Getting the files
WARNING
Some of the following links look sketchy, but the community is fragmented for various reasons including language barriers, source duplication, and low maintainer count. Refer to the Other Issues section for more info.
Kernels
Recommended kernel builds for PS4 Linux. Newest entries are generally preferred.
Credits for all of these kernels.
TIP
For 6.15.4 kernel, use bzImage_Clang_thinLTO if available. Some consoles require no-built-in-fw.
| Kernel Download | Compatible Southbridges | Source Code | Extra info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.0-Clean | Baikal | GitHub | 7.0 work by rmux. Select branch/release as needed. |
| 6.15.4 | Aeolia, Belize | GitHub | LTO improvements. ThinLTO recommended. |
| 5.15.15 | Belize | GitHub | May perform better than 6.15.4. |
| 5.4.247 | Baikal | GitHub | Baikal-only. Do not use elsewhere. |
Server kernels
Server-focused builds for headless or service usage.
TIP
Pair with 128MB server payload unless otherwise required.
| Kernel Download | Compatible Southbridges | Source Code | Extra info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.18.21 (Recommended) | Aeolia, Belize | GitHub | Includes server prebuilts. |
| 7.0-Clean | Aeolia, Belize | GitHub | Use repo releases/branches. |
If issues occur, check the Issues page. Community help is available via Discord servers.
Initramfs
This is the rescue environment used to boot installers and handle installation stages.
Download this one.
Source (reference): https://bitbucket.org/piotrkarbowski/better-initramfs/src/master/
Details
There is also an experimental initramfs under development (may not function reliably):
https://github.com/ps4gentoo/initramfs
Additional reference material:
https://ps4linux.com/forums/d/93-tutorial-for-building-a-custom-initramfs-research-development
Distros
Recommended Linux distributions for PS4 systems.
DANGER
On Baikal systems or 5.4.x kernels, ensure Mesa ≤ 25.1. Newer versions break GPU acceleration.
Notes
Arch-based distributions are recommended due to smoother update behavior and driver handling. Other distros may require manual intervention during updates.
| Distro | Compatible Southbridge & Mesa | Port credits | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| CachyOS Light | Aeolia, Belize (Mesa 25.3.5) | DionKill | Lightweight CachyOS build. Recommended. |
| Arch | Aeolia, Belize (Mesa 25.3.3) | Erkkola | Multiple desktop options. |
| Artix (Froyo) | Aeolia, Belize (Mesa 26) | VanilliteFroyo | dinit-based, advanced users. |
| Artix | Aeolia, Belize (Mesa 25.3.3) | Erkkola | Multiple init systems. |
| Arch - Baikal Edition | Baikal (Mesa 25.1) | deWaardt | Experimental build. |
| CachyOS Server Edition | Aeolia, Belize | rmux | Server-only, no desktop environment. |
| JaguarLinux | Aeolia, Belize (Mesa 26-devel) | TigerClips1 | Experimental PS4-native distro. |
Details
Want to add or build distros?
- Open an issue to request additions
- See: /ps4/distrodiy