1. Last updated 10/29/17 1/27/18
    Last checked for updates 1/4/18 by Kafluke 1/26/18 by Kafluke
    NOTICE: Modified for typo fixes, clarity and tweaks for a standalone format 2/12/18

    Supported Wii U firmware versions:
    5.5.1
    5.5.2

    LATEST FW: 5.5.2
    EXPLOITABLE FW: 3.0.0, 3.1.0, 4.0.0, 4.1.0, 5.0.0, 5.1.0, 5.3.2, 5.4.0, 5.5.0, 5.5.1, 5.5.2
    Check HERE to see if Nintendo has released a new firmware.

    This guide will give you all the current hacking options and give you a choice on what works best for your situations. Unlike other guides I will not simply give you a set of instructions and tell you to follow it blindly. Read up on everything so you can make an informed decision on what will work best for you.


    WHAT YOU'LL NEED

    • Blank SD card formatted to FAT32.
      If you have one that you are using for vWii just copy all your data to your PC first and reformat it to FAT32. You can copy the vWii stuff back after we're done. Make sure that your SD card is large enough to backup your entire sysNAND. You'll need the next size up from your Wii U internal memory size. For example, if you have a 32gb Wii U then you'll need a 64GB SD card. Do not use Windows built-in tools to format your SD. Windows will not format your large SD card to fat32. You'll need to use a third party tool to do so. I recommend using GuiFormat.
      *note* If you don't want to backup your entire nand that's okay. At least get opt.bin and seeprom and you'll be fine.
    • Do NOT give your SD card a name with capital letters. Example: "SD". That will give you problems. Make sure your SD card has no name or you use lowercase letters.
    • A computer with an SD slot (or external reader) and internet access.
    • (optional) External USB Hard Drive if you want to install and launch titles from USB. Don't use a flash drive. They do work. They are usually just too small for your needs. You will need either a Hard Drive that has it's own power cable or a USB Y cable for hard drives that come with only a single USB cable.
    • Turn off "Standby functions" and "Auto Power Down" inside of your Wii U power settings menu.
    • A Wii U with a firmware no greater than 5.5.2 (5.5.2 is the latest at last check). If you have 5.5.1 firmware then stay where you are at. There is no reason to upgrade to 5.5.2. You may use one of these physical game's disc to update to 5.5.1 :
      List of game's disc with 5.5.1 firmware
      • Cars 3: Driven to Win
      • Darksiders: Warmastered Edition
      • Just Dance 2017
      • Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Adventure
      • Paper Mario Color Splash
      • Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
      • Skylanders: Imaginators
      • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

    [IMG]


    1. SET UP YOUR BLOCKING
    Blocking Updates
    Blocking Updates:

    I recommend using the recommended DNS settings from loadiine.ovh for basic update blocking setup on the Wii U console.
    • Go into your system settings menu -> Internet -> Connect to the Internet -> Connections (or press X) -> Select your connection -> Change Settings - > DNS -> Don't Auto-obtain
    • Set primary and secondary DNS as follows: (check loadiine.ovh for updated IP's)
    1. Primary DNS = 168.235.92.108
    2. Secondary DNS = 081.004.127.020
    For Euro users try the NL DNS from TitleDB:
    • Alblasserdam, NL: 081.004.127.020
    This will prevent you from automatically downloading an update from the Wii U servers (if/when it comes out).

    Click here for more info on each DNS service: TitleDB, DNS-U

    Here are some additional steps for further blocking updates straight from the The Definitive Guide
    Additional blocking
    Additional preventative measures:
    A. Block by URL Filtering (allows internet access still)
    B. Block your Wii U's MAC Address (no internet access at all, can only run self-hosted files)
    Note: Your router settings page is typically http://192.168.1.1 or http://10.0.0.1

    A. Block by URL Filtering in your router settings
    • nus.cdn.shop.wii.com
    • nus.cdn.wup.shop.nintendo.net
    • nus.wup.shop.nintendo.net
    • nus.c.shop.nintendowifi.net
    B. Block your Wii U's MAC Address in your router settings
    1. Go to Wii U Menu -> System Settings -> Internet -> View MAC Address
    2. Type the string you see into your router's MAC address filter (Ex: b8-ae-4e-48-36-fe)
    2. INSTALL AN ENTRY POINT (HOMEBREW LAUNCHER)
    Installing Homebrew Launcher
    What is an entry point?

    In order to run any kind of homebrew on the system you will need a way to execute unsigned code. This is the initial "hack" that is the gateway or "entry point" to the whole world of homebrew and game loaders. Currently the most popular methods are listed below.

