Xenia: Fixing Graphical Glitches via gpu and render Configs

The primary goal for fixing Xenia glitches is Buffer Management and Readback Accuracy. The Xbox 360 used a high-speed “EDRAM” for rendering, which modern PCs must simulate. This configuration focuses on ensuring that the GPU correctly “reads back” processed data and handles pixel-shading depth in a way that aligns with modern GPU drivers.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• The D3D12 Standard: While Xenia supports Vulkan, the D3D12 (DirectX 12) backend is the primary focus for the development team and contains the most “fixes” for graphical glitches.
• Driver Version: Ensure you are on the latest WHQL drivers. Graphical glitches in Xenia are frequently caused by outdated shader compilers in your GPU drivers.
• Resolution Scaling: Many glitches (like misaligned crosshairs or “box” shadows) are caused by non-integer resolution scaling. If a glitch occurs, test the game at 1x1 (native) resolution first.

File Location

Settings must be adjusted in the main configuration file located in your emulator’s root folder:

[Xenia Folder]\xenia-canary.config.toml

Technical Configuration (Code Block)

Open the .toml file and look for the [GPU] and [Graphics] sections. Apply these “Master Fix” settings to resolve the most common rendering errors:

[GPU]
# The most stable backend for graphical accuracy
gpu = "d3d12"

# Fixes missing textures and "black ground" (essential for RDR1/Halo)
d3d12_readback_resolve = true

# Prevents "rainbow" or corrupted textures in many titles
d3d12_clear_memory_page_state = true

# Resolves flickering shadows and lighting artifacts
query_occlusion_fake_sample_count = -1

# Keeps internal resolution scaling (1 = 720p, 2 = 1440p)
draw_resolution_scale_x = 1
draw_resolution_scale_y = 1

[Graphics]
# Helps with vertex explosion/missing geometry
vertex_cache_size = 64

# Prevents the screen from going entirely white or black
gamma_render_target_as_srgb = false

Strategy for Fixing Common Glitches

To troubleshoot specific visual bugs in your Xbox 360 library:

• The “Black Ground” Fix: If your game has missing ground textures (common in Rockstar and Bethesda games), d3d12_readback_resolve = true is the mandatory fix. It allows the CPU to read the GPU’s render target, which is necessary for the game’s terrain logic.
• The “Rainbow/Strobe” Effect: Corrupted, neon-colored textures are usually caused by an uncleared memory state. Setting d3d12_clear_memory_page_state = true ensures the emulator wipes old texture data from the VRAM cache before drawing new frames.
• Flickering Shadows: If shadows are “jumping” or flickering, setting query_occlusion_fake_sample_count = -1 bypasses the standard occlusion check, forcing the emulator to draw light and shadow states more consistently.

Key Performance Parameters

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
d3d12_readback_resolve	true	Fixes invisible/black terrain and missing character textures.
d3d12_clear_memory_page_state	true	Eliminates “rainbow” textures and flickering UI elements.
query_occlusion_fake_sample_count	-1	Resolves “light through walls” and shadow flickering.
vertex_cache_size	64	Stabilizes geometry and prevents “stretched” character models.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your xenia-canary.config.toml to prioritize memory clearing and readback accuracy, you are addressing the fundamental hurdles of Xbox 360 emulation. You can expect stable textures, accurate lighting, and a significantly cleaner visual experience across both the “Master” and “Canary” branches of Xenia.