Save scumming

Save scumming is the habit of saving just before something risky or random, then reloading whenever the result is disappointing. Lost a fight? Reload. Opened a chest and got a dull item? Reload and open it again, hoping the random result changes. Made a story choice you regret? Reload and choose differently.

The term is heard most often around roguelike games, where the whole design depends on choices and losses being permanent. It is not as negative as it sounds; “scumming” here is jokey shorthand for exploiting the system.

Why games try to prevent it

Games with permadeath or high stakes often stop save scumming by saving automatically, keeping only one save file, or locking in random outcomes so reloading does not change them. Designers do this because being able to undo every setback removes tension; a hard choice is not really hard if you can reverse it.

Some games embrace a version of it, offering a rewind button or easy quick-saves as an accessibility or convenience feature, recognising that not everyone wants to replay long sections after one mistake.

Is it cheating?

In a single-player game, no – it is your experience, and plenty of players save scum happily, particularly in long role-playing games where one bad roll can cost a lot of time. Some players find it removes the excitement and prefer to live with their choices. In online games, reloading is usually impossible anyway, because progress is stored on servers.

A middle ground

If you find yourself reloading constantly and enjoying the game less, try setting a personal rule – for example, only reloading after a total defeat, not after unlucky rolls. Many players find that accepting the occasional setback makes victories feel more earned, and the stories they tell about a game more interesting.