RETURN Machine.Love() Restart Guide: How to Start Over

How to Restart Your Game in RETURN Machine.Love()

Starting a new journey in RETURN Machine.Love() is straightforward, but the process differs depending on your platform and whether you want to keep any progress. This guide covers all methods to restart your game, from deleting save files to using in-game options.

Method 1: Using the In-Game New Game Option

The simplest way to restart is through the main menu. This option begins a fresh story without manually deleting files, though some settings may persist.

1. Launch the Game

   Open RETURN Machine.Love() from your Steam library or desktop shortcut. Wait for the main menu to load completely.

2. Select New Game

   Click or tap the "New Game" button. The game may display a confirmation prompt warning that starting over will overwrite your current save slot.

3. Confirm Your Choice

   If prompted, confirm that you wish to begin a new story. The game will reset your progress and load the opening scene.

Method 2: Manually Deleting Save Files

For a complete reset, including any configuration or cached data, manually delete the save files from your system. This is useful if you encounter issues or want to ensure absolutely no progress carries over.

1. Locate the Save Folder

   The save directory varies by platform:

   • Windows: %AppData%\RETURN Machine.Love()\saves\
   • Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/RETURN Machine.Love()/saves/
   • Linux: ~/.config/RETURN Machine.Love()/saves/

2. Back Up Your Saves (Optional)

   Copy the entire saves folder to another location if you might want to restore your progress later.

3. Delete Save Files

   Delete all files inside the saves folder, or delete the folder itself. The game will recreate it upon next launch.

4. Launch the Game

   Start RETURN Machine.Love() again. The game will treat you as a new player.

What Carries Over When You Restart?

Understanding what persists and what resets helps you plan your new playthrough. Below is a breakdown of key elements.

Troubleshooting Restart Issues

If you encounter problems while trying to restart, these fixes often resolve common errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have multiple save files? RETURN Machine.Love() supports multiple save slots. You can start a new game without overwriting your existing one by selecting an empty slot.

Will restarting affect my Steam achievements? No, achievements earned are permanently tied to your Steam account. Restarting the game does not remove them.

Is there a way to skip the opening scenes on a new playthrough? Some scenes can be skipped by pressing the designated skip button (usually Escape or Space). Check the controls guide for your platform.

For more information on game mechanics, visit our beginner guide or explore the game overview. If you need help with system requirements, see the system requirements guide.