Version Compatibility

Ren’Py versions follow a major.minor.patch format (e.g., 8.2.0). Games are built with a specific version and may not work correctly with a significantly different engine.

Games usually work with any engine in the same major version:

• Game built with 7.4.x → Works with Spark’s 7.5.3, 7.6.3, 7.7.3, 7.8.4, 7.8.8
• Game built with 8.1.x → Works with Spark’s 8.0.3, 8.1.3, 8.2.3, etc.

Running a 7.x game on an 8.x engine is sometimes possible — Ren’Py 8 has some forward compatibility for older games. Results vary by game, but it can be worth trying if no 7.x engine works.

The reverse is never true: 8.x games rely on Python 3 and Ren’Py 8 APIs that do not exist in 7.x engines.

If a game was built with a Ren’Py version newer than what Spark supports, it may use features not yet available.

The library shows compatibility indicators:

• Green — Engine version closely matches the game
• Yellow — Minor version difference, should work
• Red — Major version mismatch, likely to have issues

1. Start with the suggested version — Spark’s auto-detection is usually correct
2. Try the closest available version — If the exact version isn’t available
3. Try the latest in the same family — 7.8.8 for 7.x games, 8.5.2 for 8.x games
4. Report on Discord — If no version works, let us know so we can investigate