{
 "schema": "findmysave.steps/1",
 "safety_rules": [
  {
   "id": "read-only-first",
   "rule": "Start read-only: find the save files and list name, size and modified time."
  },
  {
   "id": "backup-before-change",
   "rule": "Back up the whole save folder to a new dated folder before changing anything."
  },
  {
   "id": "confirm-each-change",
   "rule": "Ask the user before every step with changes_files=true."
  },
  {
   "id": "no-anticheat-no-unknown-tools",
   "rule": "No anti-cheat files, no edits beyond the step, no third-party tools without the user's yes."
  },
  {
   "id": "game-and-steam-closed",
   "rule": "Close the game first (and Steam, when a step says so)."
  }
 ],
 "game": {
  "slug": "elden-ring",
  "name": "Elden Ring",
  "name_zh": "艾尔登法环",
  "steam_appid": "1245620",
  "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/",
  "page_zh": "https://findmysave.com/zh/elden-ring/"
 },
 "updated": "2026-10-22",
 "save_locations": [
  {
   "platform": "Windows",
   "path": "%APPDATA%\\EldenRing\\<your Steam ID>\\",
   "source": "https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Elden_Ring"
  },
  {
   "platform": "Steam",
   "path": "%APPDATA%\\EldenRing\\<your Steam ID>\\ER0000.sl2",
   "notes": "AppData\\Roaming is hidden by default; type %appdata%\\EldenRing in the Explorer address bar. Steam is the only PC store (no WeGame/Epic version found in any opened source).",
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/3279192886584733741"
  },
  {
   "platform": "Steam Deck / Linux (Proton)",
   "path": "~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/1245620/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Roaming/EldenRing/<your Steam ID>/ER0000.sl2",
   "notes": "On Deck the user folder shows as deckuser in some posts. If Seamless Co-op is added as a separate non-Steam shortcut it gets its own compatdata ID, and removing that shortcut deletes that folder and the save inside.",
   "source": "https://elden-ring-save-manager.readthedocs.io/en/main/user-guide/linux-compatdata/"
  }
 ],
 "save_files": [
  {
   "name": "ER0000.sl2",
   "role": "main save",
   "notes": "All characters (slots) in one file inside the SteamID folder. No separate New Game+ save: NG+ overwrites progress.",
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/4406291873013030280"
  },
  {
   "name": "ER0000.sl2.bak",
   "role": "backup",
   "notes": "Game-made previous copy that sits next to ER0000.sl2. Community restore: copy both away, delete ER0000.sl2, rename the .bak to ER0000.sl2. Reported to work for some and fail for others (a corrupted save may have the same corruption).",
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/4406291873013030280"
  },
  {
   "name": "ER0000.co2",
   "role": "main save",
   "notes": "Seamless Co-op mod uses a separate file in the same folder instead of ER0000.sl2. Restore by renaming a backup to .co2 (mod) or .sl2 (vanilla).",
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/4133808627027978210/"
  },
  {
   "name": "GraphicsConfig.xml",
   "role": "settings",
   "notes": "Settings file in %APPDATA%\\EldenRing (already in PCGW).",
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/3279192886584733741"
  }
 ],
 "cloud": {
  "pcgw": {
   "steam cloud": "true"
  },
  "research": {
   "systems": [
    "Steam Cloud"
   ],
   "overwrite_behavior": "In March 2022 Bandai Namco confirmed saves could fail to upload to Steam Cloud, so the newest save may be local only; Steam shows a 'Cloud Sync Conflict' dialog with the time of the last cloud and local saves. Bandai Namco advised: compare timestamps against your last play, choose the newer (most recently modified) file, and manually back up %APPDATA%\\EldenRing. Community says Steam Cloud may also sync a corrupted file, and doubts it backs up the Seamless Co-op .co2 file.",
   "source": "https://www.nme.com/news/players-warned-of-elden-ring-steam-cloud-saving-issue-3176142"
  }
 },
 "account_binding": {
  "detail": "Saves are tied to a SteamID: the ID is stored inside ER0000.sl2 and the game refuses to load a save whose ID does not match the logged-in account. The folder name must also equal the SteamID. The ER Save File Manager 'SteamID Patcher' rewrites the ID in the save (auto-backup first), then you copy it to %AppData%\\EldenRing\\<new Steam ID>\\. ER-Save-Editor also lists 'Change pc save file SteamID'.",
  "source": "https://elden-ring-save-manager.readthedocs.io/en/main/user-guide/steamid-patcher/"
 },
 "situations": [
  {
   "id": "find-folder",
   "section": "location",
   "title": "I can't find my Elden Ring save folder",
   "title_zh": "找不到《艾尔登法环》的存档文件夹",
   "symptom": "You don't know where the game keeps its save files.",
   "symptom_zh": "不知道游戏把存档放在哪。",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "Press Win+R, paste %APPDATA%\\EldenRing and press Enter.",
     "do_zh": "按 Win+R，粘贴 %APPDATA%\\EldenRing，回车。",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Open the folder named with a 17-digit number starting 7656119 (e.g. 76561198012345678). That's your Steam ID. If there are several, open the most recently modified one.",
     "do_zh": "打开以 7656119 开头的 17 位数字文件夹（比如 76561198012345678），这就是你的 Steam ID。有好几个的话，打开修改时间最新的那个。",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "Check: you can see ER0000.sl2.",
     "do_zh": "确认：能看到 ER0000.sl2。",
     "changes_files": false
    }
   ],
