RimWorld Save File Location
Last verified: 2026-09-14
Save file location (Windows): %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Ludeon Studios\RimWorld by Ludeon Studios\Saves
- Windows
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Ludeon Studios\RimWorld by Ludeon Studios\Saves- Steam Deck / Linux (Proton)
~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/294100/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/LocalLow/Ludeon Studios/RimWorld by Ludeon Studios/Saves- Windows (config & mods list)
...\RimWorld by Ludeon Studios\Config
Here's exactly where RimWorld keeps your PC colonies, how to open the folder, and how to back up your .rws saves before modding or moving PCs.
Save file locations
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Ludeon Studios\RimWorld by Ludeon Studios\Saves
Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\LocalLow\Ludeon Studios\RimWorld by Ludeon Studios\Saves\ . AppData is hidden — enable 'Hidden items' in File Explorer's View menu, or paste the path into the address bar.
~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/294100/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/LocalLow/Ludeon Studios/RimWorld by Ludeon Studios/Saves
On Steam Deck the save lives inside the game's Proton prefix, not in your Linux home. AppID 294100. Proton always names the Windows user 'steamuser' (never your Linux username). Colony saves are .rws XML files. If the game is installed on a microSD card, look under that card's steamapps/compatdata/ instead. Enable 'View › Show Hidden Files' in the Dolphin file manager to see the folder.
...\RimWorld by Ludeon Studios\Config
The neighbouring Config folder holds ModsConfig.xml (your mod load order) and keybinds — back this up too if you run mods, or saves may fail to load.
Cloud saves
The Steam version does NOT use Steam Cloud for RimWorld by default — your colonies exist only in the LocalLow folder above. That means a fresh Windows install or new PC will not have them unless you copy the Saves folder yourself. Always back up before a wipe.
Moving to a new PC? Follow the step-by-step RimWorld save transfer guide to copy your progress across without losing anything.
How to open the save folder
- Press Win + R to open the Run box.
- Paste %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Ludeon Studios and press Enter.
- Open 'RimWorld by Ludeon Studios' > Saves.
- Copy the .rws files (and the Config folder if you use mods) somewhere safe.
Save problems & fixes
RimWorld save won't load or shows a red error
This is almost always a missing or reordered mod. Restore your Config\ModsConfig.xml backup, or re-subscribe to the mods the save needs and match the load order, then reopen the .rws file.
My colonies are gone after reinstalling Windows
RimWorld doesn't use Steam Cloud, so a fresh install starts empty. Restore the .rws files from your backup of the LocalLow Saves folder — if you have no backup they cannot be recovered.
I can't see the AppData folder
AppData is hidden by default. In File Explorer open the View menu and tick 'Hidden items', or just paste the full path into the address bar and press Enter.
Save won't load or shows as corrupted? See the RimWorld corrupted save fix guide to recover your progress step by step.
Want to edit this save (money, items, stats)? See the RimWorld save editor guide — which fields are safe to change and how to back up first.
FAQ
Where is the RimWorld save file on PC?
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\LocalLow\Ludeon Studios\RimWorld by Ludeon Studios\Saves. Each colony is one .rws file.
Does RimWorld use Steam Cloud?
No. RimWorld saves are stored locally in the LocalLow folder and are not synced by Steam Cloud, so copy them manually before moving PCs.
How do I back up a RimWorld colony?
Copy the colony's .rws file out of the Saves folder to a safe place. To keep mods working, also copy Config\ModsConfig.xml.
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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.