Save, load, and rollback

This page is part of the GenPy Ren'Py learning path. It focuses on practical Ren'Py 8.x production and links each concept back to the GenPy workflow.

Learning goals

• Know what belongs in save-state variables.
• Avoid side effects that rollback cannot handle cleanly.
• Test save/load around important route changes.

Core syntax

• save
• load
• rollback
• default
• config.rollback_enabled

Runnable example

label after_load:
    $ rebuild_runtime_caches()
    return

Study outline

• Start with the smallest example for save, load, and rollback.
• Test the key terms in a clean Ren'Py project: save, load, rollback, default.
• Move the pattern back into your real project only after the example runs.
• Use GenPy docs and validation to keep the feature connected to story, assets, and export readiness.

Common pitfalls

• Test the smallest working script before layering on visual or UI complexity.
• Run Ren'Py Lint before release builds, even when the script appears to run locally.
• Keep examples in standard .rpy files so they remain editable outside GenPy.

Official references

• Ren'Py official reference: https://www.renpy.org/doc/html/save_load_rollback.html

How this fits in GenPy

• Use Variables and State Registry to reason about save-state data.
• Use Validation and manual preview before release.

Recommended GenPy docs:

• Variables
• State Registry
• Script Validation