Close game, wait for cloud sync, copy the full save folder and label mod state.
Avoid: Install first and back up after problems.ELDEN RING · Utility
ELDEN RING save location: backup before mods, patches or restores
Use this page before modding, restoring, patch testing or moving a save.
Primary sections
Start with your problem
Players look for the save path only after something breaks. The safe move is to back up before changing files.
Start with Steam userdata and game-specific save references, then verify with technical sources. Always close the game and wait for Steam Cloud before copying save files.
Create a clear dated backup before final route choices.
Avoid: Overwrite the only save with an unknown file.Check cloud state and local path before replacing files.
Avoid: Delete userdata/AppData as first action.Use compatdata/userdata guidance and verify timestamps.
Avoid: Copy Windows paths blindly into Proton.Problem solver
Protect saves before risky actions
Save pages should prevent destructive troubleshooting and mod mistakes.
Before mods
Backup comes first.
Close game, wait for cloud sync, copy the full save folder and label mod state.
Do not: Install first and back up after problems. Open mod page only after backup.Before ending cleanup
Restore points matter.
Create a clear dated backup before final route choices.
Do not: Overwrite the only save with an unknown file. Open achievements.After crash or patch
Baseline verification matters.
Check cloud state and local path before replacing files.
Do not: Delete userdata/AppData as first action. Open crash fix.Steam Deck path confusion
Platform paths differ.
Use compatdata/userdata guidance and verify timestamps.
Do not: Copy Windows paths blindly into Proton. Use save path table.Playable tools
Use this while planning your route
These tools turn the guide into a quick decision surface for boss attempts, builds, quests and backups.
Checklist
Save backup checklist
Use this before mods, patch testing, ending cleanup or file restores.
Decision tool
Save safety selector
Choose the situation before copying or restoring files.
Choose the current state to get the next action.
Video
ELDEN RING official Steam trailer
Official Steam media is used as the video source. It gives visual context without hosting third-party clips.
Open official Steam mediaStructured data
Real entries to check while playing
These tables turn the page into a working reference instead of a text-only article. Exact values should stay tied to the source trail and update date.
Database
Save path data
| Platform | Likely path | Back up | Check before restore | Verification | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | %APPDATA%\EldenRing\<SteamID64>\ER0000.sl2 | Copy the whole SteamID64 folder including .sl2 and .bak files | Close game and Steam Cloud sync before replacing files | source-linked path high confidence 2026-05-07 | ELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configurationPCGamingWiki ELDEN RING technical page |
| Steam Deck | /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/1245620/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Roaming/EldenRing/<SteamID64>/ | Use Desktop Mode and copy the full folder | Confirm Proton prefix and AppID 1245620 before restore | source-linked path high confidence 2026-05-07 | Elden Ring Save Manager Linux compatdata guideELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configuration |
| Linux Proton | ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1245620/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Roaming/EldenRing/<SteamID64>/ | Distribution paths can vary; verify compatdata path first | Back up current folder before overwriting | source-linked path high confidence 2026-05-07 | Elden Ring Save Manager Linux compatdata guideELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configuration |
| Steam Cloud | Steam sync layer, not a local path | Use local folder copy for rollback | Wait for sync and avoid restoring while game is running | source-linked path high confidence 2026-05-07 | ELDEN RING Steam storeELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configuration |
Database
Save decision data
| Situation | First action | Verify | Never start with | Verification | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before installing any mod | Close the game, wait for cloud sync, copy the whole AppID save folder | Backup folder has date, AppID 1245620 and mod state in the name | Do not install first and back up after something breaks | source-backed guidance medium confidence 2026-05-07 | ELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configurationElden Ring Save Manager Linux compatdata guidePCGamingWiki ELDEN RING technical page |
| Before ending cleanup | Create a local backup before final route choices | You can identify the exact restore point and game state | Do not overwrite the only save with an unknown older copy | source-backed guidance medium confidence 2026-05-07 | ELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configurationSteam achievement stats |
| After a patch or crash | Verify Steam Cloud and local path before replacing files | Game is closed and cloud sync is stable | Do not delete userdata or AppData as the first fix | source-backed guidance medium confidence 2026-05-07 | ELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configurationPCGamingWiki ELDEN RING technical page |
| Steam Deck or Linux Proton path confusion | Use compatdata/userdata path guidance and check the actual Steam user id folder | Folder timestamp changes after a controlled save | Do not copy Windows paths into Proton without checking the platform | source-backed guidance medium confidence 2026-05-07 | Elden Ring Save Manager Linux compatdata guideELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configuration |
| Moving from modded to vanilla | Restore a clean backup and remove loader assumptions before launching | No mod files are active and cloud behavior is understood | Do not bring modded save assumptions into official online play | source-backed guidance medium confidence 2026-05-07 | Mod Engine 2 GitHub repositorySeamless Co-op Nexus Mods pageELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configuration |
Player problem
Players look for the save path only after something breaks. The safe move is to back up before changing files.
Start with Steam userdata and game-specific save references, then verify with technical sources. Always close the game and wait for Steam Cloud before copying save files.
Where to start
Steam games commonly use userdata and cloud-related paths, but exact behavior should be source-checked for the current platform.
- Check Steam userdata for AppID 1245620.
- Use PCGamingWiki or current technical references for exact platform notes.
- On Steam Deck, use Desktop Mode and close the game first.
- Treat cloud state as a sync layer, not a backup strategy.
Backup workflow
A reliable backup is named, isolated and made before changes.
- Close ELDEN RING.
- Wait for Steam Cloud sync to finish.
- Copy the save folder to a separate backup directory.
- Name it with date, AppID and clean or modded status.
Restore workflow
Restoring should never overwrite the only copy of a current save.
- Back up the current folder before restoring.
- Disable modded launch if testing a clean restore.
- Restore one backup at a time.
- Open the game and confirm character list before deleting anything.
Save backup table
| Platform | Starting point | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Steam userdata and AppData references | Verify exact path from technical source |
| Steam Deck | Desktop Mode Steam userdata | Close game and wait for sync |
| Linux | Steam userdata under local Steam folders | Distribution paths can differ |
| Cloud | Steam Cloud sync state | Not a replacement for local backup |
Action checklist
Do this in order
- Close the game.
- Wait for Steam Cloud.
- Copy the full save folder.
- Name backup with date and mod state.
- Test restore on a non-critical copy if possible.
FAQ
Common questions
Is Steam Cloud enough?
No. Steam Cloud syncs state; it is not a deliberate rollback archive.
Should I back up before Seamless Co-op?
Yes. Any major mod experiment should start with a local backup.
Sources
Source trail
- PCGamingWiki ELDEN RING technical page Technical community reference
- ELDEN RING Steam store Official store data
- Seamless Co-op Nexus Mods page Mod source
- ELDEN RING SteamDB cloud save configuration Steam UFS save path reference
- Elden Ring Save Manager Linux compatdata guide Linux and Steam Deck save path reference