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'''by Raizuto'''


= '''Retroarch Guide for OoT Randomizer''' =
RetroArch is the only cross-platform emulator supported by the Ocarina of Time Item Randomizer staff, and the number 1 recommended one. It is also possible to use it to play a vast number of platforms other than N64 as well. This might just make it your emulator of choice once you get used to using it.


'''<span style="font-size:x-small">by Raizuto</span>'''
Install [http://www.retroarch.com/index.php?page=platforms RetroArch] by choosing the download for your operating system. If you are using Windows and RetroArch crashes upon opening for you using the Windows 10/8/7 32bit and 64bit options, try installing the Windows XP 32bit or 64bit installations instead.


{{TOClimit|3}} &nbsp;
== Install a RetroArch Core ==


Go to ''Load Core'' on the main menu. [[File:Retroarch-Load-core.png|none|thumb|Load Core]]


Then select ''Download Core...''


[[File:RA-Download-Core.png|none|thumb|Download Core]]


After the core index list populates, go down until you find ''Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl N64)'' and install it. If this core gives you issues you can try ''Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus - Next)'' however it is likely to crash somewhat frequently. To help prevent this try [[#Mupen64plus Next crashes|changing CPU Core from dynamic_recompiler to pure_interpreter]] after following the rest of the guide.


[[File:Retroarch 01.png|none|thumb|ParaLLEl Core]]


Now that the core is installed you can backspace back out to the main menu.


== Instructions ==
== Configure RetroArch ==


<span style="font-size:small">'''''Navigate UI with Keyboard only'''''</span>
Move over to the ''Settings'' column in the menu. Head down to ''Saving'' and change ''SaveRAM Autosave Interval'' to 10 seconds by selecting it and pressing the right arrow key.


#Firstly install <ins>[http://www.retroarch.com/index.php?page=platforms Retroarch]</ins> - Choose an installation accordingly with whatever OS you are running <span style="color:#e67e22;">''<span style="background-color:#000000;">(If Retroarch crashes upon opening try installing the Windows XP 32Bit / 64 Bit installation instead)</span>''</span><br/> &nbsp;
[[File:RA-Saving-Interval.png|none|thumb|RA-Saving-Interval.png]]
#Hit '''Load Core''' on the Main Menu<br/> [[File:Retroarch-Load-core.png|530x427px|Retroarch-Load-core.png]]<br/> &nbsp;
#Then you will hit&nbsp;'''“Download Core…”'''<br/> &nbsp;
#After the Core index list populates, go down until you find “'''Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl N64)'''” and install it. <span style="color:#e67e22;"><span style="background-color:#000000;">(If this core gives you issues, try the “</span>'''<span style="background-color:#000000;">Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus)</span>'''<span style="background-color:#000000;">” core instead.</span></span><br/> [[File:Retroarch 01.png|530x427px|Retroarch 01.png]]<br/> &nbsp;
#Now that the core is installed. You can backspace out to the '''Main Menu'''.<br/> &nbsp;
#Next go over to the '''Settings '''column menu, then down to '''Saving''' to change “'''SaveRAM Autosave Interval'''” to 10 Seconds by selecting it & hitting the right arrow key ''ten times''.<br/> &nbsp;
#Next go back to the '''Settings '''column menu, then down to '''Directory '''and hit enter<br/> [[File:Retroarch 02.png|530x424px|Retroarch 02.png]]<br/> &nbsp;
#You should see something like this:<br/> [[File:Retroarch 03.png|530x427px|Retroarch 04.png]]<br/> &nbsp;
#Proceed to select “'''Downloads'''” as pictured above & hit enter. You will be presented with an overview of your system partitions, similar to this:<br/> [[File:Retroarch 04.png|530x426px|Retroarch 04.png]]<br/> &nbsp;
#Now '''navigate '''through your Computer files to <u>'''whatever folder your roms reside in'''</u> & hit “'''Use This Directory'''” <u>even if it displays as empty,</u>&nbsp;hit it anyway.<br/> <span style="font-size:smaller">''(If you’re using the Windows OoT Randomizer 3.0 installation. The default location your patched roms will go is within a folder named '''Output,''' which gets created & placed inside the same folder your Randomizer&nbsp;exists.)''</span><br/> &nbsp;
#After you have completed the previous step, you will now be able to load your roms via the '''Downloads '''section on the '''Load Content''' menu like so:<br/> [[File:Retroarch 05.png|530x425px|Retroarch 05.png]]<br/> &nbsp;
#'''<u>Optional:</u>''' If your controls don’t feel quite right:<br/> Access the Quick Menu by hitting F1 while a rom is loaded & go down to Options. Change deadzone to 10 & analog sensitivity to 80.<br/> &nbsp;
#<u>'''Optional:'''</u> For cool hi-res textures setup, <u>[http://bit.ly/Fancy-Textures-for-RA Click here]</u>.


