# Introduction

### **Aemulus Package Manager** is a program that downloads, organizes, merges, and builds mod loadouts for many of the Persona games.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**aemulus.cep.one will go offline on 31 December 2026.**

**Please use** [**the official instructions on GitHub**](https://github.com/TekkaGB/AemulusModManager/blob/master/README.md) **after this date.**
{% endhint %}


# Getting Started

{% hint style="danger" %}
**aemulus.cep.one will go offline on 31 December 2026.**

**Please use** [**the official instructions on GitHub**](https://github.com/TekkaGB/AemulusModManager/blob/master/README.md) **after this date.**
{% endhint %}

## Requirements

* A registered installation of **64-bit Windows 11 or Windows 10**
* [**7-Zip**](https://www.7-zip.org/)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Aemulus is not compatible with **Mac** or **Linux** PCs, even when run through Wine.
{% endhint %}

## Supported Games

* **Persona 1** (PPSSPP emulator)
* **Persona 3 FES** (PCSX2 emulator)
* **Persona 3 Portable** (PPSSPP emulator)
* **Persona 4 Golden** (PS Vita homebrew)
* **Persona 5** (RPCS3 emulator)
* **Persona 5 Royal** (PS4 homebrew)
* **Persona 5 Royal** (Switch homebrew)
* **Persona 5 Strikers** (PC)
* **Persona Q2** (Citra emulator)

## Unsupported Games

The following games use another program for mod management and do not use Aemulus.

* **Persona 3 Portable** (PC)
* **Persona 3 Reload**
* **Persona 4 Arena / Persona 4 Arena Ultimax**
* **Persona 4 Golden** (PC)
* **Persona 5 Royal** (PC)

## Aemulus is Not a Mod Loader

***Aemulus is a mod manager, not a mod loader.***\
***You must set up a mod loader for your emulator or homebrew before using Aemulus.***

* [**Persona 1**](https://gamebanana.com/tuts/14515)
* [**Persona 3 FES**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ-XzslciHw)
* [**Persona 3 Portable**](https://gamebanana.com/tuts/14001)
* [**Persona 4 Golden**](https://gamebanana.com/tuts/15533)
* [**Persona 5**](https://shujynx.gitbook.io/p5-modding-guides/the-basics/setting-up-rpcs3)
* [**Persona 5 Royal (PS4)**](https://shrinefox.com/guides/2020/09/30/modding-persona-5-royal-on-ps4/)
* [**Persona 5 Royal (Switch)**](https://gamebanana.com/tuts/15385)
* **Persona 5 Strikers** does not need a mod loader.
* **Persona Q2** does not need a mod loader.


# Download and Prepare

## Install Prerequisites

Aemulus requires two core runtime libraries to run properly. \
Download and install them now if you haven't already.

* [**.NET Core 3.1 Desktop Runtime (x64)**](https://download.visualstudio.microsoft.com/download/pr/9845b4b0-fb52-48b6-83cf-4c431558c29b/41025de7a76639eeff102410e7015214/dotnet-runtime-3.1.10-win-x64.exe)
* [**Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable (x86)**](https://download.microsoft.com/download/5/B/C/5BC5DBB3-652D-4DCE-B14A-475AB85EEF6E/vcredist_x86.exe)

## Download Aemulus

Download the latest version of Aemulus now if you haven't already.

| Site                         | Link                                                                               |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Download from **GitHub**     | [**Latest Release**](https://github.com/TekkaGB/AemulusModManager/releases/latest) |
| Download from **GameBanana** | [**Latest Release**](https://gamebanana.com/tools/6878)**\***                      |

{% hint style="info" %}
If you download Aemulus from **GameBanana**, you may get an older version.\
Aemulus will update to the latest version the first time you launch it.
{% endhint %}

## Set Up AemulusPackageManager Folder

* Unzip your downloaded archive and locate the **AemulusPackageManager** folder inside.
* Move the **AemulusPackageManager** folder to a suitable location on your PC.

{% hint style="info" %}
We recommend creating a new top-level directory, such as **C:\Mods**.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Do not use any directory inside **Program Files** or **Program Files (x86)**.

Do not use a directory that synchronizes files with the cloud, including any folder managed by **OneDrive** or a similar service.

Do not use the Persona game folder itself, as you may want to uninstall/reinstall the game in the future and the directory is likely to be UAC-protected.
{% endhint %}


# Feature Tour

A quick overview of the Aemulus window and how the program works.

