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Valheim Save File Location

Here's exactly where Valheim stores your worlds and characters on PC, how to open the folder, and how to back them up.

Save file locations

Windows (worlds)
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local

Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local\ . Each world is a .db (map data) plus .fwl (metadata) pair — keep both together.

Windows (characters)
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\characters_local

Character files use the .fch extension. Cloud versions of these files sit in worlds_cloud / characters_cloud folders alongside them.

Cloud saves

Valheim uses Steam Cloud. Cloud copies are stored in worlds_cloud and characters_cloud folders next to the local ones. If you back up manually, copy both the local and cloud folders so a sync doesn't overwrite your restore.

How to open the save folder

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.
  2. Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
  3. AppData\LocalLow is hidden — type %userprofile%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim in the Run box, then open worlds_local or characters_local.
  4. Copy the whole save folder somewhere safe before editing, modding, or moving PCs.

FAQ

Where is the Valheim save file on PC?

Worlds are at C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local and characters at ...\characters_local. LocalLow is hidden, so paste the full path into the Run box.

How do I back up a Valheim world?

Copy both the world's .db and .fwl files (same name) from worlds_local to a safe location. Both files are required to restore the world.

How do I move a Valheim character to another PC?

Copy the .fch file from characters_local to the same folder on the other PC. If Steam Cloud is on, also copy the characters_cloud copy or disable cloud to avoid an overwrite.

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