    Recommended Method: Install Haxchi to launch Homebrew Launcher
    Haxchi
    HaxChi is a more reliable entry point than browserhax. In order to install HaxChi you'll have to use browserhax a couple of times. This is currently the preferred entry point and the one that I am currently using.
    Files needed
    latest haxchi:
    download Haxchi
    1. Put your SD card in your computer if it's not already there.
    2. Visit this link on your computer: https://github.com/FIX94/haxchi/releases
    3. Download latest zip file (Haxchi_v2.5u2.zip is latest right now).
    4. Extract the zip file and copy entire contents to the ROOT of your SD. It should look like this:
    • SD:\haxchi\...
    • SD:\wiiu\apps\haxchi\...
    latest Homebrew Launcher:
    download HBL
    Download and install Hombrew Launcher to your SD card.
    1. Make sure your SD card is still in your PC.
    2. Download the latest version of HBL here. Don't download the Channel version, instead download homebrew_launcher.v1.4.zip (Under the section "Release v1.4").
    3. Extract the zip. Copy the folder "wiiu" from the extracted files to root of your SD overwriting and merging when prompted.
    4. Now you have your SD card set up to launch HomeBrew Launcher.
    download the latest Homebrew App Store:
    download HBAS
    Download the full HomeBrew App Store (HBAS) to your SD card.
    1. Make sure your SD card is still in your PC.
    2. Download the file "appstore15.zip" from here.
    3. Extract the zip on your computer.
    4. Copy the folder "apps" from the extracted folder to the "wiiu" folder on your SD. When it's done it should look like this: SD:\wiiu\apps\appstore\...
    5. Now you have your SD card set up to launch HomeBrew App Store.
    You can use the Homebew App Store to download other tools that you will need in this guide going forward.
    download the latest NNU patcher (5.5.1 users only):
    download NNU patcher
    Download the latest NNU patcher to your SD card.
    1. Make sure your SD card is still in your PC.
    2. Download the file "nnupatcher.zip" from here.
    3. Extract the zip on your computer.
    4. Create a folder on your SD card inside of wiiu\apps that is called "NNU Patcher"
    5. Copy the three files from the zip to this new folder on your SD.
    6. NNU patcher is set up and ready to launch.
    This will let you get into the eshop even if you aren't on the latest firmware (5.5.2 as of right now).

    Installing HaxChi gives you an easy entrypoint to the world of homebrew. You can use HaxChi to boot to HomeBrew Launcher (this is the default) or configure it to launch any of your various homebrew applications with the click of a button. After you set up the initial HaxChi (using a DS game that you have purchased from the eshop), you can then create additional free HaxChi's existing as channels on the Wii U system menu allowing you to launch whatever you want with one single click or tap (think of vWii channel forwarders as an example). Please note - You can only install HaxChi if you are on firmware 5.5.1 or 5.5.2.

    1. Make sure that you have all the files needed saved to your SD and put the SD card back into the Wii U.

    2. For Wii U Firmware 5.5.1 only (5.5.2 users skip to step 3): On your Wii U open the browser and visit this page: loadiine.ovh. When the page loads make sure that the dropdown box says "Homebrew Launcher 1.4 (5.5.0 - 5.5.1)" and click "submit".

    If this doesn't work the first time try clearing your saved data for your Internet Browser inside the Wii U settings page and try again.

    After the HomeBrew Launcher fires up select "NNU Patcher" and then load it. This will take you back to the main Wii U menu but you will be able to access the eshop while on firmware version 5.5.1

    3. Go to the eshop on your Wii U and purchase one of these DS games (I got Kirby Mass Attack in USA for 5 bucks). Make sure to test that the game works by launching it at least once after installing it. Tip - Because the game won't be playable later once HaxChi is installed, pick a game you won't miss playing.

    • Kawashima: Motto Nou wo Kitaeru Otona no DS Training [JPN]
      Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! [USA]
      Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training [PAL]
    • Catch! Touch! Yoshi! [JPN]
      Yoshi Touch & Go [USA]
      Yoshi Touch & Go [PAL]
    • Mario Kart DS [JPN]
      Mario Kart DS [USA]
      Mario Kart DS [PAL]
    • New Super Mario Bros. [JPN]
      New Super Mario Bros. [USA]
      New Super Mario Bros. [PAL]
    • Yoshi's Island DS [JPN]
      Yoshi's Island DS [USA]
      Yoshi's Island DS [PAL]
    • Yawaraka Atama Juku [JPN]
      Big Brain Academy [USA]
      Big Brain Academy [PAL]
    • Sawaru: Made in Wario [JPN]
      WarioWare: Touched! [USA]
      WarioWare: Touched! [PAL]
    • Mario & Luigi RPG 2x2 [JPN]
      Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time [USA]
      Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time [PAL]
    • Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber [JPN]
      DK: Jungle Climber [USA]
      Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber [PAL]
    • Hoshi no Kirby: Sanjou! Dorocche Dan [JPN]
      Kirby: Squeak Squad [USA]
      Kirby: Mouse Attack [PAL]
    • Kaitou Wario the Seven [JPN]
      Wario: Master of Disguise [USA]
      Wario: Master of Disguise [PAL]
    • Star Fox Command [JPN]
      Star Fox Command [USA]
      Star Fox Command [PAL]
    • Touch! Kirby's Magic Paintbrush [JPN]
      Kirby: Canvas Curse [USA]
      Kirby: Power Paintbrush [PAL]
    • Zelda no Densetsu: Daichi no Kiteki [JPN]
      The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks [USA]
      The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks [PAL]
    • Super Mario 64 DS [JPN]
      Super Mario 64 DS [USA]
      Super Mario 64 DS [PAL]
    • Zelda no Densetsu: Mugen no Sunadokei [JPN]
      The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass [USA]
      The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass [PAL]
    • Atsumete! Kirby [JPN]
      Kirby Mass Attack [USA]
      Kirby Mass Attack [PAL]
    • Pokemon Ranger [JPN]
      Pokemon Ranger [USA]
      Pokemon Ranger [PAL]
    • Oideyo Doubutsu no Mori [JPN]
      Animal Crossing: Wild World [USA]
      Animal Crossing: Wild World [PAL]
    • Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon: Sora no Tankentai [JPN]
      Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky [USA]
      Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky [PAL]
    • Pokemon Ranger: Batonnage [JPN]
      Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia [USA]
      Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia [PAL]
    • Pokemon Ranger: Hikari no Kiseki [JPN]
      Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs [USA]
      Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs [PAL]