## First Launch

Open your **AemulusPackageManager** folder and launch **AemulusPackageManager.exe**.

<details>

<summary>Aemulus won't launch / Aemulus immediately crashes.</summary>

Add your **AemulusPackageManager** folder to your antivirus software's exception list and try again.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Aemulus says an update is available.</summary>

Select **Yes** and wait for the download to complete.

Aemulus will automatically close and restart after updating.

</details>

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FMmOUuH1aEyDkhWvkkCB8%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=fc73a776-e1ee-4cc7-91d1-09228dbc9add)

## Feature Tour

Let's do a quick overview of everything Aemulus can do before we mess with the program window.

### Grid and Packages

The big list in the Aemulus window is called the **grid**.

Each individual entry on the grid is a **package**, a collection of loose files. Aemulus needs to **build** a package before it can become a working mod in your game.

Aemulus is also capable of automatically updating packages from GameBanana and GitHub, if the mod creator has set it up.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FX4AHGTY8SJJOpk7Z200i%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=277188d9-6708-4854-8bd5-1f232092b9b5)

When you tell Aemulus to build a mod loadout, it merges all of the packages you have enabled into one set of files and saves them to your **output folder**.

The game's mod loader (hostFS / Reloaded II / mod.cpk) then uses the contents of that folder to swap in modded files when you launch the game.

### Games and Loadouts

Aemulus can manage multiple Persona games in the same interface.

The icon in the top left shows which game you are configuring. You can switch between these at any time.

The box to the right of the game logo shows which **loadout** you are configuring. You can create multiple loadouts to quickly switch between many different mod setups.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2F4I6sxGvPYktIffNlzhy5%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=26bf97d7-1974-4732-bee0-9dbd6c6e917a)

### Package Priority

When multiple packages edit the same files, Aemulus tries to merge them into a single unified set.

However, there are some files that can't be merged (such as texture files). When two or more packages edit the same un-mergeable file(s), a **conflict** occurs.

In the event of a conflict, Aemulus will choose the file belonging to the package with the highest **priority** and continue building the rest of the loadout. By default, packages at the *top* of the grid have the highest priority.

<details>

<summary>Extra information for nerds</summary>

Strictly speaking, package priority determines the order in which packages are built.

The lowest-priority packages are built first and the highest-priority packages are built last, overriding any of the lower-priority files in the event of a conflict that can't be merged.

</details>

### Package Preview

When you select a package in Aemulus, its **preview** will appear to the right of the grid.

The preview contains a short description of what the package does and a helpful image.![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2F21nET06fAKYIIuHJbQ45%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=dbae1007-81fb-4819-abb6-c16284acc814)

If you want more information about a package, click its link in the grid to be taken to the GameBanana or GitHub page for the mod.

### GameBanana Browser

Aemulus has built-in integration with **GameBanana**, the site where the Persona modding community hosts most of its creations.

You can browse, download, and install Persona mods without ever leaving Aemulus using the **Download Packages** tab at the top of the window.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FVksiMhw4ECukpn18jYmt%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=b51cfa95-e707-4ad9-ad76-bf32e6ad1acd)

### Console

The box at the bottom of the Aemulus window is the **console**. It prints out what Aemulus is working on at any given moment, as well as any warnings or errors you should be aware of.

The console output of your last run is saved to **AemulusLog.txt** in your **AemulusPackageManager** folder.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FRxH6n4NeGbl1EYAqRZJ8%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=ca20fb50-91b6-440f-a40f-fe89fe65c3b9)


# The Config Window

Configure the file paths and settings for your chosen Persona game.

Let's get started, shall we?

## Select Game

* Select the game you'd like to mod from the menu in the top-left of the window.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FSklzJMqmjTlXZFwu5e8c%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=e0d70a5a-ff82-4859-8a3b-4080e6bceef9)

## Set File Paths

Aemulus needs to know a few file and folder paths in order to function.

