a64

.a64 — Commodore 64 Saved Game

Commodore · 1982

Developer
Commodore
Category
Game Files
MIME Type
application/x-c64-savegame
First Released
1982
Open Format
No
File Signature
No standard header signature; file content is game-dependent.
At a Glance
.a64
Commodore 64 Saved Game

An .a64 file is a save game snapshot from the classic Commodore 64 computer.

Reviewed on May 26, 2026
Compression
Varies (often uncompressed or game-specific)
Transparency
N/A
Editability
Low (requires specialized tools or knowledge)
Best for
Commodore 64 game saves

Key Features

  • Captures entire game state for later resumption.
  • Specific to Commodore 64 software.
  • Contains player progress, inventory, and scores.
  • Essential for emulator-based retro gaming.

Best For

  • Preserving progress on Commodore 64 games.
  • Achieving specific milestones in retro games.
  • Sharing game progress easily.

Less Ideal For

  • Storing modern game saves.
  • General file archiving.
  • Sharing data between different computer systems.
  • Cross-platform game compatibility.

Common Use Cases

  • Saving progress in Commodore 64 games.
  • Loading previously saved game states.
  • Archiving playthroughs or difficult game sections.
  • Sharing save states with other retro gamers.

How to Open It

  1. Open .a64 files using a Commodore 64 emulator like VICE (Versatile Commodore Emulator).
  2. Load the emulator and then use its 'Load' or 'Attach Disk/Tape Image' function to load the save file.
  3. Ensure the emulator is configured correctly for the specific game you are trying to load a save for.

What is a .a64 file?

An .a64 file is a type of save game file specifically created for the Commodore 64, an iconic home computer from the 1980s. These files store the exact state of a game at a particular moment, allowing players to resume their progress later without starting from the beginning. They typically capture player positions, inventory, game scores, and other essential data relevant to the specific game. While primarily associated with the original hardware, these files are still relevant today for emulators that recreate the Commodore 64 experience.

Programs That Open .a64 Files

PlatformProgram
WindowsVICE (Versatile Commodore Emulator)FreeOfficial
macOSVICE (Versatile Commodore Emulator)FreeOfficial
LinuxVICE (Versatile Commodore Emulator)FreeOfficial
AndroidC64 emulators (e.g., C64 Emulator)Free
iOSC64 emulators (search App Store)Free

How to Convert .a64 Files

FormatMethod
.PRGVICE emulator (save state as PRG)

Common Problems with .a64 Files

⚠️ Emulator doesn't recognize the save file.
Ensure you are using the correct emulator for the game and that the .a64 file is compatible with that emulator's save state format. Sometimes, save files need to be placed in specific directories.
⚠️ Game loads, but seems corrupted or incomplete.
The save file might be corrupted during transfer or storage, or it was created by a slightly different version of the game or emulator. Try re-acquiring the save file or saving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open .a64 files on a modern PC directly?▼

No, you cannot open them with standard applications. You need a Commodore 64 emulator like VICE to load and use these save game files.

Are .a64 files specific to each game?▼

Yes, while the .a64 extension is generic for C64 saves, the internal structure of the file is usually game-dependent. A save from one game may not work with another.

Can I edit the contents of an .a64 file?▼

It is possible but very difficult. It requires specialized knowledge of the specific game's memory layout and potentially memory editing tools used with emulators.

Technical Details

These files are essentially raw memory dumps or structured data blocks that represent the game's state. They are not compressed or encoded in a universal format; their structure is entirely dependent on the specific game that created them. The Commodore 64's 6502 processor and limited memory architecture influenced the way these saves were structured.

Did You Know?

The .a64 format is synonymous with the golden age of home computing and the beginnings of widespread digital game saving.
Some .a64 files might contain more than just game state, potentially including custom data or even boot sectors depending on how the save was implemented.

Security Information

These files are generally safe as they are specific to retro gaming and do not contain executable code that would typically run on modern operating systems. However, always download files from trusted sources to avoid potential malware disguised as save files.