Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Save Replay Guide
Yes, you can replay Tears of the Kingdom without losing your save file. The game has one save slot per profile, but you can start a new game on a different user profile, or you can manually back up your current save before starting over. This article explains exactly how to do both, what carries over, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
How the Save System Works
Tears of the Kingdom uses a single save slot per Nintendo Switch user profile. The game auto-saves frequently and also lets you create manual saves, but they all share the same slot. If you choose “New Game� from the title screen, the game will overwrite that slot with the new playthrough. There is no built-in “New Game Plus� or multiple save slots within one profile.
However, the Switch console itself supports multiple user profiles, and each profile has its own independent save data for every game. This means you can keep your original playthrough on one profile and start a fresh game on another profile. The two playthroughs will not interfere with each other.
How to Replay Without Losing Your Save
There are two reliable methods to replay the game while keeping your current progress:
- Use a second user profile: From the Switch home menu, go to System Settings > Users > Add User. Create a new profile (it can be linked to a Nintendo Account or not). Launch Tears of the Kingdom from that new profile. The game will start a new save file for that profile, and your original profile’s save remains untouched.
- Back up your save data manually: If you only have one profile and want to overwrite it, you can copy your save to another Switch console or to the cloud (if you have Nintendo Switch Online). To do this, go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud Backup (or Save Data Transfer). After backing up, you can start a new game on the original profile. To restore the old save later, use the same menu to download the backup.
Note that save data is stored on the console, not on the game cartridge or digital copy. So switching cartridges or redownloading the game does not affect your saves.
What Carries Over to a New Game
When you start a new playthrough (on a new profile), you begin from scratch. You lose all items, armor, upgrades, map progress, and quests. However, some things are tied to your Nintendo Account or console, not the save file:
- Nintendo Switch Online cloud saves: These are per-profile, so they don’t mix between profiles.
- Downloadable content (DLC): If you own the Expansion Pass, it is available to all profiles on the same console, but you still need to unlock the items in-game.
- Amiibo rewards: Amiibo scans work on any profile, but the rewards are given to the active save.
There is no New Game Plus mode in Tears of the Kingdom, so you cannot carry over your inventory or upgrades into a new playthrough on the same save. If you want to replay with some advantages, you would need to use a second profile and trade items via the game’s online features (if you have Nintendo Switch Online).
How to Choose Between a New Profile vs. Overwriting
Which method you choose depends on your goals:
- If you want to keep your original save intact: Use a second profile. This is the safest and most convenient method. You can switch back to your original profile anytime to continue your old game.
- If you want to start fresh on your main profile: Back up your save first, then start a new game. This is useful if you want all your playtime and achievements on one profile, but you risk losing the old save if you forget to back up.
- If you want to replay with mods or cheats: Those typically require a hacked Switch, which is beyond the scope of this article and may void your warranty.
For most players, using a second profile is the best choice because it is free, simple, and reversible.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Players often run into a few issues when trying to replay:
- Accidentally overwriting a save: If you hit “New Game� on the same profile, the game warns you that it will overwrite the existing save. Always double-check the profile name on the title screen before starting.
- Cloud backup not working: Cloud saves require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. If you don’t have one, you can use the free Save Data Transfer feature, but it requires two consoles.
- Forgetting to back up before starting: If you start a new game without backing up, the old save is gone permanently. There is no way to recover it.
- Using the wrong profile: If you create a new profile but accidentally launch the game from your original profile, you will overwrite your save. Always select the correct profile icon at the game launch screen.
If you encounter a corrupted save, the Switch will usually delete it automatically. To avoid losing hours, make regular cloud backups if you have the subscription.
Comparing Save Management to Other Zelda Games
Unlike older Zelda games that had multiple save slots (e.g., Ocarina of Time had three), Tears of the Kingdom follows the single-slot pattern of Breath of the Wild. This means you cannot have two separate playthroughs on the same profile. However, the Switch’s profile system effectively gives you unlimited save slots, one per profile. Many players create a separate profile for each playthrough if they want to start over without losing progress.
In contrast, games like Skyrim or Witcher 3 allow multiple save files within one profile, but Nintendo’s first-party titles often do not. Understanding this difference helps you plan your replay strategy.
Costs and Requirements
Replaying the game on a second profile is completely free—you just need to create a new user on your Switch. There is no cost associated with that. The only potential cost is if you want to use cloud backups, which require a Nintendo Switch Online membership (paid subscription). The free alternative is local save data transfer, which requires a second Switch console.
If you want to transfer your save to another console, both consoles must be connected to the internet and have the same Nintendo Account linked. The process is straightforward but requires both systems to be nearby.
Safety and Data Integrity
Your save data is stored on the Switch’s internal memory or on an SD card (for screenshots, not saves). It is not stored on the game cartridge. To protect your save:
- Always back up before starting a new game, even if you think you won’t need it.
- Do not turn off the console during autosaves or manual saves.
- If you use cloud saves, ensure your console is connected to the internet regularly so backups are current.
- If you share a console, be careful that other users don’t accidentally overwrite your save.
Nintendo does not provide a way to recover deleted saves, so prevention is your only defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will starting a new game on the same profile delete my old save?
Yes, it will overwrite the single save slot. The game will warn you, but if you confirm, the old save is gone. To avoid this, use a different profile or back up first.
Can I have two save files at once?
Yes, by using two different user profiles on the same console. Each profile has its own independent save slot for the game.
Does Nintendo Switch Online back up my saves automatically?
Yes, if you have the subscription and have enabled cloud backups for Tears of the Kingdom. The game supports cloud saves, but you must manually enable it in System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud Backup.
Can I transfer my save to another Switch?
Yes, you can use the Save Data Transfer feature in System Settings. Both consoles must be online and have the same Nintendo Account linked. This is free and does not require a subscription.
What happens to my Amiibo rewards if I start a new game?
You will need to scan the Amiibo again in the new playthrough to receive the items. The rewards are tied to the save, not the profile.
Is there a New Game Plus mode?
No, Tears of the Kingdom does not have a New Game Plus mode. You cannot carry over your inventory, upgrades, or map progress into a new playthrough.
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