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Manual saving
Open the game menu by clicking the icon on the far right of the top bar, or press ESC. Two save options appear:
Save -- overwrites the current save file
Save As -- creates a new save file with a custom name while keeping the existing one
Each save file represents an entire city and all its households, not just the one you're currently playing. Starting a new save creates a brand new city. By default, inZOI has a single manual save slot that gets overwritten every time you save. The slot is named after the created Zoi family but shows the currently controlled Zoi.
Save As
The Save As option lets you create additional save files with custom names. This is useful for preserving specific moments (a wedding, a milestone, before trying something risky like committing a crime) or experimenting without overwriting progress. There's no documented limit on how many save files you can create.
Autosave
Autosave is on by default. Configure it in ESC > Options > Gameplay > Save.
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Default interval | 15 minutes |
Available intervals | 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes |
Rolling slots | The system uses three autosave slots and cycles through them at each interval. If the most recent autosave happened at a bad moment, you can load one from further back. |
Autosaves also trigger during Create a Zoi and Build Mode. This prevents losing detailed appearance tweaks or building work if the game crashes.
"Go Back In Time"
When a Zoi dies, the game offers a "Go Back In Time" option that loads a previous save. This is the main safety net for unexpected deaths. If you skip this prompt, the death is permanent (unless you manually load an older save afterward).
Deleting save files
Open the Game Menu, select Load to see all save files, click the one you want to remove, and press the trash can icon to delete it.
Tips
Save before risky actions like crime or dangerous swimming trips
Keep the 15-minute autosave interval if you forget to save manually
Use Save As before major life events like weddings or pregnancy
The three rolling autosave slots mean your most recent autosave might not be your best option -- check the older slots too