&nbsp;
Next, go back to the ''Settings'' column and go down to ''Directory''
 
<gallery>
File:Retroarch 02.png|Directory
File:Retroarch 03.png|Downloads
</gallery>
 
Select ''Downloads'' with <code>Enter</code>. You will be presented with an overview of your system partitions.
 
[[File:Retroarch 04.png|none|thumb|Filesystem]]
 
Navigate through your computer files to the folder you keep your ROMs in. '''They will not show up yet'''. Choose ''Use this directory'' anyway. If you are using the downloaded version of the Ocarina of Time Randomizer the default location for your patched ROMs is a folder called ''Output'' next to the <code>.exe</code> file you double click to start the randomizer.
 
Once you have finished configuring RetroArch you must properly restart it. ''Do not press <code>Esc</code> or the X in the top right corner.'' Go to the far left column in the menu and move all the way down to the option near the bottom ''Quit Retroarch''. Once you reopen RetroArch you should be able to load your ROMs in the ''Downloads'' section of the ''Load Content'' menu.
 
[[File:Retroarch 05.png|none|thumb|ROMs under here appear after restarting RetroArch]]
 
== Controller Configuration ==
 
If your controls don't feel quite right, access the Quick Menu by pressing <code>F1</code> while a ROM is loaded. Go down to ''Options'' and change the deadzone to 10 and analog sensitivity to 80. You may wish to make further personal adjustments as necessary as well.
 
== HiRes Texture Packs ==
 
Keep in mind texture packs are not allowed to be active for races. [[HiRes Texture Packs]]


== Tips ==
== Tips ==


*To unbind any button/key hit the delete key on your keyboard in the input settings.  
*To unbind any button/key hit the delete key on your keyboard in the input settings.  
*<u>'''NEVER'''</u> close RA via it’s top right X, close it from far left Main Menu “'''Quit Retroarch'''”.  
*'''Never''' close RA via it’s top right X, close it from far left Main Menu ''Quit Retroarch''.  
*If you want Retroarch to keep running in the background, go over to the '''Settings '''column menu, then down to '''User Interface''', hit enter and set “'''Don’t run in the background'''” to '''OFF'''.  
*If you want Retroarch to keep running in the background, go over to the ''Settings'' column in the menu, then down to ''User Interface'', hit enter and set ''Don’t run in the background'' to ''OFF''.  
*If you happen to try setting custom controller user input binds over using the auto configuration, you might want to know the following info:<br/> <u>Left side user input binds</u>&nbsp;'''(THE DELETE KEY UNBINDS ANY INPUT BINDING)'''
 
 
If your controller does not have a default profile or you are using a keyboard, the following information may be helpful.
*Don't alter the Main Menu bindings for controllers that have default profiles. Open the Quick Menu and change the button mapping there instead.
*Left side user input binds (the <code>Delete</code> key will delete any binding)
**'''B button''' is equivalent to N64 A Button  
**'''B button''' is equivalent to N64 A Button  
**'''Y button''' is equivalent to N64 B Button  
**'''Y button''' is equivalent to N64 B Button  
Line 43: Line 65:
**'''L1''' is equivalent to N64 L  
**'''L1''' is equivalent to N64 L  
**'''R1''' is equivalent to N64 R  
**'''R1''' is equivalent to N64 R  
**'''<ins>Movement:</ins>'''  
**'''Movement:'''  
***Left analog X+ = Right  
***Left analog X+ = Right  
***Left analog X-&nbsp; = Left  
***Left analog X-&nbsp; = Left  
Line 52: Line 74:
***Right analog X-&nbsp; = C-Left  
***Right analog X-&nbsp; = C-Left  
***Right analog Y+ = C-Down  
***Right analog Y+ = C-Down  
***Right analog Y-&nbsp; = C-Up    
***Right analog Y-&nbsp; = C-Up
 
== Common Issues ==
 
There are several issues that crop up often when new users try out RetroArch.
 
=== No Audio ===
 
Go into the Driver Menu (first thing under the Settings Menu Column) and change the Audio Driver from xaudio to dsound. Then quit RetroArch properly via the Main Menu and restart it.
 
=== Retroarch crash when loading ROM ===
 
If using the Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus) core, try the Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl N64) core instead. If using the& Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl N64) core, try the Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus) core instead.
 
