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How to Backup Valheim Saves

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Valheim saves your world and character data locally on your PC, which means a hard drive failure, a game update, or a corrupted save file can wipe out hundreds of hours of progress. This guide shows you exactly where those files are stored and how to back them up manually or automatically, so you can restore your Viking empire at any time.

What You’ll Need

  • Access to your PC’s file system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  • File Explorer (Windows), Finder (macOS), or your file manager on Linux
  • A destination for the backup: an external drive, cloud storage folder (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox), or a second internal drive
  • Optional: A zip utility (built-in on all OSes) to compress the backup

Step-by-Step

  1. Close Valheim completely. Exit the game from the main menu and make sure it’s not running in the background (check the system tray). Backing up while the game is running can lead to corrupted copies.
  2. Locate the save folder. The default location is:
    • Windows: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim
    • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/unity.IronGate.Valheim (you may need to press Cmd+Shift+G in Finder and type the path)
    • Linux: ~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim

    To open this on Windows, press Win+R, paste the path, and hit Enter.

  3. Identify the subfolders. Inside the Valheim folder, you’ll see two key subfolders:
    • characters – contains your character files (e.g., character_1.fch)
    • worlds – contains world files (.db and .fwl) for each world you’ve created.

    These two folders together hold all your progress.

  4. Copy the folders. Right-click on characters and worlds and select Copy. Then navigate to your backup destination (e.g., an external drive) and paste them. You can also copy the entire Valheim folder if you prefer.
  5. Create a compressed archive (optional but recommended). Right-click the copied folders and select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder (Windows) or Compress (macOS). This saves space and keeps the files together. Name it with the date, e.g., ValheimBackup_2025-01-15.zip.
  6. Restore when needed. To restore, copy the backed-up characters and worlds folders back to the original Valheim folder, overwriting existing files when prompted. If you have a zip, extract it first.
  7. Set up automatic backups (optional). On Windows, you can use Task Scheduler to run a script that copies the folders daily. On macOS, use a folder action or a tool like rsync via Terminal. For a simple manual routine, just remember to do this after every major play session.

Common Mistakes

  • Backing up while the game is running. This can produce incomplete or corrupted copies. Always exit fully.
  • Only copying the world files, not the character. Your character progress (skills, inventory, builds) is stored separately. Copy both folders.
  • Overwriting the wrong folder. When restoring, ensure you’re pasting into the correct Valheim directory, not a subfolder like worlds_local (which is used for dedicated servers).
  • Not testing the backup. A backup is only useful if it restores correctly. Periodically test by restoring to a different location or a second PC.
  • Storing backup on the same drive. If the drive fails, you lose both the original and the backup. Use a separate physical drive or cloud storage.

Tips

  • Use cloud sync. Point a cloud folder (like OneDrive or Google Drive) to your Valheim save folder so every save is automatically uploaded. Be aware this can cause conflicts if you play on multiple PCs.
  • Keep multiple versions. Keep the last 3-5 backups with different dates. If a world gets corrupted, you can go back to an earlier version.
  • Name backups clearly. Include the world name and date, e.g., MyWorld_2025-01-15.zip.
  • Back up before major updates. Game patches can sometimes break mods or save compatibility. A backup ensures you can revert if needed.
  • Use the in-game cloud save option. Valheim supports Steam Cloud, but it’s not a substitute for a local backup. Enable both for extra safety.

Troubleshooting

  • Can’t find the folder. If the path doesn’t exist, you may have installed Valheim on a different drive or used a mod that changes the save location. Search for Valheim in your user folder, or check the game’s properties in Steam under Local Files.
  • Backup won’t restore. Make sure you’re copying the folders to the exact same location. If the game creates a new world with the same name, it may overwrite your backup. Delete the new files first, then paste your backup.
  • World appears empty after restore. This usually means you restored only the .db or only the .fwl file. Both are required. Also, check that the character file matches the world (characters are not tied to worlds, but if you restore a character from a different backup, it may have different inventory).
  • Cloud saves conflict. If you have Steam Cloud enabled and restore a local backup, the cloud may overwrite it. Disable Steam Cloud for Valheim temporarily, restore, then re-enable.
  • Permission errors when copying. On Windows, if you get an access denied error, close any programs that might be using the files (like a mod manager) and try again. You may need to run File Explorer as administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Valheim saves stored on Windows?

They are in %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim. The characters and worlds subfolders contain your progress.

Does Valheim have cloud saves?

Yes, Valheim supports Steam Cloud saves, but they are not always reliable. It’s recommended to also make manual backups.

Can I back up only my character, not the world?

Yes, just copy the characters folder. Your character’s skills, inventory, and map progress are stored there.

How do I restore a backup on a new PC?

Install Valheim, run it once to create the folder structure, then close it and copy your backup folders into the same location on the new PC.

Will mods affect my saves?

Yes, mods can sometimes corrupt saves or make them incompatible. Always back up before installing or updating mods.

How often should I back up?

After every major building session or before quitting for the day. At minimum, back up weekly if you play regularly.

Related

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