Grounded 2: Where to Find the Big Huge Scary Papa Data Folder

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The “Big Huge Scary Papa Data Folder” is a hidden folder in Grounded 2 that contains the game’s save data, settings, and logs. You can find it by opening the Run dialog (Windows Key + R), typing %localappdata%\Grounded2\Saved, and pressing Enter. This folder is essential for backing up saves, editing config files, or troubleshooting crashes.

Background: Why This Folder Exists

Grounded 2, like most Unreal Engine games, stores its user-generated data separately from the game installation. This separation keeps the game files clean for updates and repairs, while allowing each player’s progress and preferences to persist independently. The folder is named “Papa” as a playful nod to the game’s backyard setting, but it functions exactly like any other Unreal Engine save directory.

The folder is created automatically the first time you launch the game. If you’ve ever modded the game or manually edited a config file, you’ve likely already interacted with it. Understanding its structure helps you manage backups, transfer saves between computers, and diagnose issues like corrupted profiles or missing settings.

How to Navigate to the Folder

There are several ways to reach the Big Huge Scary Papa Data Folder, depending on your preference:

Run Dialog: Press Windows Key + R, type %localappdata%\Grounded2\Saved, and hit Enter. This is the fastest method.
File Explorer: Open File Explorer, click the address bar, type %localappdata%, and press Enter. Then navigate to Grounded2 and Saved.
Steam: If you use Steam, you can also right-click the game in your library, select Manage, then Browse local files. This opens the installation folder, not the save folder, but you can then navigate up to the Saved directory via the address bar.

Once inside, you’ll see subfolders like Config, Logs, and SaveGames. The SaveGames folder contains your actual progress, while Config holds settings like graphics and keybindings.

What’s Inside the Folder

The folder’s contents are typical of an Unreal Engine project. Here’s what you’ll find:

Config: Contains .ini files that store your graphics, audio, and control settings. Editing these can sometimes fix launch issues or enable hidden options.
Logs: Crash logs and gameplay logs are stored here. If the game crashes, the latest .log file can be shared with support or used to identify mod conflicts.
SaveGames: Your actual save files. Each save is a .sav file, often with a timestamp. Backing up this folder is the safest way to protect your progress.

You may also see a CrashReport folder if the game has crashed before. These reports are useful for developers but not needed for normal play.

Common Problems and Fixes

Players often encounter issues related to this folder:

Missing folder: If you haven’t launched the game yet, the folder won’t exist. Run the game once, then check again.
Can’t find save files: Ensure you’re looking in the correct user profile. If you have multiple Windows accounts, each has its own LocalAppData.
Corrupted settings: If the game crashes on startup, delete the Config folder (after backing up) to reset settings to default.
Mod conflicts: Mods often write to the Config or SaveGames folders. Removing a mod may require deleting its leftover files here.

If the game won’t launch at all, check the Logs folder for the most recent .log file. The last few lines often indicate what’s going wrong, such as a missing dependency or a corrupted save.

How to Back Up and Restore Saves

Backing up your saves is straightforward:

Navigate to the SaveGames folder as described above.
Copy the entire SaveGames folder to a safe location, like an external drive or cloud storage.
To restore, replace the current SaveGames folder with your backup, making sure the game is closed.

You can also back up the entire Saved folder to preserve settings and logs. This is useful if you want to keep your keybindings and graphics settings when moving to a new PC.

Alternatives and Related Locations

Some players confuse the Big Huge Scary Papa Data Folder with other directories:

Installation folder: Usually in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grounded 2 (or your chosen install path). This contains the game executable and assets, not your saves.
Documents folder: Some games save to Documents\My Games, but Grounded 2 does not. Don’t waste time looking there.
Cloud saves: If you have Steam Cloud enabled, your saves are also synced online. You can download them via Steam’s cloud storage page, but the local folder remains the primary location.

If you’re modding, you might also see a Mods folder inside the installation directory. That’s separate from your user data.

Safety and Precautions

Editing files in this folder is generally safe, but take precautions:

Always back up before deleting or modifying anything.
Only edit .ini files if you know what you’re doing. Incorrect values can cause crashes.
Never share your save files publicly, as they may contain your Steam ID or other personal data.
If you’re troubleshooting, make one change at a time and test the game.

Deleting the Saved folder entirely will reset the game to a fresh state, which can fix persistent issues but will erase your progress. Only do this as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Big Huge Scary Papa Data Folder?

It’s at %localappdata%\Grounded2\Saved. Type that into the File Explorer address bar or the Run dialog to open it directly.

Can I move the folder to another drive?

You can, but it’s not recommended. The game expects it in the default location. If you move it, you’ll need to create a symbolic link (using mklink) to redirect the game to the new location.

Why is it called “Papa”?

It’s an internal codename or joke by the developers. It has no functional meaning, but it’s consistent across all installations.

Does the folder contain mods?

No. Mods are typically installed in the game’s installation folder, not in the Saved folder. However, mod configurations might be stored in the Config subfolder.

How do I fix a corrupted save?

If a save won’t load, try loading an earlier save from the SaveGames folder. If none work, you may need to delete the corrupted .sav file and start over, or restore from a backup.

Is the folder safe to delete?

Deleting it will remove your saves and settings, but the game will recreate it on next launch. Only do this if you want a complete reset or have a backup.

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