GSB

Paid LinuxMacWindows

What GSB is

GSB is a free, open-source tool for managing incremental backups of game save states with Git. It can create automated checkpoints, restore a selected save, navigate history, compress and clean history, and work with branches. Routine backups can be untagged, while tagged backups mark notable restore points. Rewinding restores the chosen state as a new commit, preserving later changes in the repository. GSB is a lightweight Git wrapper, so Git and other Git-based tools can also work with repositories it manages.

The project recommends using its command-line interface and presents it for players backing up saves, including Steam and Minecraft saves. GSB requires Python 3.11 or newer and can be installed with pipx, pip, or within a conda or other virtual environment. The listed platforms include Linux, macOS, and Windows; documentation also displays SteamOS and Raspberry Pi badges. Save management is folder-based: GSB cannot currently manage individual files separately when they share a folder. Deleting a backup removes its restore point, but Git garbage collection is needed to reclaim stored disk space. The executable, source, and documentation are published under GPL v3 unless otherwise stated.

Who it suits

GSB may suit players who want Git-based backups and restores for game saves, including Steam and Minecraft saves. It is aimed at users comfortable with a command-line interface and Python 3.11 or newer.

What it does well

Automated incremental backups and save restores.
Tagged and untagged backup options.
Restores preserve later changes in history.
Works with Git and other Git-based tools.
Free and open source under GPL v3 unless otherwise stated.

What to know first

Requires Python 3.11 or newer.
The recommended interface is the command line.
Cannot manage individual files separately within one folder.
Git garbage collection is needed to reclaim deleted backup data.

Limits

GSB cannot currently manage individual files separately when they are in the same folder. Deleting a backup removes its restore point, but Git garbage collection is needed to reclaim stored objects’ disk space.

Getting started

Open the GSB project website.
Install Python 3.11 or newer.
Install GSB with pipx, pip, or within a conda or other virtual environment.
Use GSB from its command-line interface to manage game save backups.

Verdict

GSB provides Git-based history and restore features for game saves across several platforms. Its folder-based selection and command-line approach are important constraints to consider.

Questions

Is GSB free?

Yes. It is listed as free and open source.

Which operating systems does GSB support?

The project lists Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its documentation also displays badges for SteamOS and Raspberry Pi.

Does GSB require Python?

Yes. It requires Python 3.11 or newer.

How can I install GSB?

The installation guide describes pipx, pip, and installation within a conda or other virtual environment.

Can I use Git with a GSB-managed repository?

Yes. GSB is a lightweight Git wrapper, and the documentation says Git and other Git-based tools can be used with a managed repository.

What license does GSB use?

The executable, source code, and documentation are published under the GNU General Public License v3 unless otherwise stated.

Facts from GSB's own pages

Backup deletion: Deleting a backup rewrites history but does not immediately reclaim disk space; permanently removing the data requires Git garbage collection. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Backup features: The project lists automated incremental backups, save restores, history navigation, history compression and cleaning, and branch support among its features. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Backup types: GSB supports untagged backups for routine checkpoints and tagged backups for notable restore points. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Command-line interface: The maker recommends interacting with GSB through its command-line interface. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Current limitation: The guide says GSB does not currently support managing individual files separately when they are in the same folder. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Deleting backups: Deleting a backup removes its restore point from history but does not immediately reclaim disk space; the guide says Git garbage collection is needed to prune the stored objects. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Git compatibility: GSB is a lightweight wrapper around Git, and the documentation says you can also use Git or other Git based tools on a GSB managed repository. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Installation: The maker documents installation with pipx, pip, or within a conda environment. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Install options: The installation guide describes installing GSB with pipx or pip, including within a conda or other virtual environment. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Intended users: The maker presents GSB for players who want to back up and restore game saves, including Steam and Minecraft saves. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Interface: The recommended way to use GSB is through its command line interface. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
License: The executable, source code, and documentation are published under the GNU General Public License v3 unless otherwise stated. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Purpose: GSB manages incremental backups of game save states using Git. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Requirements: GSB requires Python 3.11 or newer and is described as otherwise able to run on any operating system and architecture. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Restore behavior: Rewinding restores the selected save state and records it as a new commit, preserving subsequent changes in history. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Runtime requirement: GSB requires Python 3.11 or newer. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Save selection limit: GSB does not currently support managing individual files separately when they are in the same folder. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Security and privacy: The maker's opened documentation describes local Git-based backup management and does not state a security certification or compliance standard. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Support: The contribution guide directs users to open a GitHub issue to report bugs or propose features. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Support and contributions: The project asks users to open an issue to report a bug or propose a feature or enhancement. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
Supported systems: The documentation displays platform badges for Linux, SteamOS, Windows, macOS, and Raspberry Pi. · openbagtwo.github.io, 9 Oct 2026

Where GSB stands on Freedom251

Game Save Managers#25 of 27