How to Build a Scalable Save System in Unity (From Scratch)

In this video, we build a scalable save system in Unity completely from scratch. This is a long-form, in-depth tutorial focused on designing a proper save architecture that can grow with your game, instead of quick hacks or plugin-based solutions.

We start by breaking down how save and load systems actually work, then gradually design and implement a flexible structure that can handle player data, game state, and future expansion. The goal of this tutorial is not just to save data, but to build a system that remains maintainable as your project gets bigger and more complex.

This Unity save system tutorial is aimed at developers who want to understand the reasoning behind the design, not just copy code. Everything is built step by step, with a strong focus on scalability, clean structure, and long-term usability in real projects.

By the end of the video, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to create your own save system in Unity, how to structure save data properly, and how to extend the system later without rewriting everything. This approach works for small games as well as larger projects and avoids common pitfalls seen in many beginner save system tutorials.

If you’re looking to build a proper save and load system in Unity without relying on third-party plugins, this tutorial will walk you through the entire process from scratch.

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1-on-1 UNITY MENTORSHIP (READ BEFORE REACHING OUT)

I offer private 1-on-1 Unity sessions for developers who want direct feedback on their own project, not generic tutorials.

Format:
Sessions are done over Discord video call (or any platform that works for you). Screen sharing and live code review are included. Each session is 1–1.5 hours long (No worries, I will wait extra time if you are a slow learner, I understand that).

Who this is for:
This is for beginners who want to build systems correctly from the start, and intermediate developers who are stuck with messy architecture, refactoring, or scaling issues. This is best suited if you’ve already watched my long-form content.

Topics I usually help with:
Learning Unity and C# from scratch,
System design and architecture, saving and loading systems, refactoring existing code, performance issues, debugging, and project structure for long-term maintainability.

Pricing:
Sessions start at ₹1500 for 1–1.5 hours. Pricing increases depending on topic complexity and depth. There are no fixed packages; sessions are scoped per developer.

Important:
The goal is to help you think, design, and fix problems in your own project. Slots are limited so sessions don’t get rushed.

How to reach out:
Email: anandcdigital@gmail.com
OR
Discord: AnanDEV#8644

When contacting me, include your experience level, what you’re stuck on, and your project type. Thanks.

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📌LINKS:

Unity Package Folder Structure: https://docs.unity3d.com/6000.3/Docum...

Input System playlist for Unity:    • Input System in Unity  

Discord ID: AnanDEV#8644

For doubts and stuff, join our discord club👇
  / discord  

Check out my Instagram for MORE TIPS 👇
  / anandev.0  

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TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Introduction
1:36 How to solve a problem (Divide & Conquer)
5:48 Folder Structure
7:01 Using ContextMenus for Quick Triggers
9:02 Using the Input System to Trigger Save & Load
13:59 AD READ: PRIVATE UNITY SESSIONS
14:51 SavingSystem + SaveManager
20:22 JSON vs Binary
26:48 Adding a SaveFile
31:02 Application.persistentDataPath
32:32 Exercise - Saving
34:34 ISaveable Interface + Challenge
38:49 Converting data to JSON
41:55 Writing to a file + Managing Exceptions
43:57 Cleaning the code + Fixing Errors
46:41 Adding Player Behaviour + Testing
50:00 Opening the created Save File
50:51 Creating the PlayerSaveData
55:53 Loading Theory + Challenge
57:43 A Small Hiccup
59:20 Load Game From File
1:04:14 Restore State (ISaveable)
1:07:14 Saving Duplicated Objects + Unique IDs + Debugging
1:26:38 What Next?
1:27:33 Conclusion

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If you have any questions, comment below, and I will try to answer them to the best of my knowledge.

Thank you for watching the video and reading this description. Take care.