ShadNet: shadPS4 brings online multiplayer to PC without PlayStation Network

The PlayStation 4 emulator shadPS4 has just hit a major milestone with the official announcement of ShadNet on June 26, 2026. This open-source custom server, developed alongside the emulator itself, aims to reproduce Sony’s network infrastructure - lobby management, online presence, leaderboards - entirely from PC, with no PlayStation Network account or PlayStation Plus subscription required.

The project draws directly from RPCN, the similar infrastructure built by the RPCS3 team for PlayStation 3 emulation. That proven approach has now convinced the shadPS4 developers to bring the same model to the PS4 generation. A testing version launched alongside the announcement, though only score tracking is currently functional and shadQtLauncher integration is not yet available. Account registration is already open on the official website.

ShadNet opens an unprecedented door for emulation: playing PS4 titles in online multiplayer with other PC users, just like on a real console with an active subscription. Games such as Bloodborne are already cited as examples by the development team. So far, Sony has taken no legal action against shadPS4 or ShadNet.

To download shadPS4, visit the official GitHub releases page. A full setup guide is available on the shadPS4 wiki. To track ShadNet’s development, check the dedicated GitHub repository. Source: DSO Gaming

Image credit: “Shadps4” by Xphalnos, licensed under GPLv2, via Wikimedia Commons.