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Recovery for Dummies documentation

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Open PS2 Loader Flavors

The Open PS2 Loader project has evolved into several stable and beta versions, as well as a number of significant forks. There are now so many that it can be difficult for anyone who does not follow the PS2 homebrew scene to choose the right one. Below is a list of OPL versions in the order in which the projects first appeared, along with a brief description of how each differs from the others.

The short name for Open PS2 Loader is OPL, but you may also come across OPNPS2LD. Both are correct.

Open PS2 Loader

This is the official OPL. Due to the nature of the PlayStation 2, it is worth keeping multiple versions because they differ in game compatibility, especially when using features such as IGR, IGS, GSM, PADEMU, and VMC. The following versions are particularly worth keeping:

0.9.3
1.1.0
1.2.0 beta (build 2049)
1.2.0 beta (build 2241)
1.2.0 beta (latest build)

Main Changes

Version 1.0.0 added support for MX4SIO and significantly improved game compatibility. Version 1.1.0 added support for i.Link and the hdd0:/__common/OPL/conf_hdd.cfg configuration file, which specifies the path to the resource partition (by default, hdd0:/+OPL). Version 1.2.0 introduced many major features, including an NBD server (build 1635), ZSO disc image support (build 1871), support for the exFAT file system and the GPT partition table (build 1987, with internal HDD support added in build 2184), and APA-Jail support. A complete changelog for each build is available inside the release archive.

Which Archive Should I Download?

The OPNPS2LD.7z archive contains the compressed all-in-one package. The archive with VARIANTS* contains all uncompressed revisions of a specific build (for example, with different feature sets). The remaining archives contain the source code, language files, and direct-link files for automatic updates.

Download Links

E2OPL

A fork that adds support for the EXT2 file system, based on (if I remember correctly) OPL v0.9.3.

Version

0.1.1

Unique Features

EXT2 file system support.
No need to defragment disc images stored on an EXT2 file system.

Download Links

Official repository

Open PS2 Loader Daily Build

Also known as OPL DB or OPL TA. Although the name suggests that it is the official OPL and, moreover, the latest version, it is actually a fork of OPL. Furthermore, it is not well regarded within the PS2 homebrew scene (although it unfortunately remains very popular on YouTube, Reddit, and among sellers). This is because it integrates POPStarter against its author’s wishes, includes a number of problematic code changes that introduce issues not present in OPL or other forks (for example, lower compatibility, VRAM problems, and random zeroing of VMC files), and uses a plagiarized theme containing bitmaps owned by Apple. The author has also repeatedly made false claims about OPL DB, so you may come across information on the internet that contradicts the points above…

Versions Not Worth Owning ;)

10th Anniversary Rev1875 (marketed as 10th Anniversary, hence the names OPL DB TA and OPL TA)
latest build

Unique Features

Due to the integrated POPStarter, it includes an ELM category that lists PS1 disc images. While this is an important feature for many users, please note that official OPL can achieve the same result, although not through a dedicated category, but via APPS. Not to mention POPSLoader.
Additional theme assets (for example, a third screenshot frame and a game logo).

Download Links

Official repository

Open PS2 Loader v1-MOD

A fork based on OPL v1.0.0, with some changes from more recent versions backported.

Version

2024-05-16

Unique Features

Supports PS3 guitars.
Enables booting games via OPL-Launcher on DESR models.

Download Links

Official repository

Open PS2 Loader Modular PADEMU

An OPL fork with Xbox 360 controller support. Unfortunately, it remains unfinished and only the source code is available.

Download Links

Official repository

Open PS2 Loader Grimdoomer

Also known as OPL GD (an unofficial abbreviation). A fork focused on support for internal hard drives formatted with MBR, GPT, or no partition table, using the exFAT file system.

Versions

1.2.0.6-1996 Beta
1.2.0.6-1996 Beta (PADEMU)
1.2.0.6-1996 Beta (UDMA+, which enables UDMA5/UDMA6 support)

Unique Features

Support for exFAT and GPT. ^{(later incorporated into OPL v1.2.0, and therefore available in all forks based on it)}

Download Links

X2P

Xbox-to-PlayStation is a fork based on OPL 1.2.0 Beta build 2081. Although it started as an April Fools’ Day joke (X2P pretends to be an Xbox Classic emulator for the PS2), it is still a full-fledged OPL that can be used almost like any other version (the main differences are the folder names for covers, disc images, and so on).

Version

0.5.4 alpha 17022 REV5

Download Links

Official repository

unofficial Open PS2 Loader

Also known as uOPL. A fork based on OPL v1.2.0 beta build 2049, but backported to PS2SDK v1.0.

Versions

2024-12-23
2024-12-23 Betrayal (replaced the gray-and-white background with a black one; not recommended :P)

Unique Features

Added a Favourites category. ^{(later incorporated into wOPL and RiptOPL)}
BDM HDD and APA-Jail support. ^{(later incorporated into OPL v1.2.0, and therefore available in all forks based on it)}
Support for multiple partitions and multiple BDM devices simultaneously. ^{(later incorporated into OPL v1.2.0, and therefore available in all forks based on it)}
Cover Flow-style theme. ^{(later incorporated into wOPL and RiptOPL)}

Download Links

Official repository ^(removed)
Mirror 1
Mirror 2

Open PS2 Loader MMCE

Also known as OPL MMCE. A fork dedicated to Multi-purpose Memory Card Emulators (MMCE) such as SD2PSX, Bitfunx PSxMemCard Gen2 (PSXMCG2), Kaico SD2psx (SD2psx), or 8BitMods MemCard PRO2 (MCP2).

Versions

beta2 and beta3 (beta3 is based on a slightly newer OPL build and also includes the correct MMCE icon)
beta2 HDD Fix (beta2 with proper support for BDM HDD and APA)

Unique Features

Automatically switches the virtual PS2 memory card to match the game’s GameID. ^{(later incorporated into many OPL forks)}
Allows loading disc images from a microSD card inserted into the MMCE. ^{(later incorporated into many OPL forks)}

Download Links

Official repository

Double Unofficial Open PS2 Loader

Also known as wOPL. A fork based on uOPL that expands upon it even further. It is widely considered one of the two best OPL forks available today.

Versions

2.0
always latest build

Unique Features

Separated game configs from game info data (since version 2.0 beta).
New third menu-style view (since version 2.0 beta).
New, reorganized, and refactored Settings menu (since version 2.0 beta).
Ability to launch games using Neutrino.

Download Links

Official repository

Double Unofficial Open PS2 Loader: Ridge Racer V Edition

Also known as wOPL RRVE. A fork of wOPL focused on Ridge Racer V.

Versions

2025-05-18

Unique Features

neGcon emulation for other controllers.
DualSense controller support (often informally referred to as “DualShock 5”).
Logitech DriveFX wheel support.

Download Links

Official repository

Stable Open PS2 Loader

Also known as sOPL. A project aimed at addressing the shortcomings of the current OPL 1.2.0 beta builds. The developer abandoned the project and joined the wOPL development team.