Canonical: https://rom-weaver.com/docs/create-game-saves-cli

# Create game saves with the CLI

Use `save create` to write a fresh Super Mario World or Zelda save or a copy of an existing save template. Use a game-made template for Pokémon. The command validates the save structure before it writes the output.

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## Table of contents

- [Create a fresh Super Mario World or Zelda save](<#create-a-fresh-super-mario-world-or-zelda-save>)
- [Use an existing save as a template](<#use-an-existing-save-as-a-template>)

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## Create a fresh Super Mario World or Zelda save

List the supported game IDs and their generation support:

```bash
rom-weaver save list-games
```

Create a file at a new output path:

```bash
rom-weaver save create --game zelda-a-link-to-the-past -o link.srm
```

Inspect the generated file:

```bash
rom-weaver save inspect link.srm
```

The file contains one `LINK` slot with three hearts and no acquired equipment. The other two slots are empty. Fresh generation is unavailable for games that have no verified initializer.

Create a fresh Super Mario World file with its checked initial overworld state:

```bash
rom-weaver save create --game super-mario-world -o mario.srm
```

## Use an existing save as a template

Create a validated copy without changing any properties:

```bash
rom-weaver save create --template game.sav -o copy.sav
```

Add `--game GAME_ID` if the template matches more than one game. For example:

```bash
rom-weaver save create --template red.sav --game pokemon-red -o copy.sav
```

Preview a field change before creating the output:

```bash
rom-weaver save create --template game.sav trainer.money=999999 --dry-run
```

Create the edited file:

```bash
rom-weaver save create --template game.sav trainer.money=999999 -o rich.sav
```

The output must differ from the template. A container wrapper stays in place; use the template's extension for the output. `--force` permits replacement of an existing output file. It never permits replacement of the template.

Inspect the output, then import it through the emulator's battery-save import control and load the game to check the result.

The [support reference](<https://rom-weaver.com/docs/game-save-support.md>) lists the games and fields. For the browser procedure, use [Create saves in the browser](<https://rom-weaver.com/docs/create-game-saves-browser.md>).