   "if_not_found": "If Windows can't find the folder, the game hasn't saved on this PC yet, or you play another version (Game Pass, Epic, Steam Deck): check the other paths on this page.",
   "if_not_found_zh": "Windows 提示找不到这个文件夹，说明这台电脑上还没存过档，或者你玩的是别的版本（Game Pass、Epic、Steam Deck），看本页的其他路径。",
   "source": "https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Elden_Ring#Save_game_data_location",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/save-location/"
  },
  {
   "id": "location-1",
   "section": "location",
   "title": "Cannot find the save folder (AppData hidden; unsure if in Documents/OneDrive)",
   "symptom": "Cannot find the save folder (AppData hidden; unsure if in Documents/OneDrive).",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "Press Win+R and type %appdata%\\EldenRing, or enable Hidden items.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Open the numeric SteamID folder; ER0000.sl2 is inside.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "OneDrive only holds a copy if it syncs your full user folder; AppData normally is not included.",
     "changes_files": false
    }
   ],
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/3279192886584733741",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/save-location/"
  },
  {
   "id": "backup-1",
   "section": "backup",
   "title": "Restore from the game's own backup copy",
   "symptom": "Restore from the game's own backup copy.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "Quit the game and Steam; turn off Steam Cloud for Elden Ring so it does not overwrite your local file.",
     "changes_files": true
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Open %appdata%\\EldenRing\\<your Steam ID>. Copy ER0000.sl2 and ER0000.sl2.bak to a safe folder first.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "Delete ER0000.sl2, then rename ER0000.sl2.bak to ER0000.sl2.",
     "changes_files": true
    },
    {
     "n": 4,
     "do": "Launch the game. If it fails, put the original files back exactly as before.",
     "changes_files": true
    },
    {
     "n": 5,
     "do": "Other fallback: right-click ER0000.sl2 > Properties > Previous Versions (Windows restore points) if enabled.",
     "changes_files": true
    }
   ],
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/4406291873013030280",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/backup-restore/"
  },
  {
   "id": "lost-1",
   "section": "lost",
   "title": "Overwrote progress by starting another ending / NG+ and wants the earlier point back",
   "symptom": "Overwrote progress by starting another ending / NG+ and wants the earlier point back; the game has no separate NG+ save.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "Check Right-click ER0000.sl2 > Properties > Previous Versions for a Windows restore copy.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Try Steam Cloud 'old save' depending on when it last synced (may not exist).",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "Prevention: before each ending, close the game and copy ER0000.sl2 (or the whole <your Steam ID> folder) elsewhere; turn off Steam Cloud while swapping files so it does not overwrite your copy.",
     "changes_files": true
    }
   ],
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/4406291873013030280",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/lost-save/"
  },
  {
   "id": "lost-2",
   "section": "lost",
   "title": "Seamless Co-op characters missing after reinstall or when launching vanilla",
   "symptom": "Seamless Co-op characters missing after reinstall or when launching vanilla; vanilla characters not visible with the mod.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "The mod uses ER0000.co2, vanilla uses ER0000.sl2; both are in %appdata%\\EldenRing\\<your Steam ID>. Launching without the mod shows the .sl2 characters again.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Back up ER0000.co2 manually, Steam Cloud may not include it.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "To start the mod with a vanilla character: copy ER0000.sl2 to a new file renamed ER0000.co2 in the same folder (some report a plain rename failing; use a conversion tool in that case).",
     "changes_files": true
    },
    {
     "n": 4,
     "do": "Do not move a .co2 save back into vanilla (reported ban risk).",
     "changes_files": true
    }
   ],
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/4133808627027978210/",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/lost-save/"
  },
  {
   "id": "lost-3",
   "section": "lost",
   "title": "Steam Deck: Seamless Co-op added as a non-Steam shortcut, then removed or changed",
   "symptom": "Steam Deck: Seamless Co-op added as a non-Steam shortcut, then removed or changed; save is gone.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "Steam deletes the compatdata folder of a removed non-Steam shortcut and the save with it (no recycle bin).",
     "changes_files": true
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Standard Steam path is ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/1245620/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Roaming/EldenRing/<your Steam ID>/.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "Back up the EldenRing folder from each compatdata ID before removing any shortcut.",
     "changes_files": true
    }
   ],
