Recover Split Fiction Save File: Full Guide
Yes, you can recover a lost or corrupted Split Fiction save file, but the method depends on whether you are playing on PC (Steam/EA app) or console (PlayStation or Xbox). This guide covers the exact folders to check, how to restore from cloud backups or local backups, and what to do if your save is corrupted.
Where Split Fiction Saves Are Stored
Split Fiction, like most EA-published titles, stores save data in different locations depending on platform. On PC, the game uses the Steam Cloud or EA Cloud, but it also keeps local copies. The local save folder is typically:
- Steam version:
Steam\userdata\[YourSteamID]\[AppID]\remote - EA app version:
Documents\EA Games\Split Fiction(or a similar path under the user’s Documents folder)
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, saves are stored on the console’s internal storage and synced to the cloud automatically if you have an active subscription (PlayStation Plus for PS5, Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate for Xbox).
How Split Fiction Saves Work
Split Fiction is a co-op action-adventure game where two players control different characters. The game saves progress automatically at checkpoints, and it also creates a shared save for the host player when playing online. This means the host’s save contains the world state, while the guest player’s save only tracks their own character progression (like unlocked cosmetics or achievements). If you are the guest, your progress is tied to the host’s session, so you cannot recover a guest save independently.
How to Recover a Deleted or Corrupted Save on PC
If you accidentally deleted your save or the game fails to load it, follow these steps in order:
- Check the Recycle Bin: If you deleted the save file manually, it might still be in the Windows Recycle Bin. Restore it if found.
- Look for backup files: Some games create .bak files automatically. In the save folder, look for files with .bak or .old extensions and rename them to the original extension (e.g., .sav).
- Use Steam Cloud: Right-click the game in Steam, select Properties > Updates, and ensure “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization” is checked. If you deleted the local save, Steam may re-download the cloud version when you launch the game. If you already launched and it created a new empty save, try this: exit the game, go to the local save folder, delete the new save, then launch the game again. Steam will prompt to sync—choose “Download from cloud.”
- Use EA Cloud: If you use the EA app, the cloud sync works similarly. In the EA app, go to Settings > Downloads > Cloud Storage and check the status. If your local save is missing, the app may offer to download the cloud version on next launch.
- Check Windows File History: If you have File History enabled, you can restore an earlier version of the save folder from a backup.
How to Recover a Save on PlayStation and Xbox
On consoles, the process is simpler because cloud saves are automatic, but you must have an active subscription:
- PlayStation 5: Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Cloud Storage. You can download any save that was previously uploaded. If you have a local save that is corrupted, you can delete it and then download the cloud version.
- Xbox Series X|S: Go to Profile & system > Settings > System > Storage > Manage storage devices. Select the game and choose “Delete saved data.” When you relaunch the game, it will sync from the cloud. Note: Xbox cloud saves are stored automatically if you are online, even without a subscription, but you need a subscription to use cloud saves on a different console.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Many players assume that Split Fiction uses a single save file that both players share. That is not true—each player has their own save, but the host’s save determines the story progress. If your friend (the host) deletes their save, you cannot recover your joint progress. Another misconception is that Steam Cloud always keeps the latest version. In reality, Steam Cloud can overwrite your local save with an older one if the sync is out of order. To avoid this, always exit the game properly and let the cloud sync finish before closing Steam.
How to Prevent Future Save Loss
To avoid losing progress again, consider these steps:
- Enable both Steam Cloud and EA Cloud if you use both platforms.
- Manually back up your PC save folder to an external drive or cloud storage (like Google Drive) after each play session.
- On consoles, ensure your subscription is active so cloud saves continue.
- Do not delete save files while the game is running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a save after I’ve already started a new game?
Yes, but only if you have a backup. If you started a new game, the old save is overwritten. If you have a cloud backup from before, you can restore it, but it will replace your new progress.
Does Split Fiction have cross-save between PC and console?
No, Split Fiction does not support cross-save. Each platform stores saves separately, and there is no way to transfer them.
My save is corrupted—can I fix it without losing progress?
Sometimes. If the corruption is minor, the game may load it anyway. You can also try renaming the save file to .bak and letting the game create a new one—this doesn’t fix the old one, but you might be able to copy over certain data if you know what you’re doing. In most cases, you will need to start over or use a backup.
How do I find my Steam AppID for Split Fiction?
You can find it by going to SteamDB and searching for “Split Fiction.” The AppID is a number used in the file path. Alternatively, you can right-click the game in Steam, select Properties, and look at the “Local Files” tab—the path will show the AppID.
If I play as the guest, can I recover the story progress?
No. The story progress is stored only in the host’s save. If the host loses their save, you cannot recover the shared progress. However, your character-specific unlocks (like outfits) might be saved locally on your machine.
Final Tips
The most reliable way to recover a save is to have a backup. Since Split Fiction does not offer manual save slots, you must rely on cloud sync or manual file copying. If you are on PC, consider using a tool like GameSave Manager to automate backups. On console, verify your cloud save status regularly. If you ever lose a save, act quickly—the longer you wait, the more likely the cloud version will be overwritten.
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