User:P.i./Brawl Online Guide

This guide explains how to play Super Smash Bros. Brawl online, either on a personal computer using Dolphin, or on a Wii or Wii U using Wiimmfi.

Dolphin netplay guide (PC)

First, make sure all players have the current netplay Dolphin build.

• Netplay Dolphin for Windows
• Netplay Dolphin for Mac

Note: Both players must use the exact same Dolphin version (cross-platform is fine).

You must also have a Brawl ISO. You can back up your own copy legally. Do not ask where to download ISOs. You can verify the MD5 hash in Dolphin to ensure your game backup is correct. These are the valid MD5 hashes:

• 1.01: d18726e6dfdc8bdbdad540b561051087
• 1.02: 52ce7160ced2505ad5e397477d0ea4fe

Many configuration options in Dolphin must be specified exactly in order for netplay to work and to minimize desyncs. The Netplay Dolphin links above should mostly be preconfigured, but you might have to double check some settings.

• 

  Right click Brawl in the Dolphin game list and go to Properties. Make sure the "Global Brawl Netplay Settings" and "Disable Challenger Approaches" codes are on. (Note: You won't have the C-stick codes by default. If you add any extra codes, they must be disabled for netplay.)

• 

  "Enable Cheats" must be turned on.

• 

  Most graphics settings won't cause desyncs. However it's important that your computer is able to consistently hit 60 fps. If necessary, make sure the internal resolution is "1x" and the various filtering options are off.

Additional settings (no screenshots):

• "Insert SD card" under Dolphin Configuration -> Wii should be off.
• If necessary, add the directory containing the Brawl ISO in under Dolphin Configuration -> Paths.
• Turn on "Scaled EFB Copy" under Graphics Configuration -> Enhancements.

For controllers, most players use real GameCube controllers with an adapter.

• General Dolphin controller guide
• SmashLadder controller guide

Netplay settings (no screenshot):

Minimum buffer must be set to approximately ping (in ms) / 8. Common values range from 4 (extremely good) to 20 (transatlantic lag). If the game isn't hitting 60 fps, try raising the buffer.

Spectating can be done by having a third person join the game, and clicking "Assign Controller Ports" to remove the spectator's port (this will prevent the spectator from causing lag for the other players). Spectators should not host.

Recording replays can be done by checking the "Record input" box. These files can only be played back in Dolphin, but they are very small and recording them has no performance impact.

Wiimmfi guide (Wii/Wii U)

In order to play online on a Wii or Wii U, go into the Wii internet settings and put 95.217.77.181 as the Primary DNS.

• Wii-cfg-system-settings-2.jpg Go to Wii System Settings 2.
• Wii-cfg-auto-obtain-dns.jpg Then put the Primary DNS in here.

1. Go into Wii Options -> Wii Settings -> Internet -> Connection Settings -> Change Settings.
2. Go to the "Auto-Obtain DNS" screen.
3. Put 95.217.77.181 as the "Primary DNS".
4. Leave the Secondary DNS as "000.000.000.000".
5. Click "Confirm".
6. Click "Save".

• How to play Mario Kart Wii online on Wiimmfi with JUST a custom DNS (Wii/WiiU, no Homebrew, no SD)
• Easy DNS-based Wiimmfi patcher

Wiimmfi should work with your existing Brawl save file. However, if you don't have everything unlocked, you can follow these steps (by SmashBoards member pidgezero_one):

1. Erase your Brawl save from your wii. You can do this in the wii system menu. You do NOT need to format your wii.
2. Download the save file here: http://www.mediafire.com/file/zuq8cnbx18n7lnq/brawlsave.zip
3. Put the "private" folder to the root of your SD card
4. put the SD card in the Wii
5. go to Wii settings from the home menu > Data management > Save data > Wii > SD card, and copy or move the file onto your Wii.
6. You now have a brand new, never-before-wified save file! (Thanks swordgard!)

Playing between Dolphin and Wiimmfi (optional)

Dolphin is not allowed on Wiimmfi without dumping the NAND data from a real Wii or Wii U.

Once you have dumped the NAND:

1. Download the Auto Wiimmfi Patcher and extract it
2. Make a complete copy of the Dolphin directory and rename it "Dolphin-Wiimmfi" or such
3. Start Dolphin-Wiimmfi
4. Right click the Brawl ISO, go to Properties, and turn off the "Global Brawl Netplay Settings" and the "Disable Challenger Approaches" codes
5. Right click the Brawl ISO in Dolphin and select "Set as default ISO"
6. Go into the Dolphin config and add a path to the Wiimmfi Patcher directory (which should contain a file "boot.dol")
7. Start boot.dol to play. Once Brawl starts, go to Nintendo WFC on the main menu.

Connection issues

If you try hosting a game and other people can't connect (on Dolphin or Wiimmfi), you may need to turn on port forwarding or DMZ on your router.

If you can't join a game in Dolphin, you may be using a different version from the host.

If you get a connection error on Wiimmfi, check the meaning of the error code here.

If you have bad lag, check your internet connection with a ping test. Try testing with different servers, or with a server that is near the person you are trying to play. Do this before deciding whose connection to blame. It's also possible that both connections are fine and the problem is somewhere on the route in between.

If your game desyncs (you and the other player see different things happening in the game), it might be caused by mismatched mods or codes (on Wiimmfi or Dolphin), or by mismatched settings in Dolphin. Sometimes desyncs just happen, even when everything is configured correctly, too. Some mods are "wi-fi safe" and don't cause desyncs.

Minimizing lag

Wi-Fi lag is an ever-present enemy of online games. To minimize it as much as possible:

• Use a wired connection instead of wireless. For Wii or Wii U, get a compatible ethernet adapter.
• For Wiimmfi, use the lag reduction Gecko code (below). This requires an SD card.
• If you share a connection with other people or devices, get a high-quality router (TBD) and configure Quality of Service (QoS).
• Check if your modem is bad.
• Offline lag minimization techniques also apply.

Controller Input Lag Fix [Magus]
C202AD8C 00000002
7C630214 3863FBFC
60000000 00000000

See also

• Old Dolphin netplay guide (2016)
• Old Wiimmfi guide (2017)