning down all the graphics enhancements. First experiment with OpenGL or D3D. One is not inherently better than the other and whichever one is better is entirely hardware dependent. Turn Internal Resolution to 1x, Anti-Aliasing to None, and Anisotropic Filtering to 1x. Have Post Processing Effect on Off as well if you turned that on for some reason.
How do I play on Netplay?
You go to Tools->Start Netplay in Dolphin. If you choose to host, go to the host tab and select the game you want to play from the menu. Copy and give the 8 character code to your opponent. Set the buffer by dividing the ping by 8 (if Project M and Brawl), or by 4 (if Melee) and rounding up. For Example: If the Ping is 35, for PM and Brawl it would be 35/8 = 4.38 -> 5 buffer; and for Melee it would be 35/4 = 8.76 -> 9 buffer.
If you want to join a lobby, go to Tools->Start Netplay, paste the code, and hit connect.
If you receive this error, Download this Pack, install it, then try restarting dolphin again:
If you just CANNOT install this pack: Click Here
Input Lag
How do I minimize Dolphin's latency. How low can it go?
The best way to reduce input latency is to grab a Wii U adapter. The Nintendo or Mayflash 4 port adapters are compatible with Dolphin's Native Support feature. Native support offers ZERO lag because it can be polled as frequently as possible. In addition, it automatically maps your controller 100% accurate to a console so you don't have to use the GC Pad Settings anymore. It runs on a system level driver which Dolphin has been designed to take advantage of. If you get one of these adapters, follow the setup here. To further decrease latency, run in fullscreen mode (you cannot use borderless fullscreen). Dolphin has a feature called Exclusive Fullscreen which bypasses Windows Aero's automatic vsync which adds lag. In addition, Exclusive Fullscreen improves performance and smoothness. Theoretically, with a lagless monitor and the Wii U adapter, Dolphin can potentially have less lag than a console, since the console polls for inputs every 6ms instead of laglessly.
How much lag does playing on Netplay cause?
For Project M and Brawl, 1 buffer = 1/4 of a frame of lag
For Melee, 1 buffer = 1/8 of a frame of lag
Which adapter should I get?
Always go with the Nintendo or the Mayflash 4 port. These are the only adapters available which are compatible with Dolphin's Native Support. The tier list is as follows:
Nintendo >= Mayflash 4 port > Raphnet > Mayflash 4 port PC mode > Mayflash 2 port > Other
You might ask, is the Nintendo adapter better than the Mayflash? Well.. the latency on each is the same but I have heard some fuss about the calibration. Don't be afraid of that though because they perform essentially the same (source).
Does increasing the Internal Resolution/Anti-Aliasing/Anisotropic Filtering add input latency?
No. Perhaps on very old hardware, but it has been tested to not add lag (source).
Does the Traversal Server add input latency/does Direct make it less laggy?
No. The Traversal Server merely keeps your port open to maintain your connection. The inputs when you play are 100% peer to peer; they do not go through the server at all whatsoever.
Connection Issues
I can't connect to others/I can only connect to some people/I can host but can't connect/ect..
First, make sure you hit the Reset Traversal Settings button as a first resort. If you still receive these errors, the next step is to make a firewall exception for Dolphin. If you still have no success, perhaps try enabling DMZ in your router settings. If you still cannot get it to work, the issue is because of your router blocking the connection. Some routers just do not like the way Dolphin opens a port with the traversal server. The only thing you can do besides get a new router is to host using the Direct method. The way you host is by giving your opponent your external IP address and a port of your choosing. You must check the Forward Port box. Both players must be on Direct. If it does not work, you need to manually forward the port of your choosing (example: 2626). There are plenty of guides on how to port forward by googling or on portforward.com
Invalid host/Bad host/Cannot look up central server error?
Hit the Reset Traversal Settings button.
Crashes/Error Messages/Graphical Defects
Dolphin crashes when starting the game?
Go to My Documents/Dolphin Emulator/Cache and delete the Shader folder.
Unable to resolve write address XXXXXXX
Dolphin can only enable up to 256 lines of code for one game (includes Gecko and AR codes), and the netplay settings use a large portion of those. Disable any miscellaneous codes you have enabled. You only need the Netplay settings on.
I receive a black screen on startup/some vertex error/graphical defects?
Does it work if cheats are disabled? If so, find the cheat responsible. If this isn't your issue, update your graphics drivers. If it still doesn't work switch graphics backends. If all else fails, try rebooting your computer.
My controller isn't being detected (not using native support)!
SDL was removed because reasons. Set your controller to dinput in the controller settings and remap your controls.
Dolphin Builds
Why did we switch off of 4.0-652? What benefits do the new builds have over 652?
- Native support for the Nintendo and Mayflash 4 port Wii U adapters. Removes all input delay and accurately maps the controller exact to console (setup here).
- Exclusive Fullscreen (just turn on use fullscreen, doesn't work with borderless fullscreen) reduces input lag, increases performance, and provides smoother gameplay.
- Significant performance increase from 4.0-652, especially on Fountain of Dreams.
- Fix for the 200ms of audio delay from 4.0-652.
- Other quality of life changes.
Can I use a different build with 5.0-321?
No. You will desync or not be able to connect with other builds. Only use the same build as your partner.
I still need help!
Message me, E2xD, and I'll be happy to help you out or give you some info.