Using Apollo Save Tool

Introduction

This guide explains how to export saved data for the PlayStation 4 versions of the Dead Island games by Techland using the Apollo Save Tool with a jailbroken console, and how to import modified saved data back onto the console.

The workflow described is fully offline using a USB drive. Other Apollo features such as save resigning and management over a network connection aren't covered.

No specific save data modifications will be described, but a character's level was bumped from 1 to 60 using DISE (Dead Island Save Editor) for demonstration purposes only.

In-game saves list with original save In-game saves list with modified save

Prerequisites

  • A PC for editing saves.
  • A jailbroken PlayStation 4. This guide uses system software 5.05.
  • Apollo Save Tool. This guide uses version 2.3.0.
  • A USB drive for transferring saved data between the PS4 and PC.

This guide assumes familiarity with PS4 jailbreaking and homebrew software installation.

Prepare a USB Drive

Format a USB drive as exFAT on the console itself or on a PC.

To do it on the console, insert the USB drive, then from the dashboard go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices. Select your drive, open the Options Menu, then Format as exFAT.

The drive is now ready for use.

Install Apollo Save Tool

  • On a PC, download Apollo from the official releases page.
  • Copy the .pkg file into the root directory of the USB drive.
  • Insert the USB drive into the PS4.
  • Install Apollo using the Package Installer.

If you're using GoldHEN then from the dashboard go to GoldHEN > Debug Settings > Package Installer. If you don't see the package immediately in the list then wait a few seconds before trying again.

Apollo Save Tool should now be ready to use from the dashboard.

Export Saved Data From PS4

Launch Apollo on the PS4 and go to HDD saves.

Apollo main screen with HDD saves selected in the menu

Pick a save that matches your game and name prefix GAMESAVE, e.g. GAMESAVESave0sav. Note the name and game title ID (CUSA03291).

Apollo HDD saves list

If you need to narrow down the entries, you can find useful hints by viewing the details of each save. The user ID (e.g. 12fb38dd) found there is another useful piece of information.

Apollo HDD save details

Select Copy save game to USB. If you aren't sure about the USB port, try each one until it works, then remember which physical port it maps to.

Apollo copy esave to USB

Note where on the USB drive the file was copied to.

Your save is now ready to be used on a PC.

Use the pieces of information from earlier, such as the name of the save and title ID, in order to locate your save on the USB drive. The file path should have a pattern such as /PS4/APOLLO/<user ID>_<title ID>_<save name>/DATA/save_<number>.sav.

At this point it would be a good idea to back up the original files associated with your save in case anything goes wrong.

You can now begin editing the file save_<number>.sav, e.g. by loading it into DISE. Once you're done editing the file, make sure to put the edited file at the same location on the USB drive.

Import Saved Data Into PS4

In Apollo Save Tool on the PS4, select USB saves.

Apollo main screen with USB saves selected in the menu

Select your saved data from the list.

Apollo USB saves list

If no saves are listed, make sure the USB drive is inserted, then refresh the list.

Select Copy save game to HDD.

Apollo copy save to HDD

You can now launch the game and check your save.