Install & connect

Get into Home

Choose a platform, then a client. QA is the recommended path. Neither client needs custom DNS.

Home Laboratory is a preservation project. You can play on a jailbroken PS3 or through the RPCS3 emulator. Like many PlayStation multiplayer games, player IPs may be visible to technically savvy users. Controversial features such as IGA kick, freeze, mute, and rexec log off have been patched out.

Downloads

QA · PS3
v1.86 · recommended PKG QA · RPCS3
v1.86 client only PKG Retail · PS3
v1.86 · original feel PKG Retail · RPCS3
v1.86 · original feel PKG Pre-configured RPCS3
v0.0.29 + firmware + QA Home Drive QA v1.86 config
For an existing RPCS3 install YML
How will you play?

Full reference

Every step, still here

PS3 firmware

Home needs HEN or custom firmware. There is no OFW path.

  • HEN (recommended) — all models including Super Slim. Lower risk, easier, temporary: activate it each boot.
  • CFW (advanced) — Fat and some Slims only. Permanent, more complex, not universally compatible, small brick risk.

Tutorials and compatibility: PSX-Place HEN thread.

HEN

  1. Get the latest HFW installer from PSX-Place and install HFW 4.92.
  2. On the PS3 browser, open ps3xploit.me, run HEN Installer, then press PS to return to the XMB.
  3. Activate HEN with the PS button. PlayStation Home should appear under PlayStation Network.

CFW

Confirm your model can take CFW before you start. Follow the installer on the download page exactly.
  1. Check compatibility with the hardware/software guide.
  2. Install Evilnat 4.92 CFW.
  3. Home should then appear in the PlayStation Network category.

RPCS3

RPCS3 is an open-source PS3 emulator. Home is lighter than many PS3 games, but the CPU still matters.

  • OS: Windows 10/11, Linux, or macOS
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or better
  • RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended
  • GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti / AMD RX 570 or better
  • Storage: 25GB+ free

Official requirements: rpcs3.net/quickstart.

The Home Laboratory package ships RPCS3 v0.0.29 because that build is the one tested with PlayStation Home. If you install RPCS3 yourself, use a current official build and the config file above — do not assume “latest” matches the packaged setup.

Troubleshooting

PS3: Home does not appear on the XMB
  1. Confirm HFW 4.92 plus current HEN, or Evilnat 4.92 CFW.
  2. HEN users: activate HEN from the XMB.
  3. Restart and check PlayStation Network again.
  4. Refresh the XMB with L1+L2+R1+R2+△+○ together.
PS3: connection errors at launch
  1. Test the internet connection in PS3 network settings.
  2. Check whether the public server is up on the players page.
  3. Restart the router.
  4. Set the console clock correctly.
  5. Do not set a custom DNS. Older guides that list 104.37.190.154 are out of date — a TSS override made that unnecessary.
RPCS3: crash or no boot
  1. If you used the package, stay on the included v0.0.29. If you installed RPCS3 yourself, use a current official build.
  2. Confirm firmware is installed.
  3. Check the hardware list above.
  4. Install the custom config.
  5. Read the RPCS3 log. Persistent problems: Discord.

QA vs Retail

Topic QA Retail
DNS Not required Not required
Developer tools Commands and debugging Limited
TTY log Real-time event output Not available
Setup Firmware + install Firmware + install
Feel Core Home plus extras Closer to the original release
Who it is for Most people, developers, first-time return People who specifically want Retail

Use QA unless you have a reason not to. Stability is comparable; Retail is not “the stable one.”

Help

Live support is on Discord. Written answers live in the FAQ.