    4. (5.5.1 users only. 5.5.2 users skip to step 5) The game will most likely not install since your Wii U wants to update first to 5.5.2. Your DS game will show as "pending". No problem. It will fail to download but don't worry about that just unplug your Wii U from the main power while it's running. Leave it unplugged for about a minute then plug it back in and switch it on. The failed system update will now be gone from the system and the DS game will now download and install (thanks @Marko76).

    5. Make sure that you have read and followed the instructions in the "files needed" section above before moving on. Insert your SD card back into your Wii U if you haven't already.

    **Unplug all USB drives. You want to be sure that when you install HaxChi using the install files on the SD card that you choose to install to sysNAND. This is important for later steps in the guide. Once HaxChi has been installed it no longer requires the haxchi install files on the SD card unless you want to change how HaxChi behaves (such as having it launch different elfs or even autoboot into CFW)**

    6. You will now use the browserhax entry point to launch the Homebrew launcher.
    This entry point is not 100% stable and often freezes the entire console when you do it, which is the reason you are installing Haxchi for future HBL launch.
    Note that 5.5.1 browser exploit have a better success rate than 5.5.2 browser exploit. Do not get discouraged if you are on 5.5.2, it could take either 1 or 20 tries before you succeed!
    If it freezes or doesn't work, power off your console (unplug the cable or keep the Power button pressed for 6 seconds). Then, try clearing your saved data for your Internet Browser inside the Wii U settings page and try again.

    Follow these steps based on your console version:

    6a. For Wii U Firmware 5.5.1: Open your Wii U Browser and visit this page "http://loadiine.ovh" (without the quotes).
    • When the page loads make sure that the dropdown box says "Homebrew Launcher 1.4 (5.5.0 - 5.5.1)" and click "submit".
    • Homebrew Launcher (HBL) should show up. If not, try again.

    Here are some other sites you can try if you get stuck trying to get the browserhax to work:
    http://loadiine.ovh/kafluke
    http://www.wiiubru.com/x/

    6b. For Wii U Firmware 5.5.2: On your Wii U open the browser and visit this page "http://cg.stupiid.ovh" (without the quotes).
    • When the page loads click on the word "Exploit". If that doesn't work, Try 0 - 4.
    • Homebrew Launcher (HBL) should show up. If not, try again.

    Here are some other sites you can try if you get stuck trying to get the browserhax to work:
    http://sleepii.ovh
    http://stupiid.ovh
    http://u.drg.li
    http://www.wiiubru.com/x/


    7. When HomeBrew Launcher has successfully launched, you will now install haxchi.
    • Inside of HBL tap "Haxchi" and then "Load".
    • You will see the DS game that you installed. Make sure it is selected then push A then A again to install.

    8. Haxchi has successfully installed.
    Go back to your Wii U System Menu to see the Haxchi icon in place of your previous NDS game's icon.
    You can now get into HomeBrew Launcher by tapping the HaxChi icon in the system menu. You can also set up HaxChi to launch any homebrew title. This is all handled inside of the config.txt file in the HaxChi folder on the root of your SD. Here is the default configuration with each explained.
    a=fw.img
    b=sysmenu
    default=wiiu/apps/homebrew_launcher/homebrew_launcher.elf
    • If you hold "A" when launching HaxChi it will launch a fw.img file from your SD. This being a noob guide I wouldn't worry about that for now.
    • If you hold "B" when launching HaxChi you will boot into a Custom FirmWare (CFW) that is region free and will play all unsigned titles. It will just take you back to the Wii U system menu but you'll know you're inside a CFW if your system version says "99.99.99"
    • The default is set to launch the HBL elf from your SD card. Please make certain you have the files needed before trying to launch HBL.
    Feel free to change these values around and play with them. You can use HaxChi to boot any elf you want. You can have several HaxChi's (by using other purchased DS VC titles) and configure each differently. You could even install non-legit DS VC titles to make additional HaxChi's (Don't do this if you plan on using CBHC). [Note that HaxChi's made with non-legit titles won't start after boot until you first open legit HaxChi once while holding B (button assigned to sysmenu)]. The key thing to remember is that if you change the config file you must re-install HaxChi over the top of itself for the changes to apply.
    Note: The letters in the config.txt file must be lowercase.

