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Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition Save File Location

Last verified: 2026-09-22

Quick answer: On PC, Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition stores its save at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls\ — the file is named DRAKS0001.sl2. Copy that folder to back up your character before modding or moving PCs.
Windows (Steam)
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls

Here's exactly where Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition keeps your save on PC, how to open the folder, and how to back it up.

Save file locations

Windows (Steam)
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls

Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls\ . The save file is DRAKS0001.sl2 (NBGI = Namco Bandai Games Inc). The number in the filename is tied to your account — do not rename it.

Cloud saves

Prepare to Die Edition predates Steam Cloud for this title, so saves stay local. Copy the DarkSouls folder to a safe place before reinstalling Windows or switching machines.

How to open the save folder

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.
  2. Type %userprofile%\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls and press Enter.
  3. Copy DRAKS0001.sl2 (the whole DarkSouls folder) somewhere safe before editing, modding, or moving PCs.

Save problems & fixes

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition save won’t load or says it’s corrupt

Look for an automatic backup next to the save (a .bak or numbered copy) — close the game, copy that backup over the broken file, and reopen. On Steam, also right-click the game → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.

My Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition save is missing or the folder is empty

You are usually looking in the wrong sub-folder — open the numbered Steam-ID / profile folder inside the path above, not the parent. If it is still empty on a GFWL-era game, the save may have been migrated to Steam’s userdata folder after a patch.

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition progress rolled back after a cloud/Steam conflict

When Steam reports a save conflict, keep the version with the LATER timestamp. Choosing the older cloud copy overwrites newer local progress — the most common cause of “lost hours.” If unsure, disable Steam Cloud, back up the local folder first, then re-enable it.

FAQ

Where is the Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition save on PC?

At C:\Users\<YourName>\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls\DRAKS0001.sl2. Press Win+R, type %userprofile%\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls, then press Enter.

What is the Dark Souls save file called?

DRAKS0001.sl2. The number is tied to your Games for Windows Live / account ID — keep the whole file, don't rename it.

How do I back up my Dark Souls save?

Copy DRAKS0001.sl2 from the NBGI\DarkSouls folder to a USB drive or another folder, then paste it back to restore.

Other games

Need another game or a quick backup? Use the Save Location Finder — pick any game to get its exact save path plus a ready-to-run backup command.