Yuzu Emulator + Parsec/Moonlight: A Guide to a Better Smash Ultimate Online Experience

by @shaiisuku

4/3/21: The Yuzu SmashCord has a more comprehensive and informative guide on the server, I suggest now using that one!

What is Yuzu?

Yuzu is an experimental open-source emulator for the Nintendo Switch from the creators of Citra. An emulator is essentially a software to emulate another system, in this case, a Switch. Currently, it is optimized enough for a smooth experience emulating Smash Ultimate with a capable setup. Please note since this emulator is still experimental, you will likely have crashes or bugs. Visit their official website for all the details! https://yuzu-emu.org/

Requirements:

* A PC or laptop--with decent hardware is important because a stable 60 FPS is necessary especially for competitive play. Hardware requirements as listed on the official website:

* A stable internet connection, preferably wired. As a host, a good upload speed is very important.

* A Nintendo Switch that can be modded or is modded to dump Smash. The game can also be pirated but I will not tell you how to do so for obvious reasons, Google is enough to help. Visit the official quickstart guide for dumping: https://yuzu-emu.org/help/quickstart/

* Smash Ultimate ROM, which as I said is obtained through dumping or pirating online.

Initial Setup

1. Install Yuzu through the download link available on the website: https://yuzu-emu.org/downloads/.

2. Once installed, you should be able to open up to a fresh screen:

Keep in mind your game directory / icon won’t appear immediately, ignore my already finished setup.

3. Locate your system’s app data folder. Windows Key + R and enter %appdata%.

4. Locate the ‘yuzu’ folder inside your app data folder.

5. Inside your yuzu folder, create a new folder named ‘keys’. Download and place these two files inside the newly created keys folder. You will not be able to run any games without these.

Smash Setup

1. With the obtained ROM file either by dumping or downloading, place it into a dedicated folder for games. Said folder can be created and placed anywhere desired.

2. On the new Yuzu window, click ‘Add New Directory’ and browse and select your folder containing the ROM. The icon should appear immediately or after some time on the home screen. Do not launch it yet.

3. Navigate to yuzu’s settings under Emulation > Configure. Ensure the following settings are enabled for the best possible performance:

Note that OpenGL will work for everyone but AMD GPU users might find better performance using Vulkan instead. This all under API settings. Additionally, Accuracy Level set to ‘Unsafe’ may give a boost in performance. Test it before leaving it.

4. You’re nearly ready to start playing, navigate to Controls under the same menu and configure your controller. GCC, Pro Controller, 3rd party controllers, Xbox controllers, etc. are all compatible. Make sure ‘Connect Controller’ is ticked.

I'VE MADE A MISTAKE AT THIS PART-- Apparently Yuzu has fuzzy GCC support AND Parsec doesn’t pick up on GCC. BUT there are solutions that should fix issues such as small deadzone on the left stick or mixed buttons. Also make sure to change deadzone values if you have an issue with dashing or tilts.

Please follow this guide on setting up proper GCC support.

And also follow this guide to set up GCC recognition on Parsec.

It’s a bit of a hoop to jump for GCC but I’m sure more improvements will come soon to make it easier. Moonlight should have no issues with GCC.

At this point, you are ready to launch the game. Clicking the icon on the home screen will launch the game!

Important notes:

* For a smooth experience, Yuzu emulator will need to cache shaders. The shader cache stores a collection of parsed and precompiled shaders. A shader is a small program that is mostly used for graphics purposes, like producing the right amount of light, shadow and color.

Shader compiling will cause stutter and/or lag during gameplay.

* How can I fix shader cache stutter?

There is no instant fix (OTHER than obtaining someone else’s shader cache, but it is considered piracy so do your own research first), the fastest method to compiling your cache is to set a custom ruleset with random LV 9 CPUs on 4-Player Smash. You will have to go through every stage, or at least every legal stage if you’re just looking to play competitively for now.

Once everything is cached, you won’t have to worry about stutter or lag again. If you continue to have stutter issues, it is most likely because of your PC’s CPU, ensure that excess background programs are closed out.

* The game will start with a fresh save, the official website should have a tutorial on dumping saves. If you’re unable to obtain your own save, your new save file can be edited to unlock everything immediately.

Online Setup

Because Nintendo’s current online service is absolutely rubbish (yikes), we will not use the official online service. Instead, we can stream our PC screen / Yuzu window out using a host / client program.

There are two applications for this:

* Parsec Gaming: https://parsecgaming.com/

* Parsec is a high performance, low latency 60 FPS remote access product connecting you to your computer from anywhere.

* Parsec is more tailored for party / couch gaming, thus supporting games like Overcooked! and most emulators.

* Moonlight Nvidia Gamestream Client: (REQUIRES NVIDIA GPU) https://moonlight-stream.org/

* Moonlight (formerly Limelight) is an open source implementation of NVIDIA's GameStream protocol. We implemented the protocol used by the NVIDIA Shield and wrote a set of 3rd party clients.

* While Moonlight requires a NVIDIA GPU, it performs better than Parsec and achieves lower latency. It is also more tailored for only streaming while Parsec is tailored for party gaming.

Parsec Method:

* Install Parsec and login to an account: https://parsecgaming.com/downloads/

* On the Home screen, simply share your link to anyone you want to play with! Note players that connect can use Parsec on PC, mobile or browser. However the host must be on a PC.

* As the host, your partner should be able to connect and view your screen. Ensure everyone has a controller connected, wired is likely better for lower latency. Open Yuzu’s controller configuration and connect the 2nd player’s controller, your partner will be able to input their controls but you will have to click on every button box for them to make their inputs.

* Ensure under input devices that it is not set to Any.

Otherwise players with the same inputs such as pro controllers or GCCs will end up controlling each other. Launch the game and have fun!

I’ve been recently seeing people mistake that both players need to have Yuzu setup to play, remember that only the host needs to have Yuzu setup. Players that join just need to have Parsec/Moonlight installed, which requires any PC, laptop, or mobile device regardless of how powerful it is. Magical isn’t it?

Moonlight Method:

To save myself time for now, I’ll link the official setup guide which should have enough details to help you set it up.

I will update this doc if a dedicated guide for Yuzu and Moonlight is really needed, but the official guide should be enough to help you. Have fun!

Notes:

If any more questions or help is needed, don’t be afraid to DM me on Twitter or Discord--I’m very happy to help anyone! :> (@shaiisuku)

THE FIRST YUZU SMASH MATCHMAKING SERVER IS LIVE! (NA only) INVITE LINK

We have 4K members, support, setup/important info and matchmaking channels for every NA region! In addition we’ll be working on high level matchmaking for the increasing competitive players joining us! Come check us out!!