    You can now use HaxChi on your system menu to launch HBL or really anything else that you want. If you want to install non-legit titles (like HBL channel or WUP Installer GX2 channel) you will need a CFW. You can set up your HaxChi to autoboot to system menu with patches (CFW). Read about this in Step 5 on the main guide.
    Old Method: Temporary Browserhax to load Homebrew Launcher
    Browserhax
    1. This has been the only method for the last few years until IOSU hax was released near the end of 2016.
    2. This hack is accomplished by visiting certain websites on your Wii U browser.
    3. These websites can be hosted online, locally on a web server on your network, or even with your android phone.
    4. This hack is temporary only and will need to be redone every time you want to launch a homebrew after powering up your console, going to the console's settings or exiting vWii!
    5. If you want to launch the Homebrew Launcher again, launch the MiiMaker app. (This is cleaned up after a reset or power off)
    6. Pretty straightforward.
    Files needed
    latest Homebrew Launcher:
    download HBL
    Download and install HomeBrew Launcher to your SD card.
    1. Take out your SD card and put it into your PC.
    2. Download the latest version of HBL here. Don't download the Channel version, instead download "homebrew_launcher.v1.4.zip" (the latest online version right now).
    3. Extract the zip. Copy the folder "wiiu" from the extracted files to root of your SD overwriting when prompted.
    4. Now you have your SD card set up to launch HomeBrew Launcher.

    This entry point is not 100% stable and often freezes the entire console when you do it, which is the reason you'd want to install and use Haxchi over browserhax for future HBL launch.
    Note that 5.5.1 browser exploit have a better success rate than 5.5.2 browser exploit. Do not get discouraged if you are on 5.5.2, it could take either 1 or 20 tries before you succeed!
    If it freezes or doesn't work, power off your console (unplug the cable or keep the Power button pressed for 6 seconds). Then, try clearing your saved data for your Internet Browser inside the Wii U settings page and try again.

    Follow these steps based on your console version:

    Make sure that you have all the files needed saved to your SD and put the SD card back into the Wii U.

    For Wii U Firmware 5.5.1: Open your Wii U browser and visit this page "http://loadiine.ovh" (without the quotes).
    • When the page loads make sure that the dropdown box says "Homebrew Launcher 1.4 (5.5.0 - 5.5.1)" and click "submit".
    • Homebrew Launcher (HBL) should show up. If not, try again.

    Here are some other sites you can try if you get stuck trying to get the browserhax to work:
    http://loadiine.ovh/kafluke
    http://www.wiiubru.com/x/

    For Wii U Firmware 5.5.2: On your Wii U open the web browser and visit this page "http://cg.stupiid.ovh" (without the quotes).
    • When the page loads click on the word "Exploit". If that doesn't work, Try 0 - 4.
    • Homebrew Launcher (HBL) should show up. If not, try again.

    Here are some other sites you can try if you get stuck trying to get the browserhax to work:
    http://sleepii.ovh
    http://stupiid.ovh
    http://u.drg.li
    http://www.wiiubru.com/x/
    3. BACKUP YOUR SYSNAND - DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
    Backup your sysNAND
    If for whatever reason you or someone else ends up bricking your Wii U in the future, then you will need a full backup to repair your console. These steps explain how to get that sysNAND backup safely stored on your PC so you won't have to worry if you need to perform a repair.
    • Make sure that your SD card has enough room to fit your whole sysNAND backup. If you have a 32GB Wii U then you'll need that much free space on your SD. Since not all SD cards are always the exact size they advertise I recommend using at least one size bigger. For example, I have a 32gb Wii U so I will need 64GB SD or bigger to dump my nand.
    • I mentioned in the "what you'll need" section at the start of this guide that you don't necessarily have to backup your entire mlc. This is because the mlc backup is basically all that you see in your sysnand. Your system menu, all your games etc are contained in mlc and as of right now it hasn't proved useful in unbricking or HaxChi injecting in latest firmware. This does NOT mean that down the road you won't need it. That's why I suggested getting everything. If you don't have a big enough SD at least get otp.bin (used in CBHC unbricking) and seeprom (used for injecting HaxChi if you accidentally updated to 5.5.2 and didn't have HaxChi installed before you updated).
    1. Download Wii U Nand Dumper (latest is "Wii U NAND Dumper v0.3").
    2. Copy the extracted files to the root of your SD card using your computer overwriting and merging when prompted.
    3. Launch HomeBrew Launcher by using HaxChi or BrowserHax.
    4. Launch Wii U Nand Dumper from HBL (it doesn't have an icon, just white on black text).
    5. Change all options to "yes".
    6. Press A to start dumping. The screen will go white and then you will see Wii U logo on the screen and nand backup process on the GamePad.
    7. I have a 32GB Black Wii U and the total folder size with all files dumped inside is 29.1GB
    8. For my 32GB Wii U it took roughly 3.5 hours to fully dump to my SD.
    9. Copy the backed up files on your SD over to your computer. You can find the files here: SD:\otp.bin (and other bin files).
    Keep your nand tools and nand backup somewhere safe in case you mess something up and need to do a nand restore using a hardmod.

    If you do need to perform a sysNAND repair, you will need to purchase a Teensy++ 2.0 and follow the steps in this thread to repair.

    Explanation of all the files backed up (thanks @Felek666)
    nand files explanation
    Explaining SLC, SLCMTTP, OTP, SEEPROM and MLC and importance of OTP

    SLC - Includes system configuration such as system.xml, sysmenu.xml and other critical parts of the Wii U (such as boot1).

    SLCMTTP - vWii IOS'es, Save files and vWii stuff is stored there. Needed in-case if you screw up vWii to that state that even FTPiiU will not help.

