There are several software tools available for editing ES3 save files, including:
If you want, tell me the game name, the save file contents (paste a small, non-sensitive excerpt), or whether the file looks like JSON or binary and I’ll provide a concrete edit example or a Unity script tailored to that save.
The ".es3" file format is primarily associated with Easy Save 3, a popular Unity asset used by developers to manage game save data. Because this format is often used in modern indie games like Lethal Company, Supermarket Together, and R.E.P.O., the exact steps to edit these files can vary depending on whether the developer has enabled encryption. Locating the .es3 Save Files
Most Unity games using Easy Save 3 store their files in the AppData folder on Windows. Common paths include:
Standard Path: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\[DeveloperName]\[GameName]\
Steam-specific Path: [SteamLibrary]\steamapps\common\[GameName]\ or within the userdata folder for Steam Cloud synchronization. How to Edit .es3 Files 1. Direct Text Editing (Unencrypted Files)
If the save file is not encrypted, it is essentially a standard text or JSON file.
Backup First: Always copy the original .es3 file to a safe location before making changes.
Open with Text Editor: Use a robust text editor like Notepad++.
Modify Values: Search for key terms like "Money," "CurrentStoreLevel," or "Experience" using Ctrl+F. Save: Save the file directly and restart your game. 2. Decrypting Encrypted .es3 Files
Games like Lethal Company encrypt their .es3 data, making them unreadable in standard editors.
Use Specialized Tools: For certain games, community members have built specific tools, such as the R.E.P.O. Save Editor or general Easy Save decryptors.
Online Decryptors: Sites like the one mentioned in the Supermarket Together Guide allow you to upload an encrypted .es3 file, download a "friendly" notepad-openable version, and re-encrypt it after editing.
Unity Explorer: Advanced users can use UnityExplorer to retrieve encryption passwords directly from the game's memory while it is running. Common Edits and Values
Once the file is open and decrypted, you can typically find and change: Currency: Search for "Money" or "Credits". Levels: Look for "CurrentStoreLevel" or "XP".
Inventory: Some files list item IDs; changing the quantity value next to an ID will update your in-game stock.
Progression Flags: Flags like "CompletedCheckoutCount" or quest statuses can be toggled to skip certain requirements. Critical Safety Tips
Disable Steam Cloud: If the game uses Steam Cloud, your edits might be overwritten by the cloud version. Disable sync for the game in Steam properties before editing.
Check File Extensions: Some games may require you to rename the edited text file back to .es3 for the game to recognize it.
Which specific game are you looking to edit? I can help find the exact variable names or folder paths for that title.
Editing ES3 (Easy Save 3) files allows for the modification of game data—such as money, inventory, and stats—by directly altering the save file, usually found in JSON format
. Because these files are often encrypted or formatted in a complex way, a systematic approach is necessary to avoid corrupting the save.
Important: Always make a backup copy of your save file before attempting to edit it. 1. Locate the ES3 Save File
ES3 files are commonly used by Unity games. On Windows, they are often located in the user's %localappdata%low\\
Before editing, it is crucial to disable Steam Cloud or any in-game cloud saving features. If you do not, the cloud may detect the modification as a corruption and instantly overwrite your edited file with the original, unedited save. Steam Community 3. Decrypt or Edit the File how to edit es3 save file
Depending on the game, the ES3 file might be in plain JSON text or encrypted. Text Editor Method: If the file is not encrypted, you can open it with or a similar text editor. Look for variables to change from or update numerical values. Online Decrypter Method:
Many ES3 games use a common encryption structure. You can use an online editor, such as the es3.tusinean.ro editor , to upload your file, decrypt it, and edit it directly. Using a Specific Editor:
for specialized editors created by the community for your specific game (e.g., search for "[Game Name] Save Editor"). 4. Re-encrypt and Replace If you used a decrypter: Save your changes. Use the online tool to re-encrypt the file if necessary. Replace the original file in the
Editing an .es3 save file—created by the Easy Save 3 asset for Unity—depends on whether the developer has enabled encryption. By default, these files are stored in a JSON format and are human-readable, but many games use AES encryption to prevent tampering. Method 1: Direct Text Editing (Unencrypted Files)
If the file is not encrypted, you can edit it with any standard text editor.
