How To Edit Es3 Save File -
Bottom line: Use Morrowind Save Editor for 95% of edits. For advanced repair and mod integration, use Wrye Mash. Avoid hex editing unless you’re reverse-engineering the save format for fun – and even then, expect corrupted saves.
Editing an ES3 (Easy Save 3) file depends on whether the data was saved in a readable text format or an encrypted/binary format. Easy Save 3 is a popular Unity asset, and its .es3 files are essentially JSON under the hood. 1. Identify the File Format
First, try opening your .es3 file with a standard text editor like Notepad++, VS Code, or Sublime Text.
If you see readable text: The file is saved as plain JSON. You can edit the values directly, but be careful to maintain the JSON syntax (don't delete quotes, commas, or curly braces).
If you see "gibberish" or binary characters: The file is encrypted or saved in a compressed binary format. You cannot edit this with a basic text editor. 2. Editing Encrypted or Binary Files If the file is encrypted, you have two main options:
The ES3 Editor (In-Editor): If you are the developer or have access to the Unity project, use the built-in Easy Save 3 Editor. Go to Tools > Easy Save 3 > Editor. Select the File tab. Browse to your save file.
If it's encrypted, enter the password in the Settings tab of the ES3 window first. Edit the values in the inspector and click Save.
Modify the Source Code: If you are trying to "mod" a game, you may need to write a small C# script within Unity that uses ES3.Load to bring the data into a variable, modify it, and then use ES3.Save to write it back out with the encryption settings used by the game. 3. Common Pitfalls
Encryption Keys: Without the specific encryption password used during the save process, you cannot decrypt or edit the file.
Backups: Always make a copy of your SaveData.es3 before editing. A single missing comma in a JSON structure will cause the game to fail when loading.
Types: Ensure you don't change the data type (e.g., don't put a string "high" into a field that expects an integer 10).
Are you trying to edit a save for a game you are developing, or are you looking to mod an existing game you're playing?
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: how to edit es3 save file
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.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step write-up you can use or adapt for a guide on editing an ES3 save file (commonly from Unity games using Easy Save 3).
Safely editable with MSE/Wrye Mash:
Riskier (can break quests or scripts):
Don’t touch manually unless you know what you’re doing:
Tips:
Reverting changes:
If you need to revert changes, simply replace the modified save file with the original backup.
Keep in mind that game developers may implement various anti-cheat measures or data validation, which could render edited save files unusable.
✅ This is the safest and most reliable method.
Under Player, look for Inventory. You will see a list of Item records. Each has a NAME (item ID) and Count (quantity). You can delete entries to remove items or change Count to increase stacks.
Warning: Enchanted Editor does not check if your edits are valid. Setting Strength to 1000 is allowed, but the game may behave strangely.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully edit an ES3 save file and achieve your desired outcome.
Editing an Enderal: Forgotten Stories (ES3) save file allows you to modify your character’s level, gold, skill points, or even fix broken quest stages. Because Enderal is built on the Skyrim engine, the methods are nearly identical. 🛠️ Method 1: The In-Game Console (Easiest)
For most players, you do not need to open the save file externally. You can "edit" your current state while playing. Open the console: Press the tilde key (~).
Add Gold: Type player.additem 0000000f [amount] and press Enter.
Add Skill Points: Type set LearningPoints to [number] or set CraftingPoints to [number]. Level Up: Type player.setlevel [number]. God Mode: Type tgm. 📂 Method 2: Locating Your Save Files
Before using external tools, you must find where the game stores your data. Open File Explorer.
Navigate to: Documents\My Games\Enderal\Saves (or Enderal Special Edition\Saves).
Back up your files: Copy your .ess files to a different folder before editing. ⚙️ Method 3: Using FallrimTools (Re-Saver)
If you need to clean a save from "phantom" scripts or fix a bloated file that won't load, FallrimTools is the industry standard. 1. Download and Install Download FallrimTools from the Nexus Mods site.
Ensure you have the latest Java Runtime Environment installed. 2. Open Your Save Launch Resaver.exe. Select File > Open and navigate to your .ess save file. 3. Edit Data Bottom line: Use Morrowind Save Editor for 95% of edits
Unattached Instances: These are scripts no longer tied to anything. Right-click and delete them to improve stability.
Change Variables: Look under Global Variables to manually adjust values like your "Arcane Fever" percentage. Save: Select File > Save As to create a new, edited file. ⚠️ Important Warnings
Arcane Fever: Modifying stats too aggressively can trigger the "Arcane Fever" death mechanic if you aren't careful.
Quest Corruption: Avoid editing "Quest" scripts unless you are following a specific guide. It can permanently break your playthrough.
Script Lag: Deleting the wrong script in Re-Saver can cause the game to crash on startup. To help you get the best result, let me know:
Are you trying to fix a bugged quest or just give yourself more money/levels?
Are you playing the original Enderal or the Special Edition? Do you have mods installed that might be causing the issue?
I can provide the specific console codes or script names you need to look for!
To edit an Easy Save 3 ( ) file, you must first locate it, determine if it is encrypted, and use a compatible editor to modify the JSON data. 1. Locate the Save File
By default, Unity games using Easy Save 3 store files in the Application.persistentDataPath
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\[Company Name]\[Product Name]\ Unity Editor: Tools > Easy Save 3 > Open Persistent Data Path to jump directly to the folder. 2. Determine the File Format Human-Readable (JSON):
If the file is not encrypted, you can open it with any text editor like . Search for keys like and change the value. Encrypted/Binary:
If the file looks like gibberish, it is likely encrypted. You will need a decryption tool or the game's specific password to edit it. 3. Recommended Editing Tools Getting Started with Easy Save 3 - Moodkie Docs
"playerHealth": 75,
"playerLevel": 4,
"inventory": ["sword", "potion", "shield"]
You can edit numbers / strings directly.
If you’ve ever wanted to modify a saved game’s data—whether to give yourself extra health, unlock items, or skip a tedious section—you may need to edit an ES3 file. ES3 is the default save format for Unity’s Easy Save 3 asset. Here’s how to approach it safely and effectively. Tools needed: To edit an ES3 save file, you'll need: