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Ren'Py Pocket

FAQ & Help Center

Download Ren'Py 8

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about playing Ren'Py visual novels on your mobile device

⚠️ Important: ZIP Import Issues

Having trouble importing ZIP files?

Some ZIP files may fail to import into Ren'Py Pocket. This is a known issue with certain ZIP compression formats.

✅ Quick Solution:

  1. Extract the ZIP file using any ZIP software on your device
  2. Re-compress the files into a new ZIP archive
  3. Import the new ZIP file - it should work perfectly now!

This simple re-compression process fixes most import failures. The issue is related to ZIP format compatibility, not the game files themselves.

🖥️ Important: Download Windows Version Only!

⚠️ You MUST download the Windows version of Ren'Py games!

❌ DO NOT download these versions:

  • Android (.apk) - Will NOT work in Ren'Py Pocket
  • Mac (macOS) - Incompatible format
  • Linux - Not supported

✅ ALWAYS download:

  • •
    Windows/PC version

    Usually labeled as "PC", "Windows", "Win", or has ".exe" files inside

💡 How to identify the correct version:

  1. Look for download buttons labeled "PC" or "Windows"
  2. The ZIP file should contain .exe files when extracted
  3. File size is usually larger than mobile versions
  4. If multiple options exist, always choose Windows/PC

Why? Ren'Py Pocket is designed to run PC game files. Android APKs and Mac apps use completely different formats that cannot be converted or imported.

What is a Ren'Py Game?

Ren'Py is a visual novel engine that allows developers to create interactive story-based games. These games typically feature:

  • Story-driven gameplay with branching narratives based on player choices
  • Rich multimedia content including character artwork, backgrounds, music, and sound effects
  • Multiple endings determined by the decisions you make throughout the story
  • Text-heavy gameplay focusing on reading and character interaction rather than action

Ren'Py games are popular among indie developers and visual novel enthusiasts because they're easy to create and can tell compelling, immersive stories across many genres - from romance and mystery to science fiction and fantasy.

What can Ren'Py Pocket do?

Ren'Py Pocket brings PC Ren'Py games to your mobile device, offering:

  • Play PC games on mobile - Run your favorite Ren'Py games originally designed for Windows/Mac/Linux directly on your iPhone or iPad
  • Real-time translation - Instantly translate game text into your preferred language while playing
  • Touch-optimized controls - Enjoy intuitive tap and swipe gestures designed specifically for mobile screens
  • Portable gaming - Take your visual novels anywhere and continue your stories on the go
  • File management - Easily import, organize, and manage your game library

The app makes visual novels more accessible by removing platform barriers and language limitations.

How can I get Ren'Py games?

There are two convenient ways to add games to Ren'Py Pocket:

Method 1: Direct Download on Mobile

  1. Search and download - Use your mobile browser to find and download Ren'Py game files (.zip format)
  2. Import directly - Open Ren'Py Pocket and select "Add from Files"
  3. Choose your game - Select the downloaded .zip file from your device's files
  4. Start playing - The game will be automatically extracted and ready to play

This method is quick and convenient for getting games directly onto your device.

Method 2: Transfer from PC/Mac

  1. Download on computer - Find and download Ren'Py games to your PC or Mac
  2. Connect devices - Use Ren'Py Pocket's "Add from PC" feature to connect your mobile device to your computer
  3. Transfer games - Upload game files from your computer to your mobile device
  4. Enhanced customization - This method allows you to:
    • Add patch.py files for game modifications
    • Include custom character modifications
    • Apply user-created content and enhancements
    • Better file organization before transfer

Where to find games?

You can find free and open-source Ren'Py games by:

  • Searching online - Use Google to search for terms like "free Ren'Py games" or "open source visual novels"
  • Community creations - Many talented Ren'Py enthusiasts create and freely share their games
  • Educational projects - Students and hobbyist developers often release their games for free
  • Open-source repositories - Look for legally distributed games with proper licensing

⚠️ Always ensure you're downloading games that are freely and legally distributed by their creators.

What's the difference between Ren'Py Pocket and Ren'Py 7 Pocket?

Ren'Py Pocket uses the Ren'Py 8 engine, while Ren'Py 7 Pocket uses the Ren'Py 7 engine.

Compatibility Overview

  • Most games work on both - The majority of games developed with Ren'Py 7 run perfectly well on Ren'Py 8 (Ren'Py Pocket)
  • Backward compatibility - Ren'Py 8 is designed to support most Ren'Py 7 games without issues
  • Recommended approach - Try Ren'Py Pocket first for any game

When to use Ren'Py 7 Pocket

Some older games may only work properly with the Ren'Py 7 engine, such as:

  • Doki Doki Literature Club
  • Certain games with engine-specific modifications
  • Games that use deprecated Ren'Py 7 features

Usage

Both apps work identically:

  • Same interface and features
  • Same import methods (Add from Files / Add from PC)
  • Same translation capabilities
  • Same touch controls

How to choose:

  1. Start with Ren'Py Pocket (Ren'Py 8) - works for most games
  2. Switch to Ren'Py 7 Pocket only if you encounter compatibility issues
  3. Keep both apps if you play games requiring different engines
Download Links
Download Ren'Py Pocket (v8) Download Ren'Py 7 Pocket

How do I manage my save files?

Ren'Py Pocket includes a handy Save Management feature that helps you backup, transfer, and organize your game progress. Here's how to use it:

Accessing Save Management

  1. Select your game from the main library screen
  2. Tap "Save Management" - you'll see this option appear once a game is selected
  3. Choose your action from the four available options

What each option does

📁 Browse Save Files
  • See all your save files for the selected game
  • Check save dates and file sizes
  • Perfect for when you want to see how many saves you have
📥 Import Save Files
  • Add save files from other devices or backups
  • Great for continuing your progress on a new device
  • Handy when friends share their save files with you
  • Just select the save files from your device and import them
📤 Export All Saves
  • Create a backup of all your save files
  • Saves everything to your device's files so you can keep them safe
  • Super useful before updating the app or switching devices
  • Think of it as your "save insurance policy"
🗑️ Delete All Saves
  • Remove all save files for the game (use with caution!)
  • Helpful if you want a completely fresh start
  • Good for freeing up storage space
  • Warning: This can't be undone, so export first if you might want them back!

💡 Pro Tips for Save Management

  • Export regularly - Make backups of important saves, especially for long games
  • Before major updates - Export your saves before updating Ren'Py Pocket or the game
  • Share with friends - Export saves to share your progress or interesting story branches
  • Fresh start strategy - Export saves before deleting, so you can always return to that point
  • Device switching - Export from old device, import to new device for seamless continuation

Managing your saves properly means you'll never lose your progress and can enjoy your visual novels worry-free!

How do I import save files from PC/Mac or other apps?

Want to continue your game progress from your computer or transfer saves between devices? Here's the easiest way to do it:

From PC/Mac to iPhone/iPad

Step 1: Find your PC/Mac save files
  • On your computer, locate the Ren'Py game's save folder
  • Save files are usually in the game's folder under /saves/ or in your user documents
  • Look for files with extensions like .save or numbered save files
Step 2: Use iCloud for easy transfer
  • Put your save files in iCloud Drive on your PC/Mac
  • Create a folder like "RenPy Saves" to keep them organized
  • Wait for iCloud to sync the files
Step 3: Import on your mobile device
  1. Open Ren'Py Pocket and select your game
  2. Tap "Save Management"
  3. Choose "Import Save Files"
  4. Navigate to iCloud Drive and find your save files
  5. Select the saves you want to import
  6. Tap "Import" and you're done!

From other iOS apps or cloud services

You can also import saves from:

  • Dropbox - Upload saves to Dropbox, then import from the Dropbox app
  • Google Drive - Same process as iCloud, but through Google Drive
  • Files app - Any save files stored in your device's Files app
  • Email attachments - Someone can email you save files to import

💡 Pro Tips for Save Importing

  • Check compatibility - Make sure the saves are from the same game version
  • Backup first - Export your current saves before importing new ones, just in case
  • File names matter - Keep original save file names when possible
  • Test after importing - Load a save to make sure it works properly
  • Organize your cloud - Keep save files in clearly labeled folders for easy finding

This way you can seamlessly continue your visual novel adventures across all your devices!

What if my save files won't import or load properly?

Sometimes save files from PC/Mac or other versions might not work due to compatibility issues. Here's how to fix them:

⚠️ Common Save File Problems

You might see errors like:

  • "Save file cannot be loaded"
  • Security warnings about save file tokens
  • Save files showing as corrupted or incompatible
  • Games crashing when loading certain saves

💡 The Solution: Ren'Py Save Repack Tool

When regular importing doesn't work, try the Ren'Py Save Repack tool at:

https://saveeditor.online/renpy-repack

What it does:

  • Fixes compatibility issues between different Ren'Py versions (especially Ren'Py 8.0+)
  • Resolves security token mismatches that prevent saves from loading
  • Makes old save files work with newer game versions

🔧 How to use the Repack Tool

Step 1: Gather your files
  • Your problematic save file (usually with .save extension)
  • The security_keys.txt file from your game's tokens folder (if available)
Step 2: Process online
  1. Go to https://saveeditor.online/renpy-repack
  2. Upload your save file
  3. Upload the security_keys.txt file (if you have it)
  4. Click "Repack" to process the files
  5. Download the fixed save file
Step 3: Import the fixed save
  • Use the repacked save file with Ren'Py Pocket's "Import Save Files" feature
  • The save should now load properly without errors

🎯 When to use this tool

  • Cross-platform transfers - Moving saves from PC Ren'Py to mobile
  • Version differences - When game or engine versions don't match
  • Security token errors - When you get warnings about save file authenticity
  • Last resort - When normal importing methods fail

🔄 Alternative solutions

If the repack tool doesn't work:

  • Start fresh - Sometimes it's easier to replay from the beginning
  • Find compatible saves - Look for save files specifically made for your game version
  • Check game forums - Other players might have shared working save files
  • Contact developers - Some game creators provide save file conversion tools

Don't let save file issues stop you from enjoying your visual novels!

Ready to start your visual novel journey?

Choose the right version for your games and download today!

RECOMMENDED

Ren'Py Pocket

Latest version with Ren'Py 8 engine

  • ✓ Most games supported
  • ✓ Latest features
  • ✓ Better performance
📱 Download for iOS
LEGACY

Ren'Py 7 Pocket

For older games requiring Ren'Py 7

  • ✓ Doki Doki Literature Club
  • ✓ Legacy game support
  • ✓ Ren'Py 7 compatibility
📱 Download for iOS
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