To use RPCS3, install the emulator, add official PS3 system software, then add your game using the workflow for its source: a disc dump or digital PSN content. RPCS3 does not provide games. Start with the project’s Quickstart for your operating system, and check the exact game in RPCS3’s compatibility list before expecting it to run.
1. Install RPCS3 for your operating system
Download RPCS3 from the official project site. RPCS3 is a free, open-source PlayStation 3 emulator and debugger; its project README supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD and directs users to the Quickstart for system requirements: RPCS3 project README.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
God of War: Saga - Dual Pack | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Call of Duty: Black Ops - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $14.42 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $10.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Call of Duty: Black Ops II - PlayStation 3 (Renewed) | $13.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Use the Quickstart’s current instructions for your operating system, installation method, hardware requirements, and any platform-specific dependencies. The README calls out the Visual C++ Redistributable for Windows. Keep your graphics drivers current. Exact CPU and GPU thresholds are not stated here, so do not rely on older minimum-spec lists in place of the live guide.
2. Install official PS3 firmware in RPCS3
Download the PS3 system software from Sony’s official PS3 system software page. Sony lists version 4.93 on the page accessed October 7, 2026; firmware versions can change, so check the page when downloading. RPCS3 does not distribute Sony firmware.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes
- God of War collections 1 and 2
- God of War 3
- God of War Collection (Chain of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta)
- Download the update file from Sony’s page.
- Open RPCS3 and select File > Install Firmware.
- Select the downloaded firmware file and follow RPCS3’s prompts. Wait for installation to finish before adding or launching a game.
Sony’s instructions to copy PS3UPDAT.PUP into PS3/UPDATE on a FAT32 USB drive apply to updating a physical PS3 console. That is a separate process from installing firmware through RPCS3’s menu. Sony’s page lists 200 MB of free space as the minimum for downloading the update to a PS3 hard drive or removable media.
3. Add your game using the workflow for its source
A disc-based game and digital PSN content do not use the same setup. Use RPCS3’s current Quickstart instructions for dumping and preparing your own game files; requirements and file-handling details may change.
Rank #2
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
| Source | What the workflow involves | What to do in RPCS3 |
|---|---|---|
| PS3 game disc | Dump your own disc using the current RPCS3 guide. A commonly described Blu-ray title folder contains PS3_GAME and PS3_DISC.SFB. |
Place the prepared title data in a supported location. If RPCS3 does not list it, use File > Boot Game and select the game’s folder, following the guide’s current instructions. |
| Digital PSN content | The Quickstart describes a system-backup workflow that includes the content and its license, followed by extraction with ps3xport. | Follow the live guide for prerequisites and file handling. A package file by itself does not necessarily provide a usable, properly licensed game. |
Do not assume that inserting a disc into your computer will launch it in RPCS3, or that any raw image or downloaded files are supported. The emulator needs game data prepared through a supported process. A PS3 console, game disc, or USB drive may be needed for a particular dump or transfer workflow, but none is automatically required for every user.
4. Check whether your specific game is supported
Look up the exact title in RPCS3’s compatibility list and read its linked game notes. RPCS3 defines Playable as completable with playable performance and no game-breaking glitches. Lower statuses indicate more limitations:
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- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
- Ingame: the game gets in-game but does not meet the Playable criteria.
- Intro: it reaches the introductory portion but does not progress to regular gameplay.
- Loadable: it loads, but may not reach the intro or playable state.
- Nothing: it does not reach a meaningful boot state.
Status information changes frequently. Check the current entry for your title rather than generalizing from another game or an old compatibility statistic.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Legal and source-material considerations
Use game content you obtained legally and download firmware directly from Sony. RPCS3 is emulator software, not a source for PS3 games. Copyright and personal-copy rules differ by jurisdiction; this setup guide does not determine what copying is lawful where you live.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- This renewed game may come repackaged in a generic case. It has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