    MLC - Includes System Apps such as Wii U Menu, System Settings, Wii U Browser etc. It also includes your installed games, saves and (partial, most of it is stored in SLC) Wii U configuration. I really suggest dumping it in-case if your Wii U menu refuses to work one day. [Keep in mind: Wii U menu is needed to boot Wii U]

    OTP - [Quote from WiiUBrew] "The One Time Programmable memory is programmed sometime during the factory process and can never be changed afterwards. The Wii U's OTP is much larger than the Wii's (1KB split across 8 banks of 128 bytes each) and contains an assortment of read-only data, including the console's encryption/decryption keys."
    In other words, you need it to decrypt SLC, SLCMTTP and MLC. Keep it mind, you can't decrypt boot1 with it.

    SEEPROM - Serial EEPROM, Includes console information, boot parameters and other stuff. It includes some calls to SLC so i guess it might come in-handy when fixing your Wii U.
    4. GAME LOADING METHODS
    Loadiine and WUP Installer Method
    There are many different methods for loading games to internal memory, SD card, and or USB. I currently recommend setting up HaxChi, then CBHC and then using WUP Installer method to install and run anything.
    • SD Card = Loadiine GX2
    • Internal memory = WUP Installer Method, redNAND, or sigpatched sysNAND (CFW)
    • USB = WUP Installer Method, redNAND, or sigpatched sysNAND (CFW), Loadiine GX2 using latest Mocha
    Pros and cons:
    • Loadiine GX2: Great menu system for games. Will play almost every game with updates and DLC and injected VC titles. Cons include things like it taking a few extra taps to get into. It will not allow online play and sometimes games run slow.
    • WUP Installer Method (formally known as "The Brazilian Method"): Games can be played from the Wii U main menu. Allows for online play. Games can be installed on either internal memory or USB. Free DLC is NOT available with this method on unpatched sysNAND but DLC that you've paid for works just fine. VC games are NOT installable with this method unless you use a CFW with sigpatches (CBHC, Haxchi, or redNAND).
    WUP Installer Method (Formally called "Brazilian Method")
    WUP Installer Method

    With WUP Installer Method if you install a game from your region you will not need any CFW to play. If you download unpurchased DLC or custom channels then you'll need to first install any CFW before using WUP Installer GX2 to install then play.

    The reason that this was called the "Brazilian Method" is because it was some users in Brazil that discovered this. This is the most popular loading method for games and other titles right now as it puts icons in the main Wii U menu and plays exactly like disc game.

    Here's how it works.

    Every title downloaded and installed through the eshop are locked to the nintendo ID used to purchase and download the item. This prevents users from installing titles that they purchase on friends and families Wii U. They obviously cannot do this with games purchased at the store on disc which is why you can buy a game at Wal Mart and then take it to your friends house and play. What these Brazilian users discovered is that they can use homebrew to extract the ticket from the disc (the one that works on every Wii U) and inject it to a game downloaded from the Nintendo update servers (eshop).

    These tickets that have been extracted from the discs have been uploaded to various sites. The process in a nutshell is to use a PC app to download the eshop title (which will be auto patched with the disc ticket with most PC apps) and then use WUP Installer to install that title to the internal memory or USB.

    This method will work on an unpatched Wii U with no custom firmware running, but only for the initial game and update. If you want to install DLC that you didn't buy or a game that never released on disc then you need to be running a custom firmware (CBHC, Haxchi or redNAND).

    That's basically it, see below for specific instructions.

    WUP Installer Instructions
    Prerequisites: You will need to have a Wii U formatted USB Hard Drive. A Fat32 hard drive will not work.
    1. Visit this link on your PC and download WUP Installer GX2 elf version (will need to be launched from HBL).
    2. Place your Wii U SD card and extract the contents of the zip to the root of your SD card overwriting and merging when prompted.
    3. Use a PC app to download a title from the eshop. I recommend Wii U USB Helper. There are many good ones.
    4. Copy the title that you downloaded to a folder on the root of your SD card called "install".
    5. The file structure needs to look like this:
      • SD:\install\(game name)\(buncha files)
      • example: SD:\install\New SUPER MARIO BROS. U [0005000010101E00]\00000000.app
    6. Launch HomeBrew Launcher through HaxChi or BrowserHax.
    7. Select WUP Installer GX2 and launch.
    8. Install your title to sysnand (internal memory) or USB.
    9. Play your game.

    Wii U USB Helper will tell you if you have to be using a CFW to run your title.
    Loadiine GX2
    Loadiine GX2
    Loadiine is an older method for loading games from your SD card or USB. I've already listed the pros and cons earlier in Step 4 so I'm just going to list the steps here.