* Click the gear icon ⚙️ (**Configure Paths and Settings**) to open the **Config** window.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FXPQzYQleDQId4jkICxtq%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=f54fdc07-052f-4ae8-9859-27524e69f643)

* Depending on the game you chose, there will be anywhere from one to four text boxes in the Config window. Click the **Browse** button next to each of them and set the correct file or folder path for each one.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2Fl9iot2mWGLSbiYNu2P7r%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=29e3a133-f3e2-4d2a-98fa-7f8b78a567ad)

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="P1" %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="275">Name</th><th>Browse here...</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Output Folder</td><td><strong>...\memstick\PSP\GAME</strong> folder</td></tr><tr><td>Textures Folder</td><td><strong>,,,\memstick\PSP\TEXTURES\ULUS10432</strong> folder</td></tr><tr><td>Cheats Path</td><td><strong>...\memstick\PSP\Cheats\ULUS10432.ini</strong></td></tr><tr><td>P1PSP ISO Path</td><td>Your P1 disc image (.iso)</td></tr><tr><td>PPSSPPWindows.exe Path</td><td><strong>PPSSPPWindows.exe</strong> or <strong>PPSSPPWindows64.exe</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="P3F" %}

| Name           | Browse here...                            |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Output Folder  | Folder containing **SLUS\_216.21.elf**    |
| P3F ISO Path   | Your P3F disc image (.iso)                |
| P3F ELF Path   | Your **SLUS\_216.21.elf** executable file |
| PCSX2.exe Path | PCSX2.exe                                 |
| {% endtab %}   |                                           |

{% tab title="P3P" %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="275">Name</th><th>Browse here...</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Output Folder</td><td><strong>...\memstick\PSP\GAME</strong> folder</td></tr><tr><td>Textures Folder</td><td><strong>,,,\memstick\PSP\TEXTURES\ULUS10512</strong> folder</td></tr><tr><td>Cheats Path</td><td><strong>...\memstick\PSP\Cheats\ULUS10512.ini</strong></td></tr><tr><td>P3P ISO Path</td><td>Your P3P disc image (.iso)</td></tr><tr><td>PPSSPPWindows.exe Path</td><td><strong>PPSSPPWindows.exe</strong> or <strong>PPSSPPWindows64.exe</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="P4G" %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="220">Name</th><th>Browse here...</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Output Folder</td><td> Your choice (you will transfer these files to your Vita)</td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="P5" %}

| Name           | Browse here...                      |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| CPK Name       | Keep this as "mod"                  |
| Output Folder  | ...\\**PS3\_GAME\USRDIR** folder    |
| P5 EBOOT Path  | ...\\**PS3\_GAME\USRDIR\EBOOT.bin** |
| RPCS3.exe Path | RPCS3.exe                           |
| {% endtab %}   |                                     |

{% tab title="P5S" %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="259">Name</th><th>Browse here...</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Output Folder (motor_rs</td><td>...\<strong>steamapps\common\P5S\data\motor_rsc</strong> folder</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

<details>

<summary>I can't find my Persona 5 USRDIR folder.</summary>

* Launch RPCS3.
* Right-click Persona 5 in your game list and select **Open Install Folder**.

</details>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Double-check every file path!**

If you see the word **OneDrive** anywhere, you must stop what you are doing and move that file or folder to a different location (we recommend **C:\Mods**).

Make sure your **Aemulus** folder is not in a OneDrive-controlled directory either.
{% endhint %}

## Additional Settings

A few more settings are available in the Config window:

### Universal

<table><thead><tr><th width="257">Setting</th><th>Function</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Delete Old Versions</td><td>Allows Aemulus to automatically delete older versions of packages if a newer version with the same ID is detected in the grid.</td></tr><tr><td>Enable Mod Updates</td><td>Allows Aemulus to check GameBanana and GitHub for updates to your packages.<br><br>Each package has its own Allow Updates toggle, but disabling this setting will disable the update function for all mods.</td></tr><tr><td>Update All on Refresh</td><td>Have Aemulus check all your packages for updates online on startup and when the <strong>Refresh</strong> button is clicked.<br><br>Requires <strong>Enable Mod Updates</strong> to be enabled.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Persona 1

<table><thead><tr><th width="260">Setting</th><th>Function</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Create ISO</td><td>Creates a playable ISO for PSP systems after building.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Persona 3 FES

| Setting                                 | Function                                   |
| --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Prompt for Extra Options When Launching | Disable this unless you are a mod creator. |

## Unpack Base Files

{% hint style="success" %}
**Persona 5 Strikers** has no base files to unpack.

Skip this step if you are modding P5S.
{% endhint %}

Aemulus needs to unpack some of your game's data archives into a folder named **Original** so that it can merge packages that edit the same archives together.

* If you are modding **Persona 4 Golden**, make sure the box at the bottom matches the **text language** of the game you are using (*not* the voice language).
* Click **Unpack Base Files** and wait for the process to finish.
  * This can take up to ten minutes, so don't worry if it's taking a while.
  * You only need to do this step once.

<details>

<summary>An error message appeared.</summary>

Add your **Aemulus** folder to your antivirus software's exclusions list and try again.

