Saving your progress in ZenGM is essential to avoid losing your league data and ensure you can continue where you left off. Unlike traditional games with automatic cloud saves, ZenGM relies on local storage and manual backups. Understanding how auto-save, manual save, and backups work can help you protect your game data and prevent accidental loss.

This guide covers everything you need to know about saving, exporting, backing up, and restoring your ZenGM game files.

Does ZenGM Have an Auto-Save Feature?

Yes, ZenGM includes an auto-save function that periodically saves your progress. However, this only works on the same browser and device where you started your league. Since ZenGM stores save files in browser local storage (IndexedDB), you cannot access auto-saves on another device unless you manually export the save file.

While auto-save is helpful, it has limitations:

• Clearing your browser cache or cookies can delete your saved game.
• Switching devices or using a different browser does not carry over auto-saved progress.
• If the game crashes, your latest changes might not be saved.

For this reason, it is highly recommended to manually save and back up your game regularly.

How to Manually Save Your Game in ZenGM

Manually saving your game ensures you have a backup copy that can be restored if auto-save fails. ZenGM allows you to export your league as a JSON file, which can be saved on your device for future use.

Steps to Manually Save Your ZenGM Game:

1. Click on the “League” menu in the top navigation bar.
2. Select “Export League” from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose JSON format to download the save file.
4. Save the file to a secure location (PC, external drive, or cloud storage).

This method lets you transfer your save file to another device or recover it if your browser data is lost.

Where Is My ZenGM Save File Stored?

ZenGM does not use cloud storage for saves. Instead, it stores your game locally within your web browser. The save file is kept in IndexedDB, a type of browser storage that retains data even after closing the tab.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Your game is tied to the browser and device you are using.
• Clearing cache or resetting browser settings may delete your progress.
• Auto-save will not work if you switch to another browser or reinstall the game.

To avoid losing your progress, always export and back up your save manually.

How to Back Up Your ZenGM Save Data

Backing up your ZenGM game is important to prevent data loss due to browser issues or accidental deletions.

Best Ways to Back Up Your Save Data:

• Export and Store Locally – Save the JSON file on your computer for quick access.
• Use External Storage – Keep a copy on a USB drive or external hard disk.
• Upload to Cloud Storage – Save your file in Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for extra security.
• Set a Backup Reminder – Back up your save weekly or before making major changes in your league.

A backup ensures that even if your browser crashes or data is lost, you can restore your game without issues.

How to Load a Saved Game in ZenGM

If you have a saved JSON file, you can reload it anytime to continue your progress.

Steps to Import a Saved Game:

1. Open ZenGM and click on “League” in the top menu.
2. Select “Import League” from the dropdown.
3. Click “Choose File” and select the saved JSON file from your device.
4. Click “Load League” to restore your progress.

This method allows you to transfer a saved game to another device or recover lost progress if your browser data was wiped.

Troubleshooting Save Issues in ZenGM

If your save file isn’t loading or progress is lost, check the following:

• Game didn’t auto-save? – Ensure browser cookies/cache are not being automatically deleted.
• Lost progress after clearing cache? – If you didn’t back up your game, it cannot be recovered unless an export was made.
• Cannot find save file? – Check your Downloads folder if you manually exported a save.
• Save file won’t import? – Ensure the file is in JSON format and wasn’t modified.

If issues persist, try using a different browser or restoring a previous backup file.

Can You Transfer a ZenGM Save File to Another Device?

Yes, ZenGM allows you to transfer saves between devices by manually exporting and importing the JSON save file:

1. Export your save file on your current device using the steps mentioned above.
2. Transfer the JSON file via USB drive, email, or cloud storage.
3. On the new device, open ZenGM and go to League > Import League.
4. Upload the JSON file and resume your game from where you left off.

This method ensures you can play your ZenGM league across multiple devices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Saving in ZenGM

Avoiding common mistakes can help prevent losing your progress:

• Relying only on auto-save without backups.
• Clearing browser cache without exporting the save first.
• Not saving manually before making major in-game changes.
• Forgetting to back up the save file regularly.
• Trying to modify the JSON save file outside of ZenGM, which may corrupt it.

By following best practices, you can keep your ZenGM progress safe and avoid losing your game.

Conclusion

Saving your game in ZenGM is simple but important. Since the game does not support cloud saves, always export and back up your save file to avoid losing progress. Use auto-save, manual save, and backups to keep your league safe.

• Export your save file regularly
• Store backups on an external drive or cloud storage
• Avoid clearing browser data without saving first

If this guide helped you, share it with other ZenGM players!