Difference between revisions of "RPCS3"

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==Setting up==
 
==Setting up==
−
===Distinguishing a game's version===
+
===Installing the Firmware===
−
The game's serial should be present in the folder or archive name, the download page, and/or the PARAM.SFO file.
+
The firmware is needed for RPCS3 to work. You need to install a PS3 firmware update file using RPCS3's '''File/Install Firmware''' feature. As for where to get said firmware, one option is to get the latest one from [https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/system-updates/ps3/ Sony's official website].
  
−
* Serials beginning in <code>BC</code> or <code>BL</code> are retail copies that are distributed by disc. The difference between both of these is that <code>BC</code> is a first-party game, whereas <code>BL</code> is a third-party game. An example of <code>BL</code> is Drakengard 3, where the USA serial is <code>BLUS31197</code>. An example of <code>BC</code> is Demon's Souls, where the Asian serial is <code>BCAS20071</code>.<ref name=sce-australia>[https://www.playstation.com/en-au/get-help/help-library/system---hardware/disc-drive---ports/what-is-the-bces-bles-number-and-why-is-it-important-/ "What is the BCES/BLES number and why is it important?"] <small>[http://web.archive.org/web/20170721170032/https://www.playstation.com/en-au/get-help/help-library/system---hardware/disc-drive---ports/what-is-the-bces-bles-number-and-why-is-it-important-/ Archived version from July 2017.]</small></ref>
+
===Installing Games and Updates===
−
* Serials beginning in <code>NP</code> are digital versions that are downloaded from the PlayStation Store. An example of a digital game is Okami HD, where the USA code is <code>NPUB30720</code>.
+
The game's serial should be present in the folder or archive name, the download page, and/or the PARAM.SFO file. If it's a retail game, it has the ID on the bottom side edge of the game's case. An internet search for <code>InsertGameNameHere + Region ID</code> should turn it out.</br>
 +
It's '''really important''' for RPCS3 that each game's files and folders are all placed under a single folder named as the correct region ID.  
  
−
===Placement of retail games===
+
For '''Blu-ray Disc''' games, i.e. retail games:
−
<u>Do not</u> put retail game dumps into the <code>\dev_hdd0\game</code> folder; some games write data to that location, which can cause some really bad conflicts. Keep them in a separate folder somewhere else, and load the game from there, or use the <code>\dev_hdd0\disc</code>. If your version of RPCS3 can't load from other locations, update to a newer build; a newer one can log the location of your games even if you run them once. It doesn't matter where they're stored.
 
  
−
===PKGs and RAPs===
+
* '''File layout''': PS3_GAME folder, PS3_DISC.sfb, PS3_UPDATE folder (not required)
−
Depending on how you've obtained your digital games and DLCs, you may have downloaded them through the internet in PKG form, or as a folder with all its contents inside. RPCS3 can install digital items with the "Install .pkg" function, but you can also manually copy game folders to the <code>\dev_hdd0\game</code> folder, where they'd be stored anyways like Sony designed with digital games.
+
* '''Game ID''' starts with a <code>B</code>. First-party Sony games use <code>BC</code>, while third-party games use <code>BL</code>. For example: <code>BCAS20071</code> (Demon's Souls Asia retail), <code>BLUS31197</code> (Drakengard 3 USA retail).
 +
* May be dumped through a CFW-enabled PS3, using select compatible Blu-ray drives on PC, or acquired from someone else.
 +
* Game folders for retail games can be put under the <code>\dev_hdd0\disc</code> or '''anywhere''' really... '''except''' the folder used for digital games (<code>\dev_hdd0\game</code>) because some games write there causing really bad conflicts. To open games, use '''File/Boot Game'''.
  
