Stellaris Save File Location
Here's exactly where Stellaris stores your save files on PC, how cloud sync works, and how to back them up before modding or switching computers.
Save file locations
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games
Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games\ . Each campaign is a folder named like empire_name_<number> containing dated .sav files. Ironman saves end in .sav too but sit in the same folder.
Same publisher folder under your home directory
Stellaris is PC-only (no console version). On macOS/Linux the save lives in the equivalent user folder for this publisher; on Windows use the path above.
Cloud saves
Yes, through Steam Cloud (and GOG Galaxy) if enabled. With the same account and cloud on, saves reappear on the new PC automatically; copy the save games folder by hand only if cloud is off or you play a cracked/offline build.
Moving to a new PC? Follow the step-by-step Stellaris 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%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games and press Enter.
- Copy the whole save folder somewhere safe before editing, modding, or moving PCs.
Save problems & fixes
Stellaris save won't load or says it's corrupt
Stellaris writes autosaves every few in-game years; if the latest save is corrupt, load an earlier autosave in the same campaign folder. There is no .bak, so keep cloud on or manual-save often.
My Stellaris save is missing or the folder looks empty
You may be looking in the wrong place — the folder is exact (watch Documents vs AppData). If Documents is synced to OneDrive, also check %USERPROFILE%\OneDrive\Documents. If it's still empty, cloud sync may not have finished before the game overwrote the local copy.
Stellaris progress rolled back after a cloud conflict
When Steam reports a save conflict, always 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 cloud, back up the local folder, then re-enable it.
FAQ
Where is the Stellaris save file on PC?
It's at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games (files end in .sav). Press Win+R, paste that path, and press Enter to open it.
How do I fix a corrupted Stellaris save?
Stellaris writes autosaves every few in-game years; if the latest save is corrupt, load an earlier autosave in the same campaign folder. There is no .bak, so keep cloud on or manual-save often.
How do I back up Stellaris saves before modding?
Copy the entire save folder at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games somewhere safe before adding mods, so you can restore it if a mod breaks the save.
Other games
- How to Transfer Your Europa Universalis IV Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Hearts of Iron IV Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Stellaris Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Total War: Warhammer III Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your XCOM 2 Save to a New PC
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Save File Location (PC, Console)
- Total War: Warhammer III Save File Location (PC)
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.