Use the --keyset option to point directly to the file:
hactool --keyset=/full/path/to/prod.keys game.nca
In rare cases, advanced users create a symbolic link (symlink) to prod.keys. If that link is broken (target file deleted or moved), you will get a "does not exist link" error. To fix: hactool prodkeys does not exist link
Check:
If you write batch scripts (.bat) or shell scripts that use hactool, always define the keyset at the top: Use the --keyset option to point directly to
Windows batch example:
set HACTOOL_KEYS=C:\hactool\prod.keys
hactool.exe %*
Bash example:
#!/bin/bash
export HACTOOL_KEYS="$HOME/switch/keys/prod.keys"
./hactool "$@"
If you already have the file but are getting the "does not exist" error, the tool is looking in the wrong place. In rare cases, advanced users create a symbolic
# 1. Dump prod.keys from Switch to PC (manually via USB/SD)
# 2. Place it in ~/.switch/
mkdir -p ~/.switch
mv ~/Downloads/prod.keys ~/.switch/
!