=== Mupen64plus Next crashes ===
 
Mupen64plus Next core is known to crash more frequently than the older mupen64plus core. To help reduce how often it crashes you can try changing the CPU core. After loading a ROM press <code>F1</code> to open the "Quick Menu" and move down to "Options" and press <code>Enter</code>. Move down to "CPU Core" and press the <code>→</code> arrow key once. The selection should change from <code>dynamic_recompiler</code> to <code>pure_interpreter</code>. If it does not, just press the key again.
 
Once you have changed the option, press <code>Backspace</code> twice to return to the "Main Menu" and select <code>Quit Retroarch</code> to close RetroArch. Simply run RetroArch and open the ROM again and your mupen64plus Next core should be running with the more stable, albeit slightly slower, pure interpreter.
 
=== Boots are equipped / Ocarina pulled out randomly while walking ===
 
Go to the input menu and set 'Analog to Digital' to 'None'
 
=== One of My Buttons Won't Work ===
 
If you messed with the Main Menu User Input Binds you likely configured something wrong. It is not recommended to ever modify controller binds this way unless your controller doesn't have a built in profile. To reset your controller bindings to their default you have to load the default RetroArch.cfg again.
 
If you have a ROM loaded, start by pressing F1 to open the Quick Menu then press <code>Backspace</code> to get back to the Main Menu.
 
Go to the far left menu item, ''Main Menu''. Move down to ''Configurations'' and press <code>Enter</code>. Select ''<Parent directory>'' and hit <code>Enter</code>. Scroll down to the file <code>retroarch.default.cfg</code> and press <code>Enter</code>.
 
=== ParaLLEl Black Screen or Crashes ===
 
If you are able to launch the ParaLLEl core but get a black screen, or frequently crash while pausing, try changing the video plugin it is using. Press <code>F1</code> to open the '''Quick Menu''' and move down to '''Options''' and press <code>Enter</code>. Next, move down to '''GFX Plugin''' and press the <code>→</code> arrow key once. Once you have changed the option, press <code>Backspace</code> twice to return to the "Main Menu" and select <code>Quit Retroarch</code> to close RetroArch. Simply run RetroArch and open the ROM again and your ParaLLEl core should be running the new plugin you selected. Try each one and see if any of them work for you. If they do not, you may want to try the mupen64plus Next core instead.


<br/> ENJOY! '''(Be sure to only use roms that end with “-comp.z64” & are 32 MB in size!!! Seriously, compress your rom!)'''
=== My Remapping in Quick Menu Controls Won't Save ===


&nbsp;
If your remapping won't save even after using "Quit Retroarch" in the main menu, you may have to explicitly save the reamppings. Open the "Quick Menu" with <code>F1</code>, go down to "Controls" and map your controls how  you wish. Once you have done so, go back to the "Controls" menu. Near the top of the menu is a "Save Core Remap File" option. Select this to save these controller binds for all randomizer ROMs you open in the future.

Revision as of 19:56, 9 January 2020

by Raizuto

RetroArch is the only cross-platform emulator supported by the Ocarina of Time Item Randomizer staff, and the number 1 recommended one. It is also possible to use it to play a vast number of platforms other than N64 as well. This might just make it your emulator of choice once you get used to using it.

Install RetroArch by choosing the download for your operating system. If you are using Windows and RetroArch crashes upon opening for you using the Windows 10/8/7 32bit and 64bit options, try installing the Windows XP 32bit or 64bit installations instead.

Install a RetroArch Core

Go to Load Core on the main menu.

Load Core

Then select Download Core...

Download Core

After the core index list populates, go down until you find Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl N64) and install it. If this core gives you issues you can try Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus - Next) however it is likely to crash somewhat frequently. To help prevent this try changing CPU Core from dynamic_recompiler to pure_interpreter after following the rest of the guide.

ParaLLEl Core

Now that the core is installed you can backspace back out to the main menu.

Configure RetroArch

Move over to the Settings column in the menu. Head down to Saving and change SaveRAM Autosave Interval to 10 seconds by selecting it and pressing the right arrow key.

RA-Saving-Interval.png

Next, go back to the Settings column and go down to Directory

Select Downloads with Enter. You will be presented with an overview of your system partitions.

Filesystem

Navigate through your computer files to the folder you keep your ROMs in. They will not show up yet. Choose Use this directory anyway. If you are using the downloaded version of the Ocarina of Time Randomizer the default location for your patched ROMs is a folder called Output next to the .exe file you double click to start the randomizer.

