Immunity Protocol Restart Guide: How to Reset Your Run
Updated 2026-06-14

How to Restart Your Run in Immunity Protocol
Restarting your run in Immunity Protocol is a straightforward process, but it's important to understand what a reset entails. Unlike a prestige, which carries over certain upgrades and currencies, a full restart wipes your current run and returns you to the main menu. This guide covers the exact steps to restart, what you lose, and when you should consider starting over.
To perform a restart, you can either die during a run or manually exit to the main menu. If you choose to exit, your current progress in that run will be lost. There is no save-and-quit feature for mid-run sessions, so plan your play sessions accordingly.
When Should You Restart Your Run?
There are several strategic reasons to restart your run in Immunity Protocol. If you find yourself stuck on a particularly difficult wave of pathogens, or if you have made suboptimal upgrade choices early on, a restart can be more efficient than struggling through. The early game is often the best time to reset, as you lose very little progress.
Common scenarios for restarting include:
- Poor early upgrades: If you invested in skills that don't synergize with your preferred playstyle.
- Testing new strategies: Trying a different class or loadout from the beginning.
- Chasing a specific build: Some builds require specific early choices that are hard to recover from if missed.
- Bug or glitch: Although rare, if you encounter a progression-blocking bug, a restart is the simplest fix.
What You Lose and What You Keep
It's critical to distinguish between restarting a run and performing a full game reset. Restarting a run only affects your current session. You will lose all in-run upgrades, currency collected during that run, and any temporary buffs. However, you keep all permanent unlocks, such as classes, characters, and global upgrades earned through the progression system.
If you are looking to completely wipe your save file, you must manually delete the save data from your PC. This is not recommended unless you want to experience the game from scratch again. The save file guide explains how to locate and manage your saved data.
Step-by-Step Restart Process
Open the Pause Menu
During a run, press the designated pause key (default: Escape or Start) to bring up the in-game menu. This will halt all enemy movement and allow you to make decisions safely.
Select 'End Run' or 'Main Menu'
Look for the option to end your current run. The text may vary depending on the update, but it is typically labeled "End Run," "Restart," or "Main Menu." Selecting this will prompt a confirmation dialog.
Confirm Your Choice
A warning will appear, informing you that all unsaved progress in this run will be lost. Confirm your choice to return to the main menu. Your permanent unlocks and currencies remain intact.
Start a New Run
From the main menu, select "New Game" or "Start Run." You will be able to choose your class, loadout, and any other starting options you have unlocked. Your previous run's progress is now fully reset.
Restarting vs. Prestige: Key Differences
Many players confuse restarting with the prestige system. While both involve starting over, they serve different purposes. A restart is a simple reset of your current run with no long-term benefits. Prestige, on the other hand, is a deliberate mechanic that resets your entire account progress in exchange for powerful permanent bonuses.
The prestige system is designed for advanced players who have maxed out their upgrades and want to tackle higher difficulties. If you are still learning the basics, stick to regular restarts to refine your strategy.
Tips for a Successful Restart
To make the most of a restart, consider these tips:
- Analyze your previous run: What killed you? Which upgrades were useless? Adjust your next build accordingly.
- Experiment with different classes: Each class has unique strengths. The class guide can help you choose.
- Focus on early survival: In the first few waves, prioritize mobility and area-of-effect damage to handle large groups of pathogens.
- Use your currency wisely: Spend your collected currency on permanent upgrades before starting a new run. This will make subsequent attempts easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does restarting delete my permanent upgrades? No. Permanent upgrades, unlocked classes, and characters are saved globally. Only the progress within the current run is lost.
Can I restart without losing my run currency? No. Any currency collected during the run is lost upon restart. You should spend it on upgrades or items before ending the run if possible.
Is there a penalty for restarting? There is no penalty. The game encourages experimentation. Restarting is a core part of learning enemy patterns and optimizing your build.
Will I lose my achievements if I restart? No. Achievements are tied to your account, not individual runs. You can restart as many times as you like without affecting your achievement progress.
Related pages
- Beginner Guide: Survive the First Wave— New to Immunity Protocol? Our beginner guide covers essential tips, core mechanics, upgrade strategies, and how to survive the first pathogen wave in this auto-shooter.
- Beginner Tips: Survive Your First Runs— New to Immunity Protocol? Start strong with our essential beginner tips covering movement, upgrades, and survival strategies for the neon-pixel auto-shooter.
- Controls Guide: Master Your Immune Cell— Learn all Immunity Protocol controls for PC, including keyboard and mouse bindings, auto-shooting mechanics, movement tips, and how to customize your layout for better survival.
- Difficulty Guide: All Modes & Tips— Learn about all difficulty levels in Immunity Protocol, how to unlock harder modes, and find the best challenge for your skill level in this auto-shooter survival game.
- Performance Guide: Boosting FPS and Fixing Lag— Optimize Immunity Protocol's performance on PC with our guide covering system requirements, graphics settings, FPS boosts, and troubleshooting tips to reduce lag and stuttering.
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