</details>

* Click **OK** to close the **Finished Unpacking!** window, then close the **Config** window.


# Download Packages

Download and install packages using the GameBanana browser.

That's enough setup for now. Let's get to the mods already!

{% hint style="warning" %}
The GameBanana browser may contain **unmarked spoilers** for your game.
{% endhint %}

## Open GameBanana Browser

* Select **Download Packages** in the top-left corner of the Aemulus window to launch the GameBanana package browser.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FLknHx65dYadCcf0Gdf1P%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=edcc9424-f118-4db3-a04f-798dc310382b)

## Browse for Packages

Now for the fun part! It's time to choose which mods you'd like to use in your game.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Use the Toolbar!" %}
The toolbar at the top of the window is the key to finding the mods you want!

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FkFLw07jQtcYqPUDEi52A%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=533df639-5586-4a4f-87bc-140ad491fa2a)

* **Sort** the browser by **Featured**, **Recent**, or **Popular** mods with the dropdown menu in the top-left of the window.
* **Filter** the mod type by **Mods**, **WiPs**, **Sounds**, **Tools**, and **Tutorials**.
  * You can apply **sub-filters** (Mods > UI > Font, for example) with the two dropdown menus to the right of the mod type filter.
* **Search** for the mod you want with the search bar in the top-right.
  * Go back to the main list by selecting **Featured**, **Recent**, or **Popular** again.
* Click the banana to go to the **GameBanana.com** page for that game.
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="More Info" %}
Click **More Info** to learn more about what that mod does.

There might also be special setup instructions or notes on compatibility with other mods.&#x20;

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FKSGzWdkupmsH5Yub5x4m%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=77650143-2069-4140-91fe-7fe00e349625)

* Click **Mod Page** to go to the full GameBanana.com site.
* The **Alt. Downloads** option is for packages that can't be installed automatically through Aemulus or are too large to host on GameBanana. What this means exactly will vary from mod to mod, so read the description carefully to learn what you need to do.
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Download" %}
Click **Download**, then **Yes** on the confirmation screen to download and automatically install a package in Aemulus.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2Fpq6eNACDblxATPfw89QJ%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=8d42b250-0556-4aa7-99c0-fd8cfc1fbbcf)
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

<details>

<summary>Only a few mods are loading in the browser!</summary>

Make sure you have the toolbar set to sort by **Recent** and not **Popular**.

</details>

<details>

<summary>The Download button for this mod doesn't work!</summary>

Some mods have special setup instructions and can't be directly installed through the GameBanana browser. They might not even use Aemulus at all!

To learn what you need to do, click **Mod Info** and then **Mod Page** to read the instructions and download the mod.

</details>


# Organize and Build

## Open Package Manager

* Select **Manage Packages** in the top-left corner of the Aemulus window to close the GameBanana browser and return to the package manager.&#x20;
  * You should see the packages you've downloaded in the grid now!

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FHj9rTAlObtfKn5lnHh4q%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=bf184a9f-f050-4fd9-9030-842754f30f47)

## Organize and Enable Packages

* To **enable** a package, check its box in the grid.
* To **disable** a package, uncheck its box in the grid.
* You can drag packages up and down in the grid to change their [**priority**](/install/feature-tour#package-priority).

## Build Your Loadout

{% hint style="danger" %}
Once you start building, Aemulus will delete **EVERYTHING** in the Output Folder you defined in the Config window (except for P5S, where only modified contents are deleted).

Make sure that you have selected the right output folder path and that there are no important files there before continuing.
{% endhint %}

* Once you've finished organizing your package loadout, click the 🔨 **Build** button.

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2FrcBI1wjSByAPHmfm35yY%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=76331370-166f-4db8-b2d3-c43861a5a5a2)

Aemulus will ask you to confirm that you want to delete the contents of the output folder. Make sure the folder in the confirmation box is correct, then click **Yes.**

![](https://524424348-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQsJmfHgfeK1hBX6ZAmCv%2Fuploads%2Fm4JDIWJmzBBA2k1QZm4Y%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=0912c58a-f1ca-4e31-a456-c8df4c1a84dd)

* Aemulus will merge your packages and copy them over. The process may take a few minutes.
* Click **OK** to close the **Finished Building!** window.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can make changes in Aemulus and rebuild your loadout as many times as you want.
{% endhint %}

## Launching the Game

* Click the 🚀 **Launch \[Game]** button to call the associated mod loader and launch the game.