What does "Import game" do?

[SAHA]

The button in the main menu. I heard it can fix your save. So another question is how can i understand if my saves need to be fixed and when should i use it?

[punknugget]

When you select import, it's sorta like loading a game but it will load a fully refreshed world, with separate options to carry over any world buildings/bases, alive/dead named NPCS, or carrying over your current reputation.

Reasons to do this -

a. Installing or uninstalling some mods, especially any that effect world states or spawns.

b. To renew broken or bloated saves

c. To correct general game jank/bugs.

d. base building regrets

e. To correct unintended faction wars

f. To cheat and exploit (unlimited AI cores, Mietou farming)

There are probably other reasons too but I personally leave Imports as a last resort since I like seeing the worlds progress stay consistent like gate guards missing limbs and such.

[Bomb Bloke]

It starts a new game while importing some elements from your old one. The idea is that if you're experiencing a problem in an old save, then you can discard the "bad bits" while retaining the "good bits".

Importing is semi-configurable: you get some level of choice over what sort of data will be retained. For eg, you can pick whether your constructions will come over or not, whether changed world states will come over or not, etc...

The "Import Dead NPCs" toggle is a bit of a thorny one. If checked, the game will ensure that any "major figures" who were killed in your old save also won't appear in your new one. But also it applies to unique figures who were in cages - and there are a few unique recruitable characters who start out in cages, so importing with that toggle checked may ensure that you never get a chance to meet them.

On the other hand, if you uncheck it, then any major figures you've killed (eg the Dust King) will all end up coming back to life.

Generally speaking, you don't need to import unless you know you're experiencing a problem. There's no harm in trying it, so long as you don't overwrite your old save until you're sure you're happy with the result. If it doesn't fix your problem, then you can always just revert back to playing your old save again.

[Donald j. Trump]

It opens a secret door that will lead you to an underground railway system. Where does it go?

[Cattrina]

There is one major downside with importing, you will lose all NPCs you are currently imprisoned by you or carried by any of your characters. In other regards it is a major positive.

[SAHA]

Thank you, guys! To a new player like me it helps a lot. Great community!