> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/emoose/xenia/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart Guide

> Get Xenia up and running in minutes

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

* **64-bit processor**: Required for running Xenia
* **Vulkan-capable GPU**: NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel with up-to-date drivers
* **Windows 10/11** or **Linux** (Ubuntu/Debian with Clang 19+)
* **Legally obtained Xbox 360 games**: Either physical discs or digital copies you own

<Warning>
  Xenia is intended for research and education. You must own the games you intend to run. Piracy is not supported or condoned.
</Warning>

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download Xenia">
    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="Windows - Pre-built">
        Download the latest release from the [Xenia Canary releases page](https://github.com/xenia-canary/xenia-canary-releases/releases/latest).

        Extract the archive to a folder of your choice.
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Build from Source">
        See the [Building from Source](/building/setup) guide for detailed instructions.

        ```bash Windows theme={null}
        git clone https://github.com/emoose/xenia.git
        cd xenia
        xb setup
        xb build
        ```
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Linux">
        <Note>Linux support is experimental.</Note>

        Follow the [Linux Build Guide](/building/linux) for detailed instructions.

        ```bash Linux theme={null}
        git clone https://github.com/emoose/xenia.git
        cd xenia
        xb setup
        xb build
        ```
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>
  </Step>

  <Step title="First Launch">
    **Windows**: Double-click `xenia_canary.exe`

    **Linux**: Run `./build/bin/Linux/Debug/xenia_canary` from the terminal

    On first launch, Xenia will create a configuration file and display the main window.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Graphics Backend">
    Xenia supports multiple graphics backends. Create or edit your config file:

    **Windows**: `xenia-canary.config.toml` (in the same directory as the executable)

    **Linux**: `~/.config/xenia/xenia-canary.config.toml`

    Set your preferred GPU backend:

    ```toml xenia-canary.config.toml theme={null}
    [GPU]
    gpu = "vulkan"  # or "d3d12" on Windows
    ```

    <Tip>
      Vulkan is recommended for best compatibility and performance across platforms.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Load Your First Game">
    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="File Menu">
        1. Click **File → Open** in the Xenia menu
        2. Navigate to your game file (`.xex`, `.iso`, or game directory)
        3. Select the file and click Open
        4. The game will start loading
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Drag and Drop">
        1. Drag your game file (`.xex` or `.iso`)
        2. Drop it onto the Xenia window
        3. The game will start automatically
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Command Line">
        ```bash Windows theme={null}
        xenia_canary.exe "C:\path\to\game\default.xex"
        ```

        ```bash Linux theme={null}
        ./xenia /path/to/game/default.xex
        ```
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>

    <Note>
      For ISO files, Xenia will mount them automatically. For extracted games, open the `default.xex` file in the game directory.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Basic Controls">
    Xenia supports both keyboard and gamepad input:

    | Action   | Keyboard   | Xbox Controller |
    | -------- | ---------- | --------------- |
    | Move     | WASD       | Left Stick      |
    | Look     | Arrow Keys | Right Stick     |
    | A Button | Z          | A               |
    | B Button | X          | B               |
    | X Button | C          | X               |
    | Y Button | V          | Y               |
    | Start    | Enter      | Start           |
    | Back     | Backspace  | Back            |
    | LB/RB    | Q/E        | LB/RB           |
    | LT/RT    | 1/3        | LT/RT           |

    <Tip>
      Most Xbox 360 controllers work natively with Xenia. For other controllers, configure them in `xenia-canary.config.toml`.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Game doesn't start or crashes immediately">
    * Check the log file (`xenia.log` in the same directory as the executable)
    * Try a different graphics backend (Vulkan vs D3D12)
    * Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date
    * Some games require specific settings - check the [compatibility list](/reference/compatibility)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Black screen or graphics glitches">
    * Update your GPU drivers to the latest version
    * Try enabling `--gpu_allow_invalid_fetch_constants=true` in the config
    * Check if the game requires specific GPU settings
    * Some games have known graphics issues - check compatibility status
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Poor performance or stuttering">
    * Ensure you're using a dedicated GPU (not integrated graphics)
    * Close other applications to free up system resources
    * Try disabling V-sync: `--vsync=false`
    * Check CPU usage - the JIT compiler can be intensive
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No sound or audio issues">
    * Check that your audio device is properly configured in Windows/Linux
    * Try adjusting audio settings in `xenia-canary.config.toml`
    * Some games have known audio issues - check compatibility status
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Controller not detected">
    * For Xbox 360 controllers, ensure drivers are installed
    * For other controllers, configure them in `xenia-canary.config.toml`
    * Try using x360ce for non-Xbox controllers
    * Check the [HID configuration](/reference/configuration#hid-settings)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Configuration Tips

### Recommended Settings

For best experience, add these settings to your `xenia-canary.config.toml`:

```toml xenia-canary.config.toml theme={null}
[GPU]
gpu = "vulkan"
vsync = false

[CPU]
break_on_unimplemented_instructions = false

[Logging]
log_level = 2  # Only warnings and errors
```

### Useful Command-Line Flags

Launch Xenia with these flags for specific purposes:

```bash theme={null}
# Log to console instead of file
xenia_canary.exe --log_file=stdout game.xex

# Start in fullscreen
xenia_canary.exe --fullscreen game.xex

# Disable V-sync for unlimited FPS
xenia_canary.exe --vsync=false game.xex

# Capture GPU trace for debugging
xenia_canary.exe --trace_gpu_prefix=trace_ game.xex
```

See the [Command-Line Reference](/reference/command-line) for all available flags.

## Performance Tips

<Steps>
  <Step title="Use a Dedicated GPU">
    Integrated graphics may not provide acceptable performance. Ensure Xenia is using your dedicated GPU.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update Drivers">
    Keep your GPU drivers up to date. Vulkan support is critical for performance.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Disable V-Sync">
    If you experience input lag, try disabling V-sync with `--vsync=false`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Close Background Apps">
    Xenia can be resource-intensive. Close unnecessary applications to free up CPU and GPU resources.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Installation Guide" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Detailed installation instructions for Windows and Linux
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="gear" href="/reference/configuration">
    Learn about all configuration options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Game Compatibility" icon="gamepad" href="/reference/compatibility">
    Check which games work with Xenia
  </Card>

  <Card title="Building from Source" icon="hammer" href="/building/setup">
    Build Xenia yourself and contribute to development
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Getting Help

If you encounter issues:

1. Check the [FAQ](/reference/faq) for common questions
2. Search the [GitHub issues](https://github.com/emoose/xenia/issues)
3. Join the [Discord community](https://discord.gg/Q9mxZf9) for support
4. Review the [troubleshooting guide](/reference/faq#troubleshooting)

<Note>
  When asking for help, always include:

  * Xenia version and build date
  * Your operating system and GPU
  * The game you're trying to run
  * Relevant log output from `xenia.log`
</Note>