---
title: How Kiln Grades Games — Stable, Beta, Test | Kiln
description: How Kiln grades games: Stable plays start to finish, Beta reaches gameplay with known issues, Test boots or waits. One reference rig, real sessions, public notes. Kiln is a PlayStation 5 emulator for Windows PC. Not affiliated with Sony.
canonical: https://consolepc.net/lab/how-we-grade
updated: 2026-10-13
---

# How we grade.

Stable finishes. Beta plays with issues. Test waits its turn. Every grade is a real session on the reference rig with a public note.

## Facts (2026-10-13)

- **Stable:** Plays start to finish
- **Beta:** Reaches gameplay, issues remain
- **Test:** Boots, stalls, online-only, ungraded
- **Evidence:** Build id, fps, public note

## Grade definitions

| Grade | Bar | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stable | Plays start to finish on the reference rig | [Astro Bot](/run/astro-bot-ps5-emulator) — 60 fps |
| Beta | Reaches gameplay, known issues remain | [Monster Hunter Wilds](/run/monster-hunter-wilds-ps5-emulator) — 40 fps |
| Test | Boots, stalls, online-only, or ungraded | Ungraded launcher titles |

## The three grades

Stable: the title played start to finish on the [reference rig](/lab/reference-rig) — saves, cutscenes, and the ending verified. Example: [Astro Bot](/run/astro-bot-ps5-emulator).

Beta: the title reaches gameplay but has known issues — shader-cache stutter, weather dips, audio drift. Example: [Monster Hunter Wilds](/run/monster-hunter-wilds-ps5-emulator).

Test: it boots, reaches a menu, needs an always-online session, or simply has not had a grading session yet. Test is a waiting room, not a verdict.

## What a grade includes

Every graded title carries a build id, a lab frame rate, and a one-line note saying what happened. No number without a note.

Grades are re-earned as builds change. A Beta can become Stable; a broken build can knock a title back. The compat lab always shows current status.

Grades are lab results, not certifications. They certify nothing about your PC, your driver, or your copy of the game.

## What we do not grade

Online servers, accounts, and multiplayer. If a feature needs Sony's servers, the lab does not grade it — see [Gran Turismo 7](/run/gran-turismo-7-ps5-emulator) for the honest scope.

Unreleased builds and rumors. A title gets a session when the lab has a session, not before.

## FAQ

### What does Test status mean?

Test means the title boots or stalls, needs online, or has not been graded yet. It is untested-or-limited, not broken.

### Can a Beta become Stable?

Yes. Titles are re-graded as builds improve. The compat lab always reflects the current build.

### Why is my experience worse than the grade?

Grades come from the reference rig. Weaker hardware, old drivers, or the wrong GPU selected all cost frames. Run the boost fps checklist.

## Related

- [The lab.](https://consolepc.net/lab)
- [Reference rig.](https://consolepc.net/lab/reference-rig)
- [The roster.](https://consolepc.net/roster)
- [Marvel's Wolverine — PS5 emulator.](https://consolepc.net/run/marvels-wolverine-ps5-emulator)
- [Astro Bot — PS5 emulator.](https://consolepc.net/run/astro-bot-ps5-emulator)

## Download

Free Windows app: [Download Kiln](https://consolepc.net/download)

Markdown mirror: https://consolepc.net/lab/how-we-grade.md