For a dependable Baldur’s Gate 3 backup, copy the save folder—or the whole player profile—to a separate location and keep that copy independent of the game’s save directory. On Windows, Larian’s save folder is %LocalAppData%Larian StudiosBaldur's Gate 3PlayerProfilesPublicSavegamesStory. Cross-Save can help you continue or recover a recent save, but it is not a permanent archive: Larian says it syncs the last ten saves for up to six months.
Choose the right backup for your goal
| Goal | Best fit | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Keep a lasting independent copy | Manually copy the save folder or player profile to a separate drive or folder. | You must make and maintain the copy yourself. |
| Continue a recent campaign on another platform or recover a recent save | Enable Larian Account Cross-Save and allow the save to sync. | Larian’s 2026 FAQ says Cross-Save stores the last ten saves for up to six months; it is not permanent archival storage. Larian Account Information |
If a campaign matters to you, use both: keep a manual copy and use Cross-Save as a convenience. Larian’s FAQ displays a September 29, 2026 notice that inactive Cross-Saves older than six months will expire and be permanently deleted.
Back up or restore saves on Windows
Make a manual backup
- Close Baldur’s Gate 3 before copying, to reduce the chance of copying a save while it is being written.
- Open File Explorer and paste
%LocalAppData%Larian StudiosBaldur's Gate 3PlayerProfilesPublicSavegamesStoryinto the address bar. Larian documents this Windows location and recommends using the environment-variable path becauseAppDatais hidden by default. Larian: Retrieving Requested Files - For a targeted backup, copy the folder for the save you want to preserve. For a broader backup, copy the relevant profile folder from
PlayerProfiles; Larian’s forum instructions describe this profile-folder method for preserving saves around patches. Larian forum: Pre-Patch Announcement – Patch 9 Incoming! - Paste the copy somewhere outside the active save directory, such as another drive or a USB drive. Keep the original files in place until you have confirmed the backup exists.
Restore a manual backup
- Close the game, then locate the backup you want to restore.
- Copy the backed-up save folder to its original location under
SavegamesStory. For a profile-level backup, restore the backed-up profile folder to its original location underPlayerProfiles. Before replacing or merging a profile, preserve the current files separately so you can undo the change if needed. Larian’s forum guidance describes copying the backed-up profile folder back to its original location. Larian forum: Pre-Patch Announcement – Patch 9 Incoming! - Launch the game and check the Load menu for the restored save.
Retrieve a save with Larian Account Cross-Save
- In the game, connect the platform account to the intended Larian Account and enable Cross-Save. Follow Larian’s account guidance for launching through the linked platform client where required. Larian Account Information
- Allow the save to sync. An available synced save should appear in the game’s Save or Load menus.
- To download a synced copy manually, sign in to your Larian Account on a PC, open My Saves, and use the download control beside the save you want. Larian documents this retrieval route for console saves as well; it requires Cross-Save to have been enabled and synced. Larian: Retrieving Requested Files
Cross-Save is useful for recent recovery and moving between platforms, but keep a separate local copy of saves you want to retain beyond Larian’s stated sync limits.
Find saves on Mac and Steam Deck
Mac
Larian lists the Mac save location as ~/Documents/Larian Studios/Baldur's Gate 3/PlayerProfiles/Public/Savegames/Story. A save is a folder; you can select it in Finder and compress it to make a portable backup. Larian: Retrieving Requested Files
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- Online multiplayer for up to four players - allows you to combine your forces in combat, and split your party to follow your own quests and agendas. Concoct the perfect plan together… or introduce an element of chaos when your friends least expect it
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Steam Deck
The Steam Deck’s Proton and Native versions use different save locations, so do not assume a folder from one version can simply be used as the other’s save directory. Larian documents both paths, says recent saves sync to Native through Steam Cloud when enabled, and provides a manual Savegames folder transfer for older saves or when Cloud is off. Follow Larian’s current Steam Deck instructions for the exact paths and transfer steps. Larian: Steam Deck native version
What to do if a save disappeared on Xbox
Larian’s Xbox support page addresses a particular disappearing-save issue, not every missing-save situation. For that issue, the page recommends checking for console updates and describes recovery by linking the account and re-enabling Cross-Save. If Cross-Save had been enabled, Larian says this process can recover the last five synced saves. Larian: Disappearing save files (Xbox)
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- Reactive Turn-based Combat: Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and &character synergies
- Dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system
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Use Larian’s Xbox article for its console update instructions and recovery sequence. Do not treat the reported issue as proof that every missing save is recoverable, or that the same steps apply to PlayStation or PC.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check compatibility before moving a modded save
A save created with mods may not work when moved to a platform or game version with a different mod setup. Larian warns that modded Cross-Saves can be incompatible across versions. Before restoring or transferring one, check that the game version and required mods match the save’s setup. Larian: Official Mod Support
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- Collector's Item: A must-have for fans of the Baldur's Gate series or RPG enthusiasts, offering both gameplay and collectible value with its high-quality physical and digital extras.
If the save still does not appear
- Confirm you restored the folder into the correct profile and platform-specific location.
- Check whether you are using Steam Deck Proton or Native; their save locations differ.
- For a Cross-Save, verify that the intended Larian Account and platform account are linked and that Cross-Save was enabled and synced before the save disappeared.
- For a modded save, check the game version and mod compatibility before attempting another transfer.
- Keep the untouched backup until the restored save appears in the Load menu and opens successfully.
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