−
However, non-free digital items require a license (with the extension .RAP) in order to decrypt a few important files before they can be booted. This .RAP file is either in the <code>\dev_hdd0\home\00000001\exdata</code> of your PS3 <small>if you're dumping the game yourself</small>, or alongside your download if you're downloading it.
+
For '''PSN''' games, i.e. digital versions downloaded from the PlayStation Store:
  
−
Some scene releases or warez dumps don't include a .RAP file, and instead give you a fix that contains pre-decrypted files that you'd copy to the game's folder. In more rare scenarios, the pre-decrypted files may replace another pkg, so make sure you install all the .pkgs you need to before replacing files.
+
* '''File layout''': TROPDIR folder, USRDIR folder, ICON0.png, PARAM.sfo, etc.
 +
* '''Game ID''' starts with a <code>N</code>, for example <code>NPEB02436</code> (Persona 5 EUR digital)
 +
* May be dumped through a CFW-enabled PS3, Sony's own poorely secured servers (PSNdl then psnpkgdecryptor-extractor), or acquired from someone else.
 +
* May come as a PKG file. RPCS3 has an '''Install .PKG''' option to install these.
 +
* Game folders for digital games must be placed under <code>\dev_hdd0\game</code>, as intended by design on real hardware. Using the '''Install .pkg''' option does that automatically for you.
  
−
If your source doesn't include a RAP or crack instructions, either it's replaced beforehand or it's actually useless. A last resort can be to try searching for a fix for the specific release.
+
'''Paid digital releases''' <u>require</u> a '''.RAP license file''' to decrypt a few important files before they can be booted.
  
−
===.66600X files===
+
* May be dumped from the <code>\dev_hdd0\home\00000001\exdata</code> directory of a CFW-enabled PS3, or included alongside the download you got from someone else. That someone else might not include the .RAP file, and instead give a "fix" with the pre-decrypted files. In that case, you might have to install the PKG file first (or all of them, if there's multiple ones) and ''then'' copy and overwrite the "fix" files to your game folder.
−
These are files that have been split to adhere to the 4 gigabyte filesize limit on FAT32 volumes. This is common, since it provides a way to transfer large files over a modded PS3. Use a tool like PS3merge to recombine those files.
+
* If your source doesn't include a RAP or crack instructions, either it's replaced beforehand or it's actually useless. A last resort can be to try searching for a fix for the specific release.
 +
* Must be placed under <code>\dev_hdd0\home\00000001\exdata\</code>
 +
 
 +
Game and software '''updates''' are handled the exact same way '''PSN''' games are.
 +
 
 +
* Installed using the '''Install .PKG''' option
 +
* The update will be placed in the game or software folder that corresponds to the correct region ID.
 +
* Take care to use '''the same region''' for the base game and the update, otherwise there's a potential risk of irreversible damage to your installed game dumps.
 +
 
 +
'''.66600X files''' are files that have been split to adhere to the 4 gigabyte filesize limit on FAT32 volumes. This is common, since it provides a way to transfer large files over a modded PS3. Use a tool like PS3merge to recombine those files.
  
 
==Basic troubleshooting==
 
==Basic troubleshooting==

Revision as of 21:06, 25 August 2017

RPCS3-Logo.png
Current version: 0.0.3 Alpha*
Active: Yes
OS: Windows, Linux
Authors: RPCS3 Team
Official website: rpcs3.net
Source code: GitHub

RPCS3 is a PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PS Vita emulator that's very promising. Currently usable for a handful of commercial titles (see the compatibility list). Recent efforts have allowed it to also begin emulating the PS Vita in a basic manner; do note that no games are currently playable however.

* The developers are currently treating version increments as milestones, not as stable builds.

Download

Latest builds

Originally, you needed to extract the firmware from a modded PS3, but since these files are also distributed with updates, the developers added the ability to extract them from there instead. This is where you would get them. Then install it by going to Tools -> Install Firmware.

Fonts can be found on the Emulator Files page.

Overview

RPCS3 was started in May of 2011. Three years into its development, it could load the intros to some games with sound,[1] as well as play some portions of Disgaea 3 and The Guided Fate Paradox, but with heavy graphical glitches and no sprites.[2]

Developer Nekotekina opened a Patreon campaign in 2017, with kd-11 joining not long after.

The emulator is capable of running some games at a playable speed with no major glitches, such as Ice Age 3: Dawn of The Dinosaurs,[3] Resogun,[4], After Burner Climax [5], and Demon's Souls [6].