    1. Place your SD card in your computer and visit this link to download the latest loadiine zip.
    2. You may need to turn off the advanced setting in chrome "protect you and your device from dangerous sites" and temporarily turn off your antivirus to download this version of loadiine.
    3. Extract the zip.
    4. Create a folder on your SD card called "Loadiine GX2" inside of your wiiu/apps folder. So the SD should look like this: SD:\wiiu\apps\Loadiine GX2
    5. Copy the three files from the zip into the new folder on the SD (icon.png, loadiine_gx2.elf, meta.xml). Ignore the "www" folder.
    6. Put your SD card back in your Wii U.
    7. Use any method to get into HomeBrew Launcher that you want.
    8. Select Loadiine GX2 and then Load.
    For more instructions and information visit the Loadiine GX2 OP here.
    5. DIFFERENT TYPES OF CUSTOM FIRMWARES AND HOW TO INSTALL THEM
    CFW's
    Custom Firmware's (CFW)
    • Sigpatched sysNAND CFW (HaxChi or CBHC): With this CFW you can run anything that you can run in redNAND. There are no signature checks so you can install custom channels like HBL, WUP Installer GX2, etc. You can also install all DLC and VC titles. Sigpatched sysNAND also gives you region free patches. Cons are just like running any non emulated CFW on any console, if you start messing with system files you run the risk of brick. If you want to develop new homebrew apps you should be using redNAND as there is no brick risk.
    • Mocha CFW: A good option if you don't want to buy a DS game for HaxChi while on 5.5.1 and you don't mind a few extra clicks to play your non-legit titles (Homebrew channels and DLC). I don't recommend setting up CBHC with Mocha like other guides. This has been known to cause corruption issues. Mocha custom firmware is just like sigpatched sysNAND except that you don't need HaxChi to run it. It's basically for people who want to run a sigpatched sysnand but can't/won't buy a DS game. It requires you to use the Wii U browser to run everytime you want to play a game that doesn't have a valid ticket. You can launch it from HBL or you can launch it straight from the browser. Mocha also adds the ability to run loadiine games from USB fat32.
    • redNAND CFW: Mainly for developers or people that want to play around with system hacking without risk of bricking. I don't recommend this for the common gamer. Region-free as well. When using WUP Installer method and redNAND you get all the benefits of sigpatched sysNAND but you can also install really anything that comes out without the fear of bricking your Wii U. The sysConfig tool is great and much easier to install titles than the WUP installer (think of the FBI app on the 3ds). The biggest con is that that it takes a few extra steps to boot into redNAND on each boot.
    Updated 3-15-17: Many users have reported corruption with CBHC + Mocha and Rednand or CBHC + Mocha + Rednand. I still recommend HaxChi CFW alone, Mocha alone, or CBHC with HaxChi for this reason.

    How to install cfw with sigpatches and region free
    sigpatched CFW
    There are many ways to launch a sigpatched sysNAND CFW. I recommend setting up CBHC to autoboot HaxChi sigpatched sysNAND. I will describe all three CFW's here so you can choose for yourself. Use the descriptions above for making your choice. You can achieve sigpatched sysNAND by using Mocha, redNAND or HaxChi by itself.
    Method 1. HaxChi by itself
    1. Follow the instructions in main Step 2 to install HaxChi.
    2. Set up HaxChi to autoboot to system menu by altering the file in the folder SD:\HaxChi\config.txt. Change the values to look like below:
      a=fw.img
      b=wiiu/apps/homebrew_launcher/homebrew_launcher.elf
      default=sysmenu
    3. Re-install HaxChi from HBL over the top of your HaxChi DS title.
    4. Now when you launch HaxChi you are in sigpatched sysNAND.
    Method 2. Mocha CFW
    1. Download Mocha by visiting the OP here.
    2. Copy the needed files to SD and then launch Mocha using the CFW launcher in HBL or by visiting my online page here.
    3. You can also use HaxChi to autoboot Mocha but the author doesn't recommend it. Apparently it is very slow option.
    Method 3. CBHC
    CBHC stands for Cold Boot HaxChi. This is the preferred method for auto-booting into a sigpatched sysNAND.

    You need to be aware of potential brick risks of using CBHC. CBHC alters a system file to auto boot your Wii U to the HaxChi install. Then you can set up HaxChi to autoboot anything (I recommend system menu because you will be sigpatched and region free). Because it requires HaxChi to autoboot the Wii U if you somehow delete the HaxChi where you install CBHC you will perma-brick your Wii U. For this reason CBHC prevents you from moving your HaxChi to USB or deleting it but it will not prevent you from formatting your Wii U. If you format your Wii U without first removing CBHC then the Wii U will try to boot to a non-existant HaxChi with no way to recover. Good bye Wii U.

    If you read the brick report here, you will notice that all of the issues are user error.

    CBHC instructions
    1. First make sure that you have a working legit HaxChi install (main Step 2).
    2. Next visit this link and download the latest version of CBHC (latest right now is CBHC_v1.6.zip).
    3. Unplug all USB! Very important step!
    4. Put you SD card in your computer if it's not already there.
    5. Extract the zip file and copy entire contents to the ROOT of your SD. It should look like this:
    • SD:\chbc\...
    • SD:\wiiu\apps\cbhc\...
    1. Put your SD card back in your Wii U.
    2. Launch HomeBrew Launcher using HaxChi, HBL Channel or BrowserHax.
    3. Select CBHC and then click Load.
    4. Make sure that the eshop DS game that you purchased when you installed HaxChi is listed below. DO NOT SELECT A DS GAME THAT YOU DOWNLOADED USING ANY OTHER METHOD BUT ESHOP! You must use the exact game that you bought for HaxChi. If you choose a different one you will brick your Wii U.
    5. Press A to install and then press A again to perform the install.
    6. You should now notice that your HaxChi logo has changed to a red triangle. Do not try and use this HaxChi anymore. It's now part of CBHC and messing with it will brick your Wii U. I recommend moving the icon over to the far right of your screen and even hiding it in a folder.
    7. Reboot your Wii U.
    8. Notice the gamepad on boot. You will get the CBHC menu. You can get to this menu any time in the future by tapping "home" once when you boot the Wii U and you see the CBHC text on the gamepad.
    9. Change the last section so it says "Autoboot: System Menu"
    10. Select "Boot System Menu" at the top. Your CBHC is now set up. Reboot to test.
    On the next reboot you will see the text on the gamepad screen autobooting into a sigpatched sysNAND.