Once you have finished configuring RetroArch you must properly restart it. Do not press Esc or the X in the top right corner. Go to the far left column in the menu and move all the way down to the option near the bottom Quit Retroarch. Once you reopen RetroArch you should be able to load your ROMs in the Downloads section of the Load Content menu.

ROMs under here appear after restarting RetroArch

Controller Configuration

If your controls don't feel quite right, access the Quick Menu by pressing F1 while a ROM is loaded. Go down to Options and change the deadzone to 10 and analog sensitivity to 80. You may wish to make further personal adjustments as necessary as well.

HiRes Texture Packs

Keep in mind texture packs are not allowed to be active for races. HiRes Texture Packs

Tips

  • To unbind any button/key hit the delete key on your keyboard in the input settings.
  • Never close RA via it’s top right X, close it from far left Main Menu Quit Retroarch.
  • If you want Retroarch to keep running in the background, go over to the Settings column in the menu, then down to User Interface, hit enter and set Don’t run in the background to OFF.


If your controller does not have a default profile or you are using a keyboard, the following information may be helpful.

  • Don't alter the Main Menu bindings for controllers that have default profiles. Open the Quick Menu and change the button mapping there instead.
  • Left side user input binds (the Delete key will delete any binding)
    • B button is equivalent to N64 A Button
    • Y button is equivalent to N64 B Button
    • L2 button (trigger) is equivalent to N64 Z Button
    • L1 is equivalent to N64 L
    • R1 is equivalent to N64 R
    • Movement:
      • Left analog X+ = Right
      • Left analog X-  = Left
      • Left analog Y+ = Down
      • Left analog Y-  = Up
    • C-Buttons/C-Stick:
      • Right analog X+ = C-Right
      • Right analog X-  = C-Left
      • Right analog Y+ = C-Down
      • Right analog Y-  = C-Up

Common Issues

There are several issues that crop up often when new users try out RetroArch.

No Audio

Go into the Driver Menu (first thing under the Settings Menu Column) and change the Audio Driver from xaudio to dsound. Then quit RetroArch properly via the Main Menu and restart it.

Retroarch crash when loading ROM

If using the Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus) core, try the Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl N64) core instead. If using the& Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl N64) core, try the Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus) core instead.

Mupen64plus Next crashes

Mupen64plus Next core is known to crash more frequently than the older mupen64plus core. To help reduce how often it crashes you can try changing the CPU core. After loading a ROM press F1 to open the "Quick Menu" and move down to "Options" and press Enter. Move down to "CPU Core" and press the arrow key once. The selection should change from dynamic_recompiler to pure_interpreter. If it does not, just press the key again.

Once you have changed the option, press Backspace twice to return to the "Main Menu" and select Quit Retroarch to close RetroArch. Simply run RetroArch and open the ROM again and your mupen64plus Next core should be running with the more stable, albeit slightly slower, pure interpreter.

Boots are equipped / Ocarina pulled out randomly while walking

Go to the input menu and set 'Analog to Digital' to 'None'

One of My Buttons Won't Work

If you messed with the Main Menu User Input Binds you likely configured something wrong. It is not recommended to ever modify controller binds this way unless your controller doesn't have a built in profile. To reset your controller bindings to their default you have to load the default RetroArch.cfg again.

If you have a ROM loaded, start by pressing F1 to open the Quick Menu then press Backspace to get back to the Main Menu.

Go to the far left menu item, Main Menu. Move down to Configurations and press Enter. Select <Parent directory> and hit Enter. Scroll down to the file retroarch.default.cfg and press Enter.

ParaLLEl Black Screen or Crashes

If you are able to launch the ParaLLEl core but get a black screen, or frequently crash while pausing, try changing the video plugin it is using. Press F1 to open the Quick Menu and move down to Options and press Enter. Next, move down to GFX Plugin and press the arrow key once. Once you have changed the option, press Backspace twice to return to the "Main Menu" and select Quit Retroarch to close RetroArch. Simply run RetroArch and open the ROM again and your ParaLLEl core should be running the new plugin you selected. Try each one and see if any of them work for you. If they do not, you may want to try the mupen64plus Next core instead.

My Remapping in Quick Menu Controls Won't Save

If your remapping won't save even after using "Quit Retroarch" in the main menu, you may have to explicitly save the reamppings. Open the "Quick Menu" with F1, go down to "Controls" and map your controls how you wish. Once you have done so, go back to the "Controls" menu. Near the top of the menu is a "Save Core Remap File" option. Select this to save these controller binds for all randomizer ROMs you open in the future.