It will still take a while before it can play the more complex games.

Setting up

Installing the Firmware

The firmware is needed for RPCS3 to work. You need to install a PS3 firmware update file using RPCS3's File/Install Firmware feature. As for where to get said firmware, one option is to get the latest one from Sony's official website.

Installing Games and Updates

The game's serial should be present in the folder or archive name, the download page, and/or the PARAM.SFO file. If it's a retail game, it has the ID on the bottom side edge of the game's case. An internet search for InsertGameNameHere + Region ID should turn it out.
It's really important for RPCS3 that each game's files and folders are all placed under a single folder named as the correct region ID.

For Blu-ray Disc games, i.e. retail games:

  • File layout: PS3_GAME folder, PS3_DISC.sfb, PS3_UPDATE folder (not required)
  • Game ID starts with a B. First-party Sony games use BC, while third-party games use BL. For example: BCAS20071 (Demon's Souls Asia retail), BLUS31197 (Drakengard 3 USA retail).
  • May be dumped through a CFW-enabled PS3, using select compatible Blu-ray drives on PC, or acquired from someone else.
  • Game folders for retail games can be put under the \dev_hdd0\disc or anywhere really... except the folder used for digital games (\dev_hdd0\game) because some games write there causing really bad conflicts. To open games, use File/Boot Game.

For PSN games, i.e. digital versions downloaded from the PlayStation Store:

  • File layout: TROPDIR folder, USRDIR folder, ICON0.png, PARAM.sfo, etc.
  • Game ID starts with a N, for example NPEB02436 (Persona 5 EUR digital)
  • May be dumped through a CFW-enabled PS3, Sony's own poorely secured servers (PSNdl then psnpkgdecryptor-extractor), or acquired from someone else.
  • May come as a PKG file. RPCS3 has an Install .PKG option to install these.
  • Game folders for digital games must be placed under \dev_hdd0\game, as intended by design on real hardware. Using the Install .pkg option does that automatically for you.

Paid digital releases require a .RAP license file to decrypt a few important files before they can be booted.

  • May be dumped from the \dev_hdd0\home\00000001\exdata directory of a CFW-enabled PS3, or included alongside the download you got from someone else. That someone else might not include the .RAP file, and instead give a "fix" with the pre-decrypted files. In that case, you might have to install the PKG file first (or all of them, if there's multiple ones) and then copy and overwrite the "fix" files to your game folder.
  • If your source doesn't include a RAP or crack instructions, either it's replaced beforehand or it's actually useless. A last resort can be to try searching for a fix for the specific release.
  • Must be placed under \dev_hdd0\home\00000001\exdata\

Game and software updates are handled the exact same way PSN games are.

  • Installed using the Install .PKG option
  • The update will be placed in the game or software folder that corresponds to the correct region ID.
  • Take care to use the same region for the base game and the update, otherwise there's a potential risk of irreversible damage to your installed game dumps.

.66600X files are files that have been split to adhere to the 4 gigabyte filesize limit on FAT32 volumes. This is common, since it provides a way to transfer large files over a modded PS3. Use a tool like PS3merge to recombine those files.

Basic troubleshooting

Issues are to be expected since the emulator is still early (even though the project was started in 2011).

Audio Stutter

Cannot be completely eliminated in most cases, but you can at least try to mitigate it by playing around with the "Preferred SPU Thread" setting as well as the "lower SPU thread priority" and "Bind SPU thread" to secondary core settings.

In addition manually adjusting priority and affinity of the RPCS3 process can affect it independently of the other internal settings. On Windows, this is done via the Task Manager. On Linux, CLI and GUI tools exist like System Monitor and Task Manager that can change the priority. It varies by distribution. This can influence audio stutter and performance in general but especially for Ryzen users.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOcUcD9y51w
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQEv6B6fIgA
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhCVRLi2qdk
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtU7E9o7F_E
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsuKQfsu-zk
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3_WiNow_gE

External links

Retrieved from "https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?title=RPCS3&oldid=15514"