Locate the File: Most Unity games store save data in the Application.persistentDataPath. Windows: %AppData%\LocalLow\[Company]\[GameName]\.
Backup: Always create a copy of the .es3 file before making changes to avoid corrupting your save.
Open with Notepad++: While standard Notepad works, Notepad++ is recommended for handling the large, single-line JSON strings often found in .es3 files.
Edit Values: Search for keys like money, health, or unlocked and change their associated values (e.g., from false to true). Save and Launch: Save the text file and restart your game. Method 2: Using Online ES3 Editors (Encrypted Files)
For games like Lethal Company or Phasmophobia that encrypt their saves, you may need a specialized tool to decrypt them.
Web-Based Editor: Tools like the ES3 Save Editor by alextusinean allow you to upload your file, modify it in a user-friendly interface, and download the modified, re-encrypted version.
Decryption Passwords: Some editors require an encryption password. For specific games, these can often be found in community guides on platforms like Steam Community. Method 3: Python and Scripted Modifiers
For advanced users or specific games, Python packages exist to automate the process.
es3-modifier: This PyPI package is designed specifically to open, modify, and save stats for Unity games. It can be used to extract player stats or inventory details and re-save them with new values. Common Troubleshooting
Trying to write a decrypion tool - Forums - Moodkie Interactive
How to Edit ES3 Save File: A Comprehensive Guide
ES3 save files are a type of game save file used by various games, including Pokémon, Yo-kai Watch, and more. These files contain crucial data that allows the game to remember your progress, characters, and achievements. However, there may be times when you want to edit an ES3 save file, whether it's to cheat, experiment with different game scenarios, or recover lost data. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of editing an ES3 save file, but before we dive in, let's discuss some essential precautions.
Warning: Editing ES3 Save Files Can Be Risky
Editing ES3 save files can potentially damage your game data or even render your game unplayable. Therefore, it's crucial to take necessary precautions to avoid any losses:
Tools Needed to Edit ES3 Save Files
To edit ES3 save files, you'll need a few tools:
Step-by-Step Guide to Editing ES3 Save Files
Now that you have the necessary tools, let's walk through the process of editing an ES3 save file:
Using ES3 Save File Editors
ES3 save file editors provide a more user-friendly interface for editing ES3 save files. Here's how to use one:
Common Use Cases for Editing ES3 Save Files
Editing ES3 save files can be useful in various scenarios:
Conclusion
Editing ES3 save files can be a useful skill for gamers, but it requires caution and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article and using reliable tools, you can safely edit ES3 save files and achieve your desired outcomes. Remember to always backup your original save file and understand the risks involved.
Additional Tips and Resources
By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully edit your ES3 save file and enjoy a more customized gaming experience.
By default, Easy Save 3 stores data in Unity's persistent data path.
Unity Editor: Go to Tools > Easy Save 3 > Open Persistent Data Path to open the folder directly.
Windows: Typically found at %userprofile%\AppData\LocalLow\[CompanyName]\[ProductName].
Note: If you are editing a game like Supermarket Simulator, look for the .es3 files inside the game's specific folder in AppData\LocalLow. 2. Check for Encryption
Easy Save 3 files are stored as JSON by default, making them human-readable in any text editor like Notepad or Notepad++.
Readable: If the file looks like structured text (e.g., "money": 50), you can edit it directly.
Encrypted: If the file contains gibberish or binary data, it is encrypted. You will need the specific game's password and a decryption tool or script to make it readable. 3. How to Edit the Data Once the file is open and readable: Guide to editing Supermarket Together save files
What is an ES3 save file?
An ES3 save file is a type of save file used by some PC games, particularly those developed with the Unity game engine. ES3 stands for "Easy Save 3," which is a popular serialization library used by Unity developers to save and load game data.
