You can back up a game save only if it exists somewhere you can access: on your PC or console, in a platform cloud service, or through an export or migration option from the publisher. A platform backup does not automatically include progress held only on the game’s servers. Before the shutdown date, check where the exact game stores progress, confirm any cloud sync has finished, copy accessible local saves separately, and follow the publisher’s official shutdown instructions.
Can I back up my game save before the servers shut down?
Usually, you can preserve a local save or an eligible platform-cloud save. You may not be able to preserve online-only progress—such as server-authoritative characters, inventory, or world state—unless the publisher provides an export, migration, account-linking, or offline-play option. The game is not specified here, so whether any such option exists depends on its official shutdown announcement and support information.
Start by identifying the game, platform, edition, and announced shutdown date. Then determine whether progress is stored locally, synchronized to a platform cloud, held on the publisher’s servers, or split between them. A local or platform-cloud copy preserves only the data it actually contains.
Where are my game saves stored?
Storage depends on the game and platform. Cloud-save availability is not universal: Nintendo says eligibility is game-specific, and Steam Cloud is configured for individual titles. Some online games also keep important progress on publisher servers rather than in an ordinary save file.
#1 Best Overall
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
- Local: A file or console save stored on the device. If the platform and game expose it, you may be able to make a separate copy.
- Platform cloud: A synchronized copy associated with Steam, PlayStation, or Nintendo’s service. Check that the exact game supports it and that the latest progress has uploaded.
- Publisher servers: Progress controlled by the game’s online service. A platform backup cannot be assumed to capture it; preservation requires a publisher-supported option.
Check the game’s official support page and shutdown notice for what will remain usable, whether there is a migration or export process, and the deadline to act. Do not assume that a save file will still work after a game loses online authentication or server access.
How to make a backup before access ends
- Find the official deadline and instructions. Read the publisher’s shutdown announcement and support page for the named game. Note any export, account migration, cross-save, offline mode, or final login steps, along with their deadlines.
- Check what the game actually saves. Look for platform cloud-save support for the exact title, then distinguish that data from progress the publisher keeps online. Use the game’s documentation or developer support to identify any accessible local save location.
- Let cloud synchronization finish. Connect to the service and wait for the game’s latest save to sync before closing it or uninstalling it. If the platform reports a conflict between copies, review the timestamps and choose deliberately; selecting the wrong copy can lose progress.
- Copy accessible local save data separately. Follow the platform or developer’s directions, keep the original intact, and store a dated copy somewhere you control. Avoid overwriting your only known-good copy with a different or older version.
- Follow any publisher migration or export steps before the deadline. If the publisher provides a transfer or offline-play process, follow its official instructions. A copied save is not proof that migration succeeded or that the game will remain playable.
Does a Steam game backup include save files?
Not as a general rule. Steam’s Backup game files feature is for qualifying game installation files, not a universal save exporter. Valve says save locations for third-party games vary by developer, so saves may need to be copied separately. Some third-party installer or downloader titles are incompatible with Steam’s backup feature.
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Check Steam Cloud for the specific game
In Steam, open the game’s Properties and check whether Steam Cloud is offered or enabled for that title. Let Steam synchronize before closing or uninstalling the game. Valve warns that an offline session can delay synchronization and that a cloud conflict can risk data or progress. Resolve any conflict carefully rather than choosing a copy without checking which is current.
If Steam Cloud is disabled for a game, Valve says progress that would normally be saved through the cloud is saved locally on the machine where it was made. Find the save directory through the developer’s support site or documentation; Valve also suggests the game’s Steam Community forum or contacting its developer because locations vary. Copy the relevant save folder separately and retain the original.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
How PlayStation save backups differ on PS4 and PS5
PlayStation’s save options depend on the console generation and whether the game is streamed or downloaded. Sony says streamed PlayStation Plus game saves are stored on PlayStation, while downloaded-game saves are stored on the PS5 or PS4 console. Moving saves between streamed and downloaded versions uses PlayStation Plus cloud storage; consult Sony’s save-transfer instructions for the applicable menu flow.
PS5 saves
Sony lists PS5 game saved data as cloud storage only, and cloud storage requires PlayStation Plus. Do not treat a USB drive as a general export route for PS5 saves or progress held by a game publisher’s servers.
Rank #4
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
PS4 saves on PS5
Sony documents copying PS4 saved data to a USB drive and copying it back. A commercially available USB drive can therefore be useful for eligible PS4 saves, but it does not back up every kind of PlayStation save. Match the instructions to the game’s generation and save type in Sony’s PS5 storage guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 cloud saves
Nintendo Switch Save Data Cloud requires Nintendo Switch Online, and support varies by game. Before relying on it, check the game’s eShop Software Details, its Nintendo Store product information, or the software’s menu options. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud guidance describes these checks.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Nintendo notes that save data for Switch software compatible with Switch 2 can be backed up and downloaded on either system. However, features added through Switch 2 updates or edition upgrades may not be available when that save is used on Switch. Check compatibility details for the specific software before assuming a transferred save will behave the same on both systems.
What if progress is stored only on the game’s servers?
If the publisher’s servers are authoritative for a character, inventory, progression, or world state, a local file or platform cloud save may not contain that data. Only an option the publisher provides—such as an export, account migration, or offline mode—or continued service can preserve or use it. Follow the named game’s official shutdown announcement and act before its stated deadline; no universal platform setting can export server-held progress.
Xbox and other platforms
Xbox save-export procedures are not established here, so do not assume cloud saves can be manually exported or that a particular drive will preserve them. Check official guidance for the relevant Xbox console or PC setup and the game’s own shutdown notice before following a backup procedure. Apply the same distinction on other platforms: verify what the title stores locally or in platform cloud storage, and what remains under publisher control.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
