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The First Descendant Save File Location

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The First Descendant Save File Location

Looking for The First Descendant save file location? Your save data is stored in your Steam user folder, not in the game’s installation directory. This article explains exactly where to find it, how to back it up, and how to troubleshoot common save-related issues.

Where to Find The First Descendant Save File

On Windows, The First Descendant (a free-to-play looter shooter by Nexon) stores its save data in the Steam user data folder. The default path is:

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\<your_steam_id>\2074920\remote\

Replace <your_steam_id> with your numeric Steam ID (a long number, not your username). The folder 2074920 is the Steam App ID for The First Descendant. Inside the remote folder, you’ll find a file named SaveGame.sav (or similar) that contains your character progress, inventory, and settings.

Why the Save Is Not in the Game Folder

Many players expect to find saves in the installation directory (e.g., Steam\steamapps\common\The First Descendant). However, Nexon uses Steam Cloud for synchronization, which requires saves to be in the Steam user data area. This is standard for most Steam games that support cloud saves. The installation folder only contains the game’s executable, assets, and patches—not your personal progress.

How to Access the Folder Step by Step

  1. Open Steam and ensure you are logged into the correct account.
  2. Click on Steam in the top-left corner, then select Settings.
  3. Go to Storage to see your Steam library folders, but for saves, you need the userdata folder.
  4. In Windows File Explorer, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata.
  5. Look for a folder with your Steam ID (if you have multiple accounts, each has a folder).
  6. Open the folder with your ID, then open 2074920 and then remote.

If you installed Steam on a different drive, the path will be <your_steam_install>\userdata\<id>\2074920\remote. You can find your Steam install path by right-clicking Steam in your taskbar and selecting Open file location.

Backing Up and Restoring Your Save

To back up your save, simply copy the entire remote folder (or just the SaveGame.sav file) to a safe location like an external drive or a cloud storage folder. To restore, replace the file in the same location. Make sure the game is closed when you copy or replace files. After restoring, launch the game and check that your progress loads correctly.

Common Problems and Fixes

  • Cannot find the folder: If you don’t see 2074920, your Steam ID might be different, or the game hasn’t created a save yet. Launch the game once and play for a minute, then exit—this ensures a save file is created.
  • Save not syncing: If Steam Cloud is disabled, your save won’t upload. Go to Steam > Settings > Cloud and enable Enable Steam Cloud synchronization. Also, right-click The First Descendant in your library, select Properties, and under General ensure Keep games saves in the Steam Cloud is checked.
  • Corrupted save: If the game crashes or shows an error on load, you may have a corrupted file. Try restoring a backup. If you don’t have one, the only option is to start over—this is why backups are crucial.
  • Multiple Steam accounts: Each account has its own userdata folder. Make sure you’re looking in the correct one.

Steam Cloud vs. Local Saves

The First Descendant uses Steam Cloud to sync saves across devices. This means if you play on another PC, your progress should follow you. However, cloud sync can sometimes fail, causing a conflict. If you see a sync error, choose Play (local) or Upload (cloud) carefully—selecting the wrong one can overwrite your progress. Backing up locally is always a good safety net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move my save to another computer?

Yes. Copy the SaveGame.sav file to the same path on the new computer (after installing the game and creating a dummy save). Alternatively, rely on Steam Cloud if it’s working—just make sure both PCs have the same Steam account and cloud sync enabled.

What if I don’t have a Steam folder?

If you installed the game via a non-Steam platform (like the Microsoft Store or a standalone launcher), the save location may differ. For the Microsoft Store version, saves are often in a hidden AppData folder. Check C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\TheFirstDescendant or similar. The Steam version is the most common, and the path above is correct for it.

Is there a way to edit my save file?

Editing save files is not officially supported and can lead to bans or corrupted data. The game’s anti-cheat may flag modified saves. It’s safer to play normally or use in-game features to respec if available.

Why is my save file so large?

Save files can grow large because they store inventory, quest progress, and possibly world state. A few megabytes is normal. If it’s tens of megabytes, it might include screenshots or logs—check the folder for extra files.

Does uninstalling the game delete my save?

Uninstalling the game from Steam does not delete your save files—they remain in the userdata folder. However, if you also delete the userdata folder manually, you’ll lose everything. Always back up before doing a clean uninstall.

Can I use a save from a friend?

Using someone else’s save is risky. It may not match your account and could trigger anti-cheat. It’s also against the terms of service. Stick to your own progress.

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