   "source": "https://elden-ring-save-manager.readthedocs.io/en/main/user-guide/linux-compatdata/",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/lost-save/"
  },
  {
   "id": "cloud-1",
   "section": "cloud",
   "title": "'Cloud Sync Conflict' dialog shows different cloud and local save times",
   "symptom": "'Cloud Sync Conflict' dialog shows different cloud and local save times; picking the wrong one rolls progress back.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "Before choosing, copy %appdata%\\EldenRing\\<your Steam ID> to a safe folder.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Compare the timestamps in the dialog with your last play session.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "Choose the most recently modified (newer) save, then let Steam upload it and download it to the PC.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 4,
     "do": "If it keeps happening, disable Steam Cloud for Elden Ring and back up manually.",
     "changes_files": false
    }
   ],
   "source": "https://www.gcores.com/articles/148272",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/steam-cloud-overwrite/"
  },
  {
   "id": "corrupted-1",
   "section": "corrupted",
   "title": "Save corrupted after a crash during autosave",
   "symptom": "Save corrupted after a crash during autosave; character slots empty/unreadable (Steam Deck thread; cloud may have synced the corrupted file).",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "Copy both ER0000.sl2 and ER0000.sl2.bak to a safe place.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Delete ER0000.sl2 and rename ER0000.sl2.bak to ER0000.sl2 (worked for some; failed for the poster who asked).",
     "changes_files": true
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "Alternatively disable Steam Cloud, remove the local files and re-enable Cloud to pull the latest cloud copy; download it from the Steam Cloud web page first.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 4,
     "do": "Last resorts reported by users: Nexus character manager (archive characters, delete save data in game, restore characters). Treat third-party tools as at your own risk.",
     "changes_files": true
    }
   ],
   "source": "https://steamcommunity.com/app/1245620/discussions/0/6982351509010328752",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/corrupted-save/"
  },
  {
   "id": "transfer-1",
   "section": "transfer",
   "title": "Save copied to another Steam account or PC with a different account will not load",
   "symptom": "Save copied to another Steam account or PC with a different account will not load.",
   "steps": [
    {
     "n": 1,
     "do": "Close game and Steam. Back up the save.",
     "changes_files": false
    },
    {
     "n": 2,
     "do": "Run ER Save File Manager (Nexus) > SteamID Patcher; load the save, enter target SteamID64 (Auto-Detect, profile URL or typed).",
     "changes_files": true
    },
    {
     "n": 3,
     "do": "Click Patch SteamID (auto backup is created).",
     "changes_files": true
    },
    {
     "n": 4,
     "do": "Copy the patched ER0000.sl2 into %AppData%\\EldenRing\\<new Steam ID>\\ and launch.",
     "changes_files": true
    }
   ],
   "source": "https://elden-ring-save-manager.readthedocs.io/en/main/user-guide/steamid-patcher/",
   "page": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/transfer-save/"
  }
 ],
 "pages": [
  {
   "slug": "save-location",
   "section": "location",
   "url": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/save-location/"
  },
  {
   "slug": "lost-save",
   "section": "lost",
   "url": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/lost-save/"
  },
  {
   "slug": "steam-cloud-overwrite",
   "section": "cloud",
   "url": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/steam-cloud-overwrite/"
  },
  {
   "slug": "corrupted-save",
   "section": "corrupted",
   "url": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/corrupted-save/"
  },
  {
   "slug": "transfer-save",
   "section": "transfer",
   "url": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/transfer-save/"
  },
  {
   "slug": "backup-restore",
   "section": "backup",
   "url": "https://findmysave.com/elden-ring/backup-restore/"
  }
 ],
 "for_generic_guides": {},
 "unverified": [
  "Whether the game itself creates ER0000.sl2.bak on every save (and how often) is not documented in any opened source; community treats it as the previous save.",
  "Steam Cloud also syncing a corrupted save is a user suspicion (Steam Deck thread), not confirmed.",
  "Ban risk when moving .co2 into vanilla: one unverified Steam comment and a search-summary of the Nexus page (Nexus returned 403 to me), not opened directly.",
  "Whether Bandai's 2022 cloud bug is fully fixed today is unknown; the fix was described as a patch plus Steam client update.",
  "No Windows-store, Epic, GOG, or WeGame PC release of Elden Ring was found in opened sources; Chinese players use the Steam version (same %APPDATA%\\EldenRing path per gcores).",
  "Third-party save repair/transfer tools (ER Save Repair, Character Manager) are unvetted; one tool had VirusTotal detections per a Steam user.",
  "Manual MD5/ID edit method for SteamID change (Steam thread) was not opened."
 ],
 "if_still_stuck": {
  "url": "https://findmysave.com/help/",
  "url_zh": "https://findmysave.com/zh/help/",
  "note": "Only if every step has failed: a person can look at it with the user remotely."
 }
}