PS4 Linux Tutorial

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External Installation - Method 1 (using a script) ​

WARNING

Remember we'll format the external drive! Back up any existing data you care about.

TIP

If you have issues or just want to do manual partitioning (which often works better) try the alternative installation here.

Installation scripts ​

Put the kernel (bzImage, and the bootargs if you need it), initramfs (initramfs.cpio.gz), and your distro psxitarch.tar.xz/gz on the root of a FAT32 formatted drive, like so:

Manual format for big drives ​

If the drive is larger than 32GB, Windows will dastardly act like it can't format it in FAT32, but only in NTFS or ExFAT, which is just wrong, as FAT32 supports up to 2TB drives. To fix it, go ahead and download the mythical Rufus program.

  • Select "List USB Hard Drives"
  • Select "Non bootable" as a type of format
  • Select "MBR" as partition scheme
  • Select "FAT32" as filesystem

Click start and wait. Once done, place the files on the drive. Plug your drive on the PS4 and continue.

Launching Linux Rescue Shell ​

After that, either launch your payload with a payload website to load them, or use "Payload Guest" app if the website doesn't work for you.

TIP

Remember that the amount of VRAM you allocate is taken from your system memory! For a 2GB of VRAM payload, you'd have 8-2 = 6GB of remaining system RAM! You aren't creating memory out of thin air!

WARNING

You MUST use a 1GB VRAM payload for installation and first boot. Afterwards, 2GB is recommended.

Payload website hosts ​

Firmware 7.00-12.52

Follow these steps:

  • Go to psfree-enhanced.free.nf
  • Select Linux tab at the top center
  • Select your PS4 model and southbridge
  • Load your desired payload
    • Again, 1GB is necessary for installation!
Alternative website (FW 5.05+)

Even though this website is probably not maintained anymore it'll stay here, as the newer website doesn't work on low firmwares.

If the website doesn't work, use the Payload Guest local method below.

Local payloads ​

If you so desire, or you can't launch it from the web browser for some reason, it's possible to load these payloads locally.

In order to do that, you need to download them here.

After downloading them:

  • Install "Payload Guest" on your PS4 to load the payloads locally
  • Extract from the ELF folders, and rename the file to have a .bin extension instead of .elf, because Payload Loader can't load ELFs
    • Using the .elf seems to lead to a higher success rate when launching
    • Enable "see file extensions" on Windows Explorer or what you're using
    • If it doesn't have any particularly append, it's for both Aeolia and Belize
  • Put the files in the /data/payloads/ directory
  • Remember to check here sometimes to see if there's any updates

Installation commands ​

Now that the storage is covered, here comes the moment of truth. You'll be sent to the Rescue Shell.

TIP

If you get an error, go to the Installation issues section.

You may have to use the alternative method.

Hydrate yourself while you wait. It'll take a while.

You should already boot into the desktop. If it doesn't, run

bash
resume-boot

WARNING

Don't run resume-boot more than twice, or it'll crash the system! Do CTRL+ALT+DELETE to reboot instead!

Finale ​

Go now, conquer the finale. Also, read the post-credit stuff.