The following explains (well at least will try to) what RetroArch overrides are, why our global RetroArch configuration protection exists, and how to make changes safely without breaking things for yourself.
If you are thinking about unlocking global RetroArch protection by enabling RetroArch Freedom Mode, please read the below first.
What is an override?
An override is a specific saved setting that only applies in a specific place. We’ll explain those specifics a little bit further below.
Think of RetroArch like a house:
- The global configuration is the main power breaker for the whole house.
- Overrides are light switches for individual rooms.
Overrides let you change how something works without affecting everything else.
Why is the main RetroArch config protected?
Global settings affect every system, every emulator core, and every game.
One small change can:
- Break controls everywhere
- Mess up video or screen scaling on all systems
- Cause sound issues across the whole setup
The protection is there to stop accidental damage. It is not there to block any changes you really want to do, please see “My RetroArch configuration is being repressed” for further information.
Don’t worry we’ll go through it all again further down…
Okay, so what are the different overrides?
RetroArch has four main levels where settings can apply.
Global
- Applies to literally everything you play
- This is the one that is protected by default
- Only used when we are sure the change must affect the entire system
Core override
- Applies to a single emulator core
- An example would be all SNES content using the same emulator
- Good when all content on that core needs the same behaviour
Content directory override
- Applies to all content inside the folder
- An example is perhaps a folder just for vertical arcade games
- Useful when a group of specific content shares a special setup
Game override
- Applies to one single game only
- This is the safest place to test changes first
- Best option when only one game needs something different
Important note about Shaders
Shaders are a very special case in RetroArch. Unlike most settings, shader overrides must be saved from inside the Shaders menu itself. Saving an override from the normal Overrides menu will not correctly store shader changes.
However within the shader menu they are called “Presets” not “Overrides”, so keep that in mind when navigating the RetroArch menu.
This is normal RetroArch behaviour and not something MustardOS is doing.
- Shader presets are managed separately from general overrides
- Any changes must be saved via the Shaders menu
OverridesPresets still use the same priority method as explained above- You can save these presets without needing to enable RetroArch Freedom Mode
I’ll just turn freedom mode on anyway
If you do not know which override level you need, you should still not enable RetroArch Freedom Mode. Have a think about it first before you do so!
Changing global settings without understanding them often leads to:
- Controls no longer working
- Hotkeys disappearing or just going funky
- Screen issues across all systems
- Audio playing up
- Random fixes that cause more problems
If the question is “what does that mean?”… it usually means more learning is needed before touching the global settings themselves.
The safe way to make changes
In most cases, you do not need global access.
Use this workflow instead:
- Start the content you want to play
- Change the setting you need
- Save the correct override:
- Quick Menu → Overrides → Save Game Override
- Quick Menu → Overrides → Save Core Override
- Quick Menu → Overrides → Save Content Directory Override
This keeps the change contained and safe!
Still unsure what it all means
Before you go ahead and just blindly turn the aforementioned setting on, it’s always good to have a discussion and clearly explain the change you want.
Please include:
- What setting you want to change
Example: aspect ratio, shader, input mapping, latency options - Where the change should apply
One game, one core, one folder, or everything - Which core and which game or folder
Example: PS1 using SwanStation, or Arcade Vertical folders etc.
Quick examples
- One game has broken or perhaps inverse controls
Use a game override - All SNES games should use the same shader
Use a core override (but within the shader menu itself) - Only vertical arcade games need rotation
Use a content directory override - Every system should behave differently
This is global and is rare…
I’ll just go ahead and enable it anyway
Well more power to you I suppose… There are some reasons why you would maybe want to enable it. Perhaps you have some weird default directory settings you want to keep in line with another device or system. Maybe you want to change the language RetroArch shows, that’s completely understandable.
For most cases, overrides should always be your first port of call. But just in case it hasn’t be reiterated enough, it’s always good to reach out and ask questions first.
How about you tell us:
- What problem you are trying to fix
- Which game or system it affects
We will hopefully give you pointers with correct overrides and steps.