Tutorial
Updated
Backing up and Editing Saves using Ironhax/Tubehax.
Intro
Using the Homebrew Launcher, we can backup any save, whether on a physical cartrage, or downloaded from the EShop. The editing of these saves depends on the game. Some games have dedicated editors, some do not. If they do not have an editor for your chosen game, you may be able to edit them with a Hex editor, but, it could be risky. The chance of Brick is next to none, as in zero, but with no guarantee for complete messing/stupidity.
First of all, set up Tubehax, and if you can, Ironhax.
Tubehax
Smealum's guide is very good, and can be found here, along with all the necessaries.
I recommend following that guide.
REMINDER/NOTE: If you have setup Tubehax/Ironhax at launch, you may need the newer boot file which can be found here. If in doubt, download it.
Savedata Manager
Now, you need to download save data manager from here. Extract it, using your favourite extractor, to the 3ds SD card ensuring that the binary is located in a directory in the 3ds directory. For example; My SD card goes like this on a Windows computer.
D:/3ds/savedata/
With the final *.3dsx file located in there.
Backing up, Editing, and Injecting
This part must be followed carefully, failure to do so may result in a broken save. The absolute crucial part is to NOT open the game during the time between backup in injection. Do NOT open the game. Don't do it.
Why should I not open the Game?
Some games use a value in the game save which changes every time the game saves. This value is also stored on the SD card. If these values are not the same, the game says the save is corrupted or a similar error. When you load up the game after backing up, the numbers do NOT match, and so if you restore the save, it will reject it.
Editors
EDIT: A list of save editors has been made by someone: Here
The list that used to be here will now be removed in favour of that one.
End Note
I wrote this, and I'm human, so I may have made a mistake. Please point it out.
Using the Homebrew Launcher, we can backup any save, whether on a physical cartrage, or downloaded from the EShop. The editing of these saves depends on the game. Some games have dedicated editors, some do not. If they do not have an editor for your chosen game, you may be able to edit them with a Hex editor, but, it could be risky. The chance of Brick is next to none, as in zero, but with no guarantee for complete messing/stupidity.
First of all, set up Tubehax, and if you can, Ironhax.
Tubehax
Smealum's guide is very good, and can be found here, along with all the necessaries.
I recommend following that guide.
REMINDER/NOTE: If you have setup Tubehax/Ironhax at launch, you may need the newer boot file which can be found here. If in doubt, download it.
Savedata Manager
Now, you need to download save data manager from here. Extract it, using your favourite extractor, to the 3ds SD card ensuring that the binary is located in a directory in the 3ds directory. For example; My SD card goes like this on a Windows computer.
D:/3ds/savedata/
With the final *.3dsx file located in there.
Backing up, Editing, and Injecting
This part must be followed carefully, failure to do so may result in a broken save. The absolute crucial part is to NOT open the game during the time between backup in injection. Do NOT open the game. Don't do it.
- Launch up the Homebrew Menu through your preferred means. (Ironhax, Tubehax, or Ninjhax)
- Select the Savedata manager and confirm the choice with A.
- Using the DPad, change the selection of the game to the one you wish to backup.
- Press A to backup. NOTE: Some people have reported broken screens. No idea, sorry.
- Press X to exit then power off the 3ds. DO NOT START THE GAME TO CHECK IT HASN'T BROKEN IT.
- Insert into your computer and make edits using an editor, or manually. I'll link to some editors below. NOTE: The saves are located in the root of the sd card in a directory.
- Place the updated save on your SD card. In the same directory, ensuring that there are no other saves present. You have one shot at the injection!
- Place the SD card into your 3DS, boot up the 3DS, start the Homebrew Menu, go into the save manager, and select the same game. Hit B to Inject.
- Press X to exit the save manager, press START in the Homebrew Menu, and press A to restart.
- Boot up the game.
Why should I not open the Game?
Some games use a value in the game save which changes every time the game saves. This value is also stored on the SD card. If these values are not the same, the game says the save is corrupted or a similar error. When you load up the game after backing up, the numbers do NOT match, and so if you restore the save, it will reject it.
Editors
EDIT: A list of save editors has been made by someone: Here
The list that used to be here will now be removed in favour of that one.
End Note
I wrote this, and I'm human, so I may have made a mistake. Please point it out.
Last edited by yodamerlin,
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