Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Restore a Hollow Knight Save File on PC

A safe recovery guide for missing Hollow Knight saves on PC, including Windows, macOS, and Linux save paths, Steam Cloud conflicts, and recovery limits.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If your Hollow Knight save has disappeared, stop launching the game and first copy any save files that still exist. Then check the game’s PC save folder, look for a copy on any other computer you used, and review Steam Cloud carefully before replacing anything. A reinstall restores game files, not necessarily your save.

Protect your existing save files first

  1. Close Hollow Knight and pause further launches while you investigate. A new launch or sync could replace a copy you still need.
  2. Copy the entire Hollow Knight save folder to a separate location, such as another folder or an external drive. Keep every file, including any files you do not recognize, and do not rename or replace files until you have this backup.

Find the Hollow Knight save folder on PC

Team Cherry lists these save locations for PC versions of Hollow Knight:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Operating system Save folder
Windows %USERPROFILE%/AppData/LocalLow/Team Cherry/Hollow Knight/
macOS ~/Library/Application Support/unity.Team Cherry.Hollow Knight/
Linux ~/.config/unity3d/Team Cherry/Hollow Knight/

These are the game’s local save locations, not its installation folder. The paths are listed on Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight Help page. The verified paths here cover PC; console-specific save locations and recovery steps are not established.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check for a copy on another computer

If you moved to a new computer, inspect the old machine’s local save folder before opening the game there. Steam notes that a local save can remain on an old computer if it did not sync successfully. Copy that folder elsewhere before allowing the game or Steam to update it.

#1 Best Overall
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
  • Compatible with Windows and Android.
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
  • Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
  • Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
  • Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.

Choose the right copy in a Steam Cloud conflict

A Steam Cloud conflict means there are different local and cloud versions to choose from. Steam cannot know which one contains the progress you want. Compare the conflict dialog’s modification times with when and where you last played; the newest timestamp is useful evidence, but it is not automatically the right choice if that copy lacks your latest progress. Offline play can delay syncing.

  1. Check that Steam Cloud is enabled for Hollow Knight if you expect it to sync.
  2. If Steam presents a conflict, compare the local and cloud timestamps with your play history and the computer used for each session.
  3. Choose the copy that best matches the progress you want to keep. Preserve the existing local folder first rather than overwriting it blindly.

Steam’s general guidance is to keep the most recently modified copy in the usual case, while recognizing that the player must decide which version has the desired progress. Read Steam Support’s Steam Cloud guidance before resolving a conflict.

Rank #2
Sale
ManbaOne Interactive Screen Wireless Gaming Controller (Black)
  • Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying)
  • Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
  • 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
  • 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
  • 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click

Download a Steam Cloud save manually

In some missing-save situations, Team Cherry’s Steam announcement describes downloading files from Steam Cloud and putting them in the correct local save location. First preserve the folder currently on your computer, then use the PC path for your operating system above when placing the recovered files. This method only helps if a usable cloud copy exists; it does not guarantee that one is available.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Steam’s general cloud-file directories are separate from Hollow Knight’s documented save folder. Steam lists these default locations:

Rank #3
GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black
  • Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
  • TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
  • Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
  • GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
  • Windows: C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata
  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata
  • Linux: ~/.local/share/Steam/userdata

These locations contain Steam cloud files organized by account and app ID; they are not substitutes for the game’s local save path. See Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight announcement and update notes on Steam for its game-specific guidance.

Do not confuse a game backup with a save backup

Steam’s Backup Feature backs up and restores game installation files. Save files may be stored separately, and Steam says they may need to be copied into the developer’s corresponding save folder after the installation is restored. A successful game restore is not proof that a separate save was preserved. For future protection, keep an independent copy of the full save folder and test Steam installation backups after creating them. Steam explains the distinction in Using the Steam Backup Feature.

Rank #4
GameSir Nova Lite 2 Wireless PC Controller Hall Effect Sticks
  • Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
  • Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
  • 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
  • Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When a save cannot be recovered

If there is no usable local copy on your current or previous computer and no usable cloud copy, the available guidance does not offer a way to recreate the missing progress. Steam Support states: “Steam Support can provide further clarification on how the Cloud system works, but they cannot recover lost saves or assist in resolving cloud conflicts.” A reinstall or a storage device cannot restore a save file that no longer exists.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

About save filenames

A community-maintained Steam guide describes files such as user1.dat and user2.dat as save slots, with additional-suffix files serving as backups. Treat this as supplemental guidance rather than an authoritative file-format specification; keep all files intact unless you have a preserved copy. The guide is HELP: Solutions to Most Popular Problems & Issues.

Best Value
Sale
EasySMX X15 Wireless PC & Steam Gaming Controller, Hall Effect, Black
  • Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
  • Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
  • Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
  • Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
  • ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Set Up a RedM (RDR2) Server in 2026: License Key, txAdmin and server.cfg, Step by StepBlog11min
  2. Best RedM (RDR2) Server Hosting in 2026: Comparing Four Hosts on Slots, Memory and PriceBlog10min
  3. How to Host a Mindustry Server in 2026: server-release.jar, Port 6567 and the Commands That MatterBlog7min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.