diff --git a/worlds/sm/variaRandomizer/randomizer.py b/worlds/sm/variaRandomizer/randomizer.py
index 563ed6bf..e3d3bbad 100644
--- a/worlds/sm/variaRandomizer/randomizer.py
+++ b/worlds/sm/variaRandomizer/randomizer.py
@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@ class VariaRandomizer:
         preset = loadRandoPreset(world, self.player, args)
         # use the skill preset from the rando preset
         if preset is not None and preset != 'custom' and preset != 'varia_custom' and args.paramsFileName is None:
-            args.paramsFileName = '{}/{}/{}.json'.format(appDir, getPresetDir(preset), preset)
+            args.paramsFileName = os.path.join(appDir, getPresetDir(preset), preset+".json")
 
         # if diff preset given, load it
         if args.paramsFileName is not None:
diff --git a/worlds/sm/variaRandomizer/utils/parameters.py b/worlds/sm/variaRandomizer/utils/parameters.py
index 7adec798..0f7b62c6 100644
--- a/worlds/sm/variaRandomizer/utils/parameters.py
+++ b/worlds/sm/variaRandomizer/utils/parameters.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 from logic.smbool import SMBool
 import os
 import sys
+from pathlib import Path
 
 # the different difficulties available
 easy = 1
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ def diff4solver(difficulty):
         return "mania"
 
 # allow multiple local repo
-appDir = sys.path[0]
+appDir = Path(__file__).parents[4]
 
 def isKnows(knows):
     return knows[0:len('__')] != '__' and knows[0] == knows[0].upper()