Complete Guide: Playing Online on PS3 OFW/CFW via XLink Kai and Private Servers

This guide details the methods to play online on PS3 when the official servers are shut down. It covers XLink Kai (LAN tunneling), private servers via DNS, and server emulators on PC.

Connection methods

XLink Kai is a LAN tunneling service that lets you play PS3 games in a local network over the Internet. It works with 105 PS3 games verified as supporting LAN.

Required hardware

• A PS3 (OFW or CFW)
• A PC/Mac/Raspberry Pi
• 1 or 2 Ethernet cables depending on the setup
• An Internet connection
• An XLink Kai account (free)

Step 1: Create an XLink Kai account

1. Go to teamxlink.co.uk
2. Click "Sign Up" and fill out the form
3. Verify your email address and accept the data collection policy (GDPR)
4. Read and accept the Acceptable Use Policy

Step 2: Install XLink Kai on the PC

1. Download the latest XLink Kai version from teamxlink.co.uk/downloads.php
2. Install the software on your PC
3. Launch XLink Kai and sign in with your account

Step 3: Network configuration (2 methods)

Method A: Fully wired setup (recommended)

This is the method offering the lowest latency and the most stable connection.

Internet → Router ← PC (XLink Kai)
             ↖ PS3

1. Connect the PC and PS3 to the same router via Ethernet cables
2. In XLink Kai, go to "Configure Kai" and select the network adapter connected to the PS3
3. Configure the PS3 as automatic network (DHCP)

Method B: Semi-wireless setup

If full wiring is not possible, the PC can be on Wi-Fi but must be connected to the PS3 via Ethernet.

Internet → Wi-Fi Box → PC (XLink Kai, Wi-Fi)
                     ↖ PS3 (Ethernet)

1. Connect the PC to the box via Wi-Fi
2. Connect the PS3 to the PC with an Ethernet cable (or a USB-Ethernet adapter if the PC has no Ethernet port)
3. In XLink Kai, select the Ethernet adapter (the one connected to the PS3)

Step 4: PS3 configuration

1. Start XLink Kai on the PC BEFORE the PS3 (very important)
2. Turn on the PS3 and go to Settings → Network Settings → Internet Connection Settings
3. Select "Custom" then "Automatic" for IP address and DHCP
4. For DNS, you can leave it automatic or use a public DNS such as 1.1.1.1
5. Save and test the connection
6. You should get a DNS error (80710102) — this is normal and expected! It means the PS3 is not contacting PSN servers and XLink Kai is taking over

Step 5: Start a game

1. With XLink Kai running and connected on the PC
2. Turn on the PS3 (it should display the DNS error)
3. Launch a game supporting LAN
4. In XLink Kai, browse the "Arenas" (rooms) and join a session for your game
5. Other players from around the world will appear in the game as if they were on your local network

Port forwarding

XLink Kai uses port 30000 (TCP and UDP) by default. Open this port on your router for the PC running XLink Kai.

• Port: 30000 (TCP and UDP)
• Protocol: Both (UDP & TCP)

XLink Kai tips

• Check that your network is "Reachable": In XLink Kai, click the magnifying glass. The diagnostic should show "YES" for Network Reachable
• Run XLink Kai as administrator on Windows (right-click → Run as administrator)
• Disable auto-save in racing games like F1 2010 to avoid conflicts
• Use a direct Ethernet cable between PC and PS3 if possible for maximum stability

For "Online only" games that have no LAN mode, the most common method is DNS redirection. Your PS3 is redirected to a replacement server that mimics the official server responses.

How it works

The PS3 game contacts addresses like cod7-ps3-lobby.demonware.net. By changing the console's DNS to point to a private server, you redirect these requests to a replacement server.

DNS configuration on PS3

1. Go to Settings → Network Settings → Internet Connection Settings
2. Select "Custom" then "Manual" for the DNS settings
3. Enter the DNS addresses of the private server you want to use

Example for Unreal Tournament 3:

• Primary DNS: 15.204.233.35
• Secondary DNS: 1.1.1.1 (or any public DNS as fallback)

Custom/revival DNS servers overview

Games per custom/revival DNS server

For games whose infrastructure is more complex (like EA Plasma services), you need to run an actual server emulator on a PC.

Arcadia (EA Plasma)

Arcadia is a server emulator for the shut-down EA Plasma backend services, mainly targeting PS3 games.

Supported games:

PS3 setup:

1. Follow the PSRewired guide for PS3
2. Launch the game and sign in to PSN when prompted

PSHome MultiServer

For PlayStation Home, PSHome MultiServer is a unified open-source server that lets you host custom lobbies.

🎮 XLink Kai compatible games (native LAN confirmed)

The following games from your list are confirmed to support LAN and work with XLink Kai.
OFW and CFW compatible: CFW is not required if the game supports LAN/System Link mode.

🎮 Games compatible with private DNS servers

🎮 Games compatible with PC server emulators

To play on a local LAN (no Internet), here is the basic setup:

1. Connection: Connect both PS3 consoles to a Gigabit router with Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables
2. Network: Leave both PS3 on Automatic (DHCP) or assign fixed IPs
3. Game version: Both PS3 must have exactly the same version (update, DLC)
4. LAN mode: In the multiplayer menu, look for "LAN", "System Link" or "Local Network"

XLink Kai issues

DNS server issues

• Risk of PSN ban: The use of unofficial servers or XLink Kai may, in rare cases, result in a PlayStation Network ban. This risk also exists on OFW if you connect to the official PSN or to unofficial services. Stay cautious.
• Community and maintenance: These servers are run by enthusiasts. Their availability depends on the community.
• Compatibility: Not all games are supported. Check the compatibility lists before starting.
• CFW/HFW and games: Using CFW/HFW to play online must be done with caution. Avoid connecting to the official PSN with CFW to avoid risks.
• OFW: DNS redirection alone does not require CFW, but some servers may require EBOOT patches or modified files.

• XLink Kai: teamxlink.co.uk
• XLink Kai status: status.teamxlink.co.uk
• XLink Kai Discord: discord.gg/UyyjNpa
• XLink Kai supported games: teamxlink.co.uk/supported-games
• PS3 private servers list: Google Sheets - Private Server List
• PS Rewired: psrewired.com
• Arcadia (EA Plasma): github.com/valters-tomsons/arcadia
• PS3 Online Server List: Backloggd - SolarisTM

Guide created for the PS3 OFW/CFW community. Have fun! By LvSs7...et vous...