Days to Die Save File Location: Full Guide
Your Days to Die save files are stored in the AppData folder on Windows, typically at %APPDATA%/7DaysToDie. This guide explains exactly where to find them, how to back them up, and how to troubleshoot common save-related issues.
Where Are Days to Die Saves Stored?
On Windows, the default save location for Days to Die is:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\7DaysToDie
The AppData folder is hidden by default. To access it quickly, press Win + R, type %APPDATA%\7DaysToDie, and hit Enter. This opens the folder directly.
Inside, you’ll find several subfolders. The most important is Saves, which contains all your world and player data. The Logs folder holds game logs, and Config contains settings files. On Linux and macOS, the path is different: Linux uses ~/.config/7DaysToDie, and macOS uses ~/Library/Application Support/7DaysToDie.
How Save Files Are Organized
Inside the Saves folder, you’ll see a subfolder for each game mode (e.g., Multiplayer, Single Player, Co-op). Within each mode folder, there’s a folder named after the world (e.g., Navezgane or your custom world name). Inside that world folder, you’ll find:
- Player – contains player-specific data like inventory, skills, and stats.
- Region – contains chunk data for the world (files named like
r.0.0.7rg). - Map – contains map preview images and related data.
- AutoBackup – automatic backups created by the game (if enabled).
Each player file is named after the player’s Steam ID or player name, with a .ttp extension. The region files hold the actual terrain and block data, so they are critical for world persistence.
How to Back Up and Restore Saves
Backing up your saves is straightforward:
- Close the game completely.
- Navigate to
%APPDATA%\7DaysToDie\Saves. - Copy the entire
Savesfolder (or just the specific world folder) to a safe location like an external drive or cloud storage. - To restore, replace the current
Savesfolder with your backup.
For a more targeted backup, you can copy only the Player and Region folders of a specific world. This is useful if you want to keep your character but reset the world – just delete the Region folder and the world will regenerate.
Common Problems and Fixes
Players often encounter issues with save files. Here are the most common ones and how to resolve them:
- Game crashes on load – This often happens due to corrupted region files. Try restoring from an AutoBackup folder or verify game files via Steam.
- Can’t find saves – Make sure you’re looking in the correct location. If you installed the game on a different drive, the save path doesn’t change – it’s always in AppData.
- World doesn’t appear in the load list – Check that the world folder is in the correct game mode subfolder. If you moved files manually, they might be in the wrong place.
- Save file too large – Over time, region files can grow. If you’re low on disk space, consider deleting old backups or unused worlds.
If you’re experiencing frequent corruption, enable the game’s built-in auto-backup feature in the settings. It creates snapshots at intervals, which can be a lifesaver.
Comparing Save Locations: Steam vs. Game Pass
If you play Days to Die through Steam, the save location is as described above. However, if you play through the Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass version, the saves are stored in a different, more restricted location:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Packages\TheFunPimps.7DaystoDie_...\SystemAppData\wgs
This folder is heavily protected by Windows, making manual backups difficult. You may need to use third-party tools or the game’s built-in cloud save to manage backups. Always check which version you own before attempting to locate saves.
Save File Size and Performance
Save file sizes vary widely depending on how much of the world you’ve explored. A fresh world might be a few megabytes, but a heavily explored world can reach hundreds of megabytes or even gigabytes. The size directly affects load times and can cause stuttering if your storage is slow.
To keep performance optimal, consider:
- Deleting old worlds you no longer play.
- Clearing the
AutoBackupfolder periodically. - Moving the entire
7DaysToDiefolder to an SSD if you haven’t already.
Note that moving the folder is not supported by the game – you’d need to use symbolic links (junctions) to redirect the path, which is an advanced technique.
Safety and Cloud Saves
Days to Die does not use Steam Cloud by default. This means your saves are only stored locally. If you reinstall Windows or delete the folder, your progress is gone unless you backed it up manually.
To protect your progress, set up a regular backup routine. You can use Windows File History, a cloud sync service like OneDrive (by adding the folder to your OneDrive), or simply copy the folder to an external drive after each play session. Always close the game before backing up to avoid file corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my save to another computer?
Yes. Copy the entire 7DaysToDie folder from AppData on the old computer to the same location on the new one. Make sure you have the same game version installed, and that you’re logged into the same Steam account for player data to match.
Why is my save file not showing up in the game?
This usually happens when the save is in the wrong mode folder. For example, if you played in Single Player but placed the save in the Multiplayer folder, the game won’t list it. Check the folder structure and move it to the correct location.
How do I reset my character but keep the world?
Delete the contents of the Player folder inside your world’s save folder. The world (terrain and buildings) will remain, but you’ll start as a new character. Back up the folder first just in case.
Can I edit my save file to give myself items?
Save files are not plain text; they are binary and not intended to be edited. There are third-party tools that claim to edit saves, but they are unofficial and may corrupt your file. Use them at your own risk.
Does the game have an automatic backup?
Yes, there is an auto-backup feature in the game settings. It creates a copy of your save at intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes). The backups are stored in the AutoBackup folder within your world’s save folder.
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