Why edit an ES3 save file?
You might want to edit an ES3 save file to:
Tools needed:
To edit an ES3 save file, you'll need:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Method 1: Editing with a text editor
Method 2: Editing with a binary editor
Tips and Precautions:
Example Story:
Sarah was a hardcore gamer who spent countless hours playing "Epic Quest," a popular RPG that used ES3 save files. She wanted to try a different storyline, but didn't want to start from scratch. Using the guide above, she successfully edited her ES3 save file to change her character's level, gold, and items. With her modified save file, Sarah was able to explore new story paths and experience the game in a fresh way.
Keep in mind that editing ES3 save files can be a complex process, and results may vary depending on the game and the specific changes you make. Always exercise caution and make backups before attempting to edit save files.
Editing an .es3 save file (generated by the Easy Save 3 plugin for Unity) allows you to modify in-game stats like money, level, or inventory items. Depending on the game's security settings, these files can be straightforward text or encrypted "gibberish". 1. Locate the .es3 Save File
Most Unity games store .es3 files in the PersistentDataPath. Use the following paths to find your save folder:
Windows: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\[DeveloperName]\[GameName]\ macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/[GameName]/saves/ Linux: ~/.local/share/[GameName]/
Crucial Step: Create a backup of your .es3 file before editing. If the file becomes corrupted, the game may delete it or reset your progress. Getting Started with Easy Save 3 - Moodkie Docs
For anyone looking to dive into the world of Easy Save 3 (ES3)
file editing, it’s a journey from "confused developer" to "data master" in about an afternoon. Whether you're a Unity developer trying to debug a complex save state or a player looking to skip a grind, here’s a review of the current landscape for editing The "Quick Fix" Tools
If you aren't looking to write code, there are two standout ways to crack open these files: ES3 Online Editor (by Alex Tusinean)
: This is the "gold standard" for quick web-based edits. You upload your save, the site decrypts it, you change your values (like "Money" or "Store Level"), and then download the modified version.
: Many games use a password for encryption. For example, some community guides for games like Tower of Babel
list specific passwords or XOR keys needed to unlock the data. Notepad++ (for Human-Readable Saves) : If the game doesn't use heavy encryption,
files are essentially human-readable JSON. You can simply open them in
to find terms like "rubber," "gold," or "ActiveItems," and flip "false" to "true" to unlock everything. For the Unity Developer If you're using the Easy Save 3 Asset
in your own project, the "editing" happens mostly inside the Unity Editor: The Types Panel
: Forget manual serialization. In ES3, you can just select fields from a dedicated
panel. Adding or removing fields doesn't break your old save data, which is a massive upgrade over the older ES2 system. The Reference Manager
: A common "gotcha" review mentioned is losing references to ScriptableObjects. The fix is simple but often missed: right-click your asset and select "Add references to manager" to make sure the save file knows what it's looking at. Performance vs. Convenience
: Some advanced users have reported that the automatic reference management can bloat scene files (sometimes up to millions of lines). The "pro move" here is to uncheck Auto Update References
in the settings and manage them manually to keep your project snappy. The Verdict: Is it worth it? Easy Save 3
is widely regarded as a "must-have" for Unity developers because it turns a day of coding a custom binary formatter into a five-minute setup. For players, the fact that it saves in a structured JSON-like format makes it one of the most "mod-friendly" save systems out there—provided you can find the encryption password. EasySave adds over 4 million lines to scene file - Forums
Step 1: Download MSE (available on Nexus Mods or the Morrowind Modding History archive).
Step 2: Run it – no installation needed.
Step 3: Click File → Open and locate your save (usually Documents\My Games\Morrowind\Saves\*.ess).
Step 4: You’ll see tabs:
Step 5: Click Save As to create a new save file (never overwrite the original until you’ve tested). There are several software tools available for editing
Some community tools exist (e.g., ES3 Editor by uModder, or ES3 File Decoder). They can parse and display ES3 binary data in a readable tree view.