Getting the warez
Kernels
Let's start with the kernels: they are very important as they have the software that controls all of the PS4's hardware. This is, by definition, Linux.
This is the section for recommended kernels. There are both vanilla kernels and performance kernels. Ordered by newest to oldest, the top ones are the recommended ones.
Credits for all of these kernels.
Read this if you're confused!
Do kernel versions matter?
The community has moved on from 6.15 to 7.x kernels on Aeolia and Belize. Baikal has now been ported to 7.0.8 after years of being stuck on 5.4, thanks to rmux.
What about more performance?
The newest kernels are already built with all the necessary patches to make the console work as good as it can, so there's no need to modify anything anymore. LTO is a topic of debate, but both ThinLTO and FullLTO are good options.
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Kernel list
These are normal general-use kernels with additional patches to make them work properly on the PS4. Some
| Kernel Download | Compatible Southbridges | Source Code | Extra info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1.7 Recommended | Aeolia, Belize | GitLab | All 4 profiles, FullLTO. General: desktop/gaming, default. Server: headless. SlopMax: General + KVM. Slopium: Server + KVM. |
| 7.0.8 Mirror | Baikal | GitLab | Just a mirror of the FullLTO version for baikal. |
| 6.15.4 | Aeolia, Belize | GitHub | LTO and other improvements. ThinLTO recommended. Some consoles may need no-builtin-fw. |
| 5.15.15 Belize Ver. | Belize | GitHub | Same as above. Might provide better performance than 6.15.4. |
| 5.4.247 | Baikal | GitHub | Specific for Baikal systems. Don't use on any other console! |
NOTE
Some people repackage these kernels into closed-source "packs" and act like they did something, when all they did is apply patches from the internet. Don't fall for it. Real fixes are public, and folks desperate to take credit usually hide the source for a reason.
Server kernels
Server kernels
If you are using the PS4 as a server, use these instead of the normal desktop-oriented builds when available.
TIP
Pair server kernels with the 128MB server payload unless you have a specific reason not to.
| Kernel Download | Compatible Southbridges | Source Code | Extra info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1.7 Recommended | Aeolia, Belize, Baikal | GitLab | Use Server edition, or Slopium if you need VM support. |
If you have issues, remember to check the Issues page. If you want more help, check out Discord servers.
Initramfs
This is the rescue shell that boots your Linux installer/installation. Think of it as GRUB, but more basic.
Download this one or from here (mirror). Source (not really).
More details
There's another in-dev initramfs (probably not working), if you want to check out the source it's here.
Also, you may want to read this post on the PS4 Linux forums, it explains what an initramfs is and does in actuality.
Distros (that you ACTUALLY wanna use)
Honestly there's a neptillion distros... If you're indecisive, click on all the links and check them out. Either way they are listed from most to least recommended.
Read more here
Each distro has it's own pros and cons. But most of the difference on PS4 comes down to drivers; each distro requires it's own version of them and it can be a pain in the ass to install.
Arch based distros are recommended, but not because you need to be part of the elite. They are the only ones that currently have automatic updates (meaning with the rest of the system) without breaking anything.
You can of course use other distros, but you do run the risk of breaking your distro or having to reinstall everything when something needs updating, unless you know what you are doing.
TIP
Arch based distros are recommended due to ease of update for drivers as the hardware is really peculiar.
NOTE
We don't suggest using anything closed-source or bloated (looking at you, Debian, and "MultiBoot" initramfs). Stick to the distros below, they're proven to work without issues by at least 200 people in our own Discord server 😃
| Distro Download | Compatible Southbridge & Mesa | Port credits | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| CachyOS Light (Mega) Recommended | Aeolia, Belize, Baikal (Mesa 26.0.4) | DionKill | CachyOS, but without it running like crap. Automatic Mesa updates. Info on pastebin |
| Arch | Aeolia, Belize, Baikal (Mesa 26.0.4) | Erkkola | An Arch install with different desktops: KDE, XFCE or even TempleOS! |
| Artix | Aeolia, Belize, Baikal (Mesa 26.0.4) | Erkkola | A distro not for noobies. |
| CachyOS "Strawberry" Server Edition | Aeolia, Belize, Baikal | rmux | For server use only! It doesn't run any DE! |
| JaguarLinux | Aeolia, Belize, Baikal (Mesa 26-devel) | TigerClips1 | A distro made from scratch for the PS4! Void-based & in development. Worth a mention. |
More distros
Here are the distros that we can't recommend anymore, as they have been superseeded, or haven't had any major updates in a while.
It may be useful to you if you want something other than Arch, or if you need to run kernel 5.4.
If you want to take the risk, go to the legacy page.
NOTE
Want to add more distros? Make an issue and your wish shall be granted.
Want to make your own? Check this out!
To the installation we go
You should go to the next step, where you'll finally complete your installation!