    Now you can use the WUP Installer method to install any title and DLC.
    CBHC and HaxChi are now one in the same. Don't try and update or remove HaxChi. It will break CBHC. If you want to update HaxChi you will first need to uninstall CBHC. Then you can uninstall HaxChi and start over with the install steps for HaxChi then CBHC.

    Let me give you a few tips to avoid bricks. I want you to read this part which is why it's in red. I'm not trying to scare you. Just prepare you. You won't brick if follow these tips.
    1. Move your HaxChi game to a folder on the far right of your system menu. Create a folder and put it in there. That way nobody accidentally deletes it.
    2. Once you have installed CBHC it will change the HaxChi icon to "DO NOT TOUCH". It says this for a reason. DO NOT install HaxChi over the top of itself unless you first uninstall CBHC.
    3. DO NOT download the very same DS game using any of the NUS downloaders that you purchased for HaxChi. For example, if you purchase the Kirby DS game for HaxChi, do not then download Kirby DS game using Wii U USB Helper and install it anywhere on your Wii U (SD or USB). This can confuse CBHC and cause major issues.
    4. DO NOT download a DS game from NUS and use it for CBHC +HaxChi. This is a sure perma-brick. You MUST buy the game from eshop.
    5. Do not format your Wii U without first uninstalling CBHC. You'll perma-brick.

    Okay that's a lot of terrifying statements. I'm 40 years old and have 5 kids at home that play my Wii U. They push power button and then tap the game they want to play. Done. As long as they don't format the Wii U then I'm good (why would they do that anyway?)
    6. LAUNCHING HBL AFTER SETTING UP HAXCHI CFW
    How to get into HomeBrew Launcher
    • Installed HaxChi CFW? You can launch HBL by holding B when you fire up HaxChi.
    • Browserhax works still (Step 2). Open your Wii U browser and browse to the page "loadiine.ovh" on your Wii U. When the page loads make sure that the dropdown box says "Homebrew Launcher 1.4 (5.5.0 - 5.5.1)" and click "submit" (5.5.2 FW users visit "cg.stupiid.ovh" instead).
    • If you are finished with Step 5 you can install and launch the HBL channel (Step 7). The channel version of HBL gives you an icon on the main menu that you simply tap to launch HBL. This method requires Mocha CFW, HaxChi CFW, or CBHC. This is how I get into HomeBrew Launcher.
    • If you have CBHC set up and working you can get into HBL by simply pressing the home button during the first few seconds of booting the Wii U (when you see autobooting on the gamepad). This will give you the CBHC menu and allow you launch HBL if you want (If you do it this way you are bypassing the CFW boot process so you will be in HBL in untouched nonCFW sysnand).
    7. OKAY I'M USING CUSTOM FIRMWARE NOW WHAT?
    Post Installation Steps
    Here are some things that you can do now that you are running a custom firmware

    Install and play any titles using WUP Installer Method
    WUP Installer Method (Brazilian Method)
    Although you don't need to be inside of CFW for WUP Installer Method to work, I just wanted to mention that WUP Installer Method works on any firmware. Regular sysNAND or CFW. However, any games that never released on disc, like VC titles, will only work under CFW. Read Step 4 for more info.
    Install and play DLC
    How to install DLC
    • Follow Step 4 (WUP Installer Method) and use Wii U USB Helper to download DLC and install it using the same steps for WUP Installer Method (Brazilian Method).
    Install HomeBrew Launcher as a channel
    HBL as a channel
    1. If you don't already have WUP Installer GX2 copied onto your SD card then go back to the main Step 4 and follow WUP Installer Method.
    2. Browse to this link on your computer.
    3. Download the latest HomeBrew Launcher Channel zip file (homebrew_launcher_channel.v2.1.zip is currently latest).
    4. Extract the contents and copy all the files from the zip to the "install" folder on the root of your SD (create a folder called "install" if you don't already have one).
    5. Put your SD card back into your Wii U and launch HomeBrew Launcher through HaxChi, CBHC at boot, or BrowserHax.
    6. Select WUP Installer GX2 and Load.
    7. On the gamepad select the name of your folder "install".
    8. Press the square install button on the bottom right.
    9. Click Yes.
    10. Where do you want to install? You can select either Nand or USB. It doesn't matter just make sure if you select USB that you have a Wii U formatted USB HD plugged in using a Y cable or external power.
    11. Click OK when the install is done.
    12. Press the home button when you are back at the main WUP Installer GX2 menu to return to HBL.
    13. Press Home button in HBL to return to Wii U System Menu. (Depending on how you got into HBL you may now be in Mii Maker. Just exit Mii Maker.)
    14. You now have a HomeBrew Launcher channel. Tap it to test it out. If it doesn't work the first time reboot your Wii U and make sure you are in CFW before you launch HBL channel.
    Now you will have an icon for HBL in the system menu. This will only work if you are already operating inside of CFW. If you're not inside of CFW then it will just fail to launch.
    Install WUP Installer GX2 as a channel
    WUP Installer GX2 Channel
    1. Browse to this link on your computer.
    2. Extract the zip package.
    3. Extract the contents of the "wup_installer_gx2" folder to the "install" folder on the root of your SD.
    4. Launch HBL using the channel, CBHC, HaxChi, or BrowserHax.
    5. Launch WUP Installer GX2 (if you installed it in the HBL channel section above).
    6. Install the files that you copied to SD:\install (to USB).
    7. Make sure to install to USB if you have a USB HD plugged in. WUP installer GX2 Channel has a bug that won't allow it to run from sysNAND if you have a USB HD plugged in.
    Now you will have an icon for WUP Installer GX2 in the system menu. This will only work if you are already operating inside of CFW. If you're not inside of CFW then it will just fail to launch.

