01.Introduction: Master vs Canary
Always use Xenia Canary. The "Master" version is very old and slow. Canary receives daily updates with specific fixes for games like RDR and Fable II.
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02.Chapter 1: Configuration (config.toml)
Editing the File
Xenia does not have a settings menu (GUI). You need to edit the xenia-canary.config.toml file with Notepad.
- d3d12_allow_variable_refresh_rate_and_tearing = true (For G-Sync/FreeSync).
- license_mask = 1 (Unlocks Trial/Demo games to Full version).
- draw_resolution_scale_x/y = 2 (To run at 1440p). If your PC is weak, keep it at 1.
03.Chapter 2: Red Dead Redemption 1 (The Ex-Clusive)
RDR1 runs incredibly well on Xenia (much better than on RPCS3).
In 4K, the game looks like an official remaster.
Requires a good GPU (RTX 3060 or higher) for stable 4K 30fps.
Gears of War 2 and 3 also run from start to finish without crashes (only occasional shadow glitches).
04.Chapter 3: 60FPS Patches
Most 360 games are locked to 30fps.
1. Download the patches.zip from the Xenia Canary GitHub.
2. Extract it into the Xenia folder.
3. Open the game's .patch file (e.g. 5454082B - Read Dead.patch) with notepad.
4. Change is_enabled = false to true on the "Unlock FPS" or "60 FPS" line.
5. Save it and launch the game.
A1.Chapter 4: FSR (FidelityFX)
Xenia Canary has native support for FSR 1.0 (in the config file).
Useful if you want to run in 4K but your GPU can't handle it natively.
d3d12_resolution_scale = 2
postprocess_upscaling = "fsr"
A2.Chapter 5: Audio Problems (Lag)
If the audio is lagging behind:
Change apu_max_queued_frames from 64 to 16 in config.toml.
This reduces sound latency, but may cause crackling if your CPU is weak (i3/Ryzen 3).
A3.Chapter 6: Clear Cache (Black Textures)
Sometimes the game loads with a black floor (Fable II).
Delete the cache folder inside the Xenia folder.
Press F5 during the game to clear the runtime cache. Helps to debug graphics on the fly.
A4.Chapter 7: DLCs and Title Updates
Xenia loads DLCs and TUs automatically if they are in the correct folder structure (Content/0000000...).
But the easiest way is: File > Install Content. Select the DLC file. Xenia copies it to the right place.
Chapter 8: Keyboard and Mouse
It works, but it's bad. Xenia emulates the thumbstick with the mouse in a weird way.
Use an Xbox controller (or DualSense with DS4Windows). It's the native experience.
Chapter 9: Saves
The saves are compatible with the real Xbox 360!
You can take your old save from the console (via Horizon/USB) and play it on PC.
Chapter 10: Linux (Steam Deck)
Xenia runs on Linux via Proton (SteamOS), but it's volatile and has graphical bugs (Vulkan on Linux vs D3D12 on Windows).
For 360, Windows is still far superior.
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Written by a verified expert
Douglas Felipe M. Gonçalves
Expert in Windows system optimization with years of experience in hardware diagnostics, kernel tuning, and advanced technical support. Founder of Voltris and developer of the Voltris Optimizer.
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