The Alters Save File Location
Here's exactly where The Alters keeps your save files on PC, how to open the folder, and how to back it up before an update or a new PC.
Save file locations
%LOCALAPPDATA%\11bitstudios\TheAlters\Steam\Saved\SaveGames\<user-id>
Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\11bitstudios\TheAlters\Steam\Saved\SaveGames\<Steam-ID>\ . AppData\Local is hidden — paste the path into the Run box.
%LOCALAPPDATA%\11bitstudios\TheAlters\GOG\Saved\SaveGames
The GOG build uses a GOG subfolder instead of Steam; the rest of the path is identical.
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\4063811bitstudios.TheAlters_gwy9gn5q9j1y6\SystemAppData\wgs
The Game Pass / Microsoft Store build keeps saves in its package folder under AppData\Local\Packages; files are in an opaque wgs container, not plain .sav files.
My games & apps > The Alters > Manage game > Saved data
Xbox saves sync to the cloud with your Microsoft account; there is no user-accessible save file on disk.
Cloud saves
On PC The Alters uses Steam Cloud (or GOG Galaxy cloud), so the SaveGames folder syncs across machines on the same account. Close the game fully before restoring a backup so the cloud doesn't overwrite your local copy with the older online save on next launch.
How to open the save folder
- Press Win + R to open the Run box.
- Paste the folder path shown above (for example %LOCALAPPDATA% or %APPDATA%) and press Enter.
- Open the The Alters save folder to find your save data.
- Copy the whole save folder somewhere safe before editing, modding, or moving PCs.
Save problems & fixes
Cloud save overwrote my newer local save (or vice-versa)
This happens when the cloud syncs on launch before you restore a backup. Fully quit The Alters, disable cloud saves for it (Steam: right-click > Properties > General), copy your good save into the save folder above, launch once to confirm it loads, then re-enable cloud so it uploads the correct copy.
Save is missing, won't load, or shows as corrupted
Verify the game files first, then look in the save folder for a backup or older copy (many games keep a .bak or a numbered rolling backup next to the live save). Copy that older file over the broken one while the game is closed. Never edit a save with the game running — that is the most common cause of corruption.
FAQ
Where is the The Alters save file on PC?
On Steam it's at %LOCALAPPDATA%\11bitstudios\TheAlters\Steam\Saved\SaveGames\<user-id>. Press Win+R and paste the environment-variable path (e.g. %LOCALAPPDATA% or %APPDATA%) to open the folder.
How do I back up my The Alters save?
Copy the whole save folder shown above to a safe location, then paste it back to restore. Close the game first so cloud sync doesn't overwrite it.
Does the Steam and Game Pass / console version share saves?
No. Different stores (Steam, Epic, Microsoft Store, consoles) keep The Alters saves in separate folders or sealed cloud containers, so progress does not transfer automatically between them.
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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.