Last updated Jun 8, 2026

First Time Install#

This installs ARK-5 as a temporary custom firmware. Temporary means the CFW runs until you power off your PSP. After a full power off, you need to launch FasterARK again to restore CFW functionality.

This is useful if you want to try ARK-5 before committing. Once you are ready to make it permanent, follow the Making it permanent guide.

Before starting, make sure you have the right package. See Downloads if you have not downloaded anything yet.

Steps#

1. Connect your PSP to a computer

Connect your PSP via USB or remove the memory card and use a card reader.

2. Copy FasterARK to the memory stick

Download and extract FasterARK_psp.zip (or FasterARK_psp_full.zip for the Full variant). Extract the package directly onto the root of your memory stick. If a PSP folder already exists on the memory stick, merge it — do not replace it entirely.

3. Launch FasterARK

Safely disconnect the PSP or memory card from the computer. On your PSP, go to the Game tab in the XMB. You should see FasterARK listed there. Launch it and wait for it to complete. The PSP will restart back to the XMB automatically.

4. Verify CFW is active

Press Select on your PSP. A menu should appear with text in the top right corner of the screen. If you see it, ARK-5 is running.

To see what features are available, visit the ARK-5 GitHub↗.

Next step#

To make ARK-5 permanent so it survives a power off, continue to Making it permanent.