How to Transfer Your Crusader Kings III Save to a New PC
Switching computers? Here's exactly which Crusader Kings III save files to copy, where they live, and how to make sure your progress loads on the new PC.
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings III\save games
Copy the whole save folder at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings III\save games (files end in .ck3) from the old PC to the exact same path on the new PC — those are your Crusader Kings III saves.
Where the files live: see the full Crusader Kings III save file location guide for every platform path (PS5, Xbox, Steam Cloud).
How to transfer your Crusader Kings III save to a new PC
- On the old PC, press Win+R, paste %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings III\save games, and press Enter to open the save folder.
- Select everything in that folder and copy it to a USB drive, cloud folder (OneDrive/Google Drive), or network share.
- Install Crusader Kings III on the new PC and launch it once, then close it — this creates the empty save folder.
- Match your mods, DLC, and game version on the new PC before loading, or a modded/DLC save may refuse to load.
- On the new PC, open the same path (%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings III\save games) and paste the copied files in, overwriting if asked.
- Launch the game and confirm your progress loaded before deleting the backup copy.
Does cloud sync move it for you?
On PC, yes — Steam Cloud and the Paradox launcher back up saves if enabled. Console (PS5/Xbox) saves live in that platform's cloud and cannot be copied as raw files.
Common mistakes
- Achievements/Ironman: an Ironman save copied to a PC with different mods or a different game version may disable achievements or refuse to load.
- OneDrive redirection: if Documents is synced to OneDrive, the real folder may be under %USERPROFILE%\OneDrive\Documents instead.
FAQ
How do I move my Crusader Kings III save to a new PC?
Copy the save folder at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings III\save games from the old PC to the exact same path on the new PC, then launch the game. Use a USB drive, cloud storage, or a network share to move the files.
Will Crusader Kings III cloud saves transfer automatically?
On PC, yes — Steam Cloud and the Paradox launcher back up saves if enabled. Console (PS5/Xbox) saves live in that platform's cloud and cannot be copied as raw files.
Where is the Crusader Kings III save folder on the old PC?
It's at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings III\save games (files end in .ck3). Paste that into the File Explorer address bar (or Win+R) to open it. See our full location guide for every platform.
Do I need to copy any other files?
Copy the whole save folder, not just one file — these games store profiles, autosaves, and settings alongside the main save. Copying the entire folder avoids missing anything.
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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.