Save scumming is a gaming term that refers to the practice of reloading a previous save file to undo an unfavorable outcome, essentially cheating fate to ensure a perfect run. While the practice has existed since the dawn of manual save files, it became a widely recognized meme within the RPG community, particularly surrounding titles like Skyrim, XCOM, and Baldur’s Gate 3. The meme typically highlights the absurdity of a player reloading their game after a minor mistake, a failed dialogue check, or even losing a single hit point. It resonates with the perfectionist gamer archetype who refuses to accept any negative consequences in their digital journey, often turning a game of chance into a game of persistence.