    8. WHAT IS REDNAND?
    redNAND
    RedNAND is not for the common user. It is a "sandbox" where you can play with hacking system settings or menu hack and other things that can generally mess up your Wii U. You can't play vWii while in redNAND and if you have SD issues you will lose everything that you have installed to NAND while in redNAND.

    What is the difference between sysNAND and redNAND?
    NAND differences
    • sysNAND is the internal memory on your Wii U. When you first boot up your Wii U and you see the menu with channels and apps, this is your sysnand. Think of it like your computer HardDrive. It is where the main operating system is stored and all your data, games (when not installed on USB) and apps.
    • redNAND is an exact digital copy of your sysNAND only it's stored on your SD card instead of an internal memory chip. This copy process takes place during the install of redNAND.
    • In order to use redNAND you must purchase an SD card that is LARGER than the internal memory on your Wii U.
    [IMG]
    Why do I want redNAND?
    • Running unsigned games and updates, dlc, and homebrew, a.k.a free games without ticket.
    • Risk free sandbox for development and general tinkering (if you make a mistake, you mess up redNAND not sysNAND and the system will still boot).
    • Faster speeds than Wii U sysNAND if using a fast SD card.
    • Ability to install sysConfig tool, which allows for better title installations and general tinkering.
    • Safe NAND backup and restore, if you brick your redNAND, just restore a backup to your SD card.
    OK, I want redNAND. How do I do it?

    Since I don't recommend this method for the standard user and this is a noob guide, you're going to have to search the forums for a guide on redNAND.
    9. CHEATING
    trainers and in-game cheating
    soon...

    CHANGELOG
    Guide Changelog
    2-12-18 [uo]
    ** These modifications were just for personal purpose and may not reflect the direction of the author **
    Added list of exploitable firmwares from other guide. (ehh, personal choice)
    Spoiler'd SD card setup in "what you'll need" section. (merely condensing height)
    Decision chart has links to jump to the step in guide.
    References to steps in instructions now function as links to parts in guide.
    Image placeholder added. (tries to load backup copy: pls save offline)
    Inserted external link markers.
    Fixed some typos and formatting.
    Placed all CBHC instructions in list element.
    Fixed dns thread link.
    Added text to WUP Installer method sections about digital-only titles.
    Added tip for picking haxchi title.
    Added note about starting non-legit haxchi.
    Clarified what step that references refer to.
    Changed "launching HBL after.." section to bulleted list so it doesn't look like ordered steps.
    Added lost "Insert SD card" step for browserhax part, and removed the 6a./6b. step numbers.
    Removed some links for browserhax, to clarify what works best for either 5.5.1 or 5.5.2.
    1-27-18
    Fixed step number in haxchi install part, reorder to prevent repeating steps for 5.5.1 and 5.5.2, re-use same haxchi steps for browserhax part (Cyan)
    Added a list of physical games with 5.5.1 update on it in the guide presentation (Cyan)
    1-26-18
    Added some extra links for the webhax in case you have trouble with loadiine.ovh (Kafluke)
    10-29-17
    Just added a bit in the "what you'll need" section about flash drives
    (Kafluke)
    8-17-17
    Replaced webexploit page with "cg.stupiid.ovh" for 5.5.2 users. (better success rate)
    (Kafluke)
    8-15-17
    Rewrote entire sections now that there is a webexploit for 5.5.2 (Kafluke)
    8-8-17
    Clarified in "what you'll need" section to also get seeprom backup.
    Added some text to nand backup section making note of the new HaxChi installer tool from @EyeKey
    (Kafluke)
    7-31-17
    Unhid "what you'll need" section
    Added additional setup for SD card in "what you'll need" section
    Clarified failed DS game download in HaxChi setup
    Added alternate 5.5.1 update link in HaxChi setup (thanks @PokeAcer)
    7-18-17
    Rewrote sections to account for new 5.5.2 firmware push from Nintendo (kafluke)
    7-17-17
    Created the changelog section (kafluke)
    7-17-17
    grammar edits (iaqua)


    Please let me know if I've missed somebody
    Credits
    @smealum for like literally all hacks.
    @EyeKey for rescuing all the bricked users
    @FIX94 for his awesome Haxchi.
    @CaptainCPS-X for the great icons!
    @dimok for loadiine, HBL, and a crap ton of other great homebrew!
    @iAqua for being a god :^)
    @Ninja_Carver for giving us DNS-U
    @BDS for keeping us updated on everything out there
    @ksanislo for TitleDB
    @pwsincd for keeping HBAS running nicely
    @TheTechGenius for keeping the guide updated
    @David1357 = Guide contributor
    @PokeAcer for supplying an alternative 5.5.1 update method