Where Are Game Save Files Stored on PC? Complete Location Guide

Whether you want to back up your progress, transfer saves to a new PC, or make changes to your game data, the first step is always the same — finding where your game actually stores its save files.

The problem is that every game stores saves in a different location depending on the engine, the launcher, and the developer's choice. This guide covers all the major locations so you can find your save file in under two minutes.

Why Game Save Locations Are All Over the Place

Game developers are not required to store saves in any standardized location. Some use AppData. Some use Documents. Some use the Steam Cloud folder. Some use their own custom directories deep inside program files.

This inconsistency is one of the most frustrating things about PC gaming, but once you know the common patterns it becomes very easy to find any save file quickly.

The Most Common Save File Locations on Windows

AppData Folder — Most Common

The majority of modern PC games store saves here:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\LocalLow\

AppData is a hidden folder by default. To see it open File Explorer, click View, then check Hidden Items.

Games commonly found here:

• Skyrim — AppData\Local\Skyrim Special Edition\Saves\

• Elden Ring — AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\

• Cyberpunk 2077 — AppData\Local\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\

Documents Folder — Very Common

Many older and mid-generation games use the Documents folder:

C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\My Games\
C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\SavedGames\

Games commonly found here:

• The Witcher 3 — Documents\The Witcher 3\gamesaves\

• Red Dead Redemption 2 — Documents\Rockstar Games\Red Dead Redemption 2\Profiles\

• Stardew Valley — AppData\Roaming\StardewValley\Saves\

Steam Userdata Folder

Steam games that use Steam Cloud sync often store a local copy here:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[YourSteamID]\[GameID]\remote\

This is useful when the game itself does not show you a clear save location.

Game Installation Folder

Some older games and indie titles store saves directly inside the game's installation folder:

C:\Program Files (x86)\[Game Name]\Saves\
C:\Program Files\[Game Name]\data\

This is less common in modern games but still appears frequently in indie RPGs.

Save File Locations by Game Engine

If you play a lot of indie games built on specific engines, knowing the engine tells you where to look.

RPG Maker MV and MZ Games

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\[GameTitle]\

Save files use the .rpgsave extension. You will see files named file1.rpgsave, file2.rpgsave and so on.

RPG Maker VX Ace Games

C:\Users\YourUsername\Saved Games\[GameTitle]\

Save files use the .rvdata2 extension.

Unity Games

Unity games vary widely but most use one of these:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\LocalLow\[DeveloperName]\[GameName]\
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\[GameName]\

Files typically use .dat or .save extensions.

Ren'Py Visual Novels

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\RenPy\[GameName]\

Save files use the .save extension.

How to Find Any Save File Fast

If the locations above do not match what you are looking for, use this method:

1. Open Windows Search and type %appdata% — press Enter

2. Search for the game name inside that folder

3. If not found, try %localappdata% and search again

4. If still not found, open Everything Search (free tool) and search for the file extension like .rpgsave or .ess

This finds any save file on your entire PC in seconds regardless of where it is stored.

What to Do Once You Find Your Save File

Once you have located your save file you have several options:

Back it up — copy the file to a separate folder before making any changes. Always keep the original safe.

Transfer it — copy the save file to the same location on your new PC to transfer progress between computers.

Edit it — if you want to modify values like currency, stats, items, or progression in a single player game, you can use a free browser-based tool like Save Editor Pro to open the file, make your changes, and download the edited version without installing any software.

SaveEditorPro supports most of the file formats mentioned in this guide including .rpgsave, .rvdata2, .save, .dat, .sav, and standard JSON and binary formats used by major titles like Skyrim, Elden Ring, GTA V, Stardew Valley, and more.

Quick Reference Table

Final Tip

Always make a backup copy of your save file before doing anything with it. Rename the original with a date like save_backup_march2026.ess and keep it in a separate folder. This gives you a clean restore point no matter what happens next.
If You Want To Edit Your Save Read This Helpful Guide. (GUIDE)