Your First Game

RPG Maker games are distributed as archives (usually ZIP files) containing the game folder. You’ll need to obtain a game archive before importing it into Aurora. Common sources include itch.io, game developer websites, and fan-game community sites. Make sure you have the right to play any game you import.

Use Aurora’s built-in import menu to add games:

1. Open Aurora and tap the Import button in the library
2. The system file picker will appear — browse to your game archive (ZIP, 7z, RAR, or a TAR variant)
3. Select the file and Aurora will extract and import the game automatically

You can also open an archive with Aurora directly from the Files app or another app’s share sheet. If the archive is password-protected, Aurora asks for the password before extracting.

Aurora detects the game inside the archive automatically: XP / VX / VX Ace games (RGSS1–3) are recognized by their Game.ini, project file, or game data files — even if the ini was renamed — and MV/MZ games by their index.html and js/ folder. See File Formats for what a valid game folder looks like.

Once imported, Aurora shows a quick Customize step — rename the game if you like and pick an icon (Aurora suggests icons it finds inside the game) — then offers a one-tap Jump to Game button. Your game appears in the library with:

• Auto-detected game title and icon
• The right engine and Ruby runtime, detected automatically
• A color tag you can change to organize your library

Tap the game to launch it. The first launch may take a moment as Aurora configures the engine.

The first time you open a game, Aurora sets up its save folder and asks where you’d like saves stored — locally on the device or in iCloud. The iCloud option requires the iCloud Saves toggle in Aurora’s Settings and being signed in to iCloud on your device. If Aurora finds existing save folders for the game, onboarding also offers to reuse or merge them. You can change the storage choice per game later, and import existing saves from another device or PC through the Save Manager. See Save Manager for details.

• Game doesn’t appear after import? — Make sure the archive contains a valid game folder; see File Formats
• Game won’t launch or behaves oddly? — Try switching the Ruby runtime in the game’s settings; see Supported Engines
• Game asks for an RTP? — Classic XP/VX games may need an RTP; Aurora can download or import it for you — see the RTP guide
• Still stuck? — Check Troubleshooting for more help, or email us at [email protected]