Game saves are essential to save the game progress. If you play games on Steam Deck, how to find saved game files? This post from MiniTool focuses on Steam Deck save file location and also you can learn how to transfer Steam Deck game to PC.

Steam Deck refers to a handheld gaming computer from Valve that came to the public on February 25, 2022. On it, you can play Steam games anytime and anywhere without a PC. Sometimes you need to check the Steam Deck save file location so that you can easily control the game’s progress.

Well then, where are Steam Deck save files? Things could be easy if you follow the guide.

Also read: Steam Deck Compatibility: What Is It & How to Check It

Steam Deck Save File Location

Steam Deck uses SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system. When it comes to the save file location, it is not as easy as it is on a Windows PC. Usually, you can access the AppData folder to locate the saved game in Windows 11/10 and then back up the save file to keep the game progress safe.

Tips:
For backing up PC game saves, you can run the professional PC backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker. It works in Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7. Just get it, open AppData to find game save files, choose a path, and start a backup.

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On Steam Deck, all the same save files are kept in a unique folder named prefix that contains all the configuration information and other game information. The Prefix folder is stored in the compatdata folder.

Next, let’s see how to find saved game files on Steam Deck via the steps below.

Step 1: Enter the Desktop Mode on Steam Deck.

Step 2: Click three transverse lines and check Show Hidden Files.

Step 3: Click .local > share > Steam > Steamapps and then tap on compatdata. Then, you can see many folders named after some numbers.

These numbers refer to SteamID. You should know each game on Steam Deck has its unique SteamID, regardless of whether the game comes from Steam or another source. To check the ID for Steam games, visit SteamDB. For non-Steam games, seek help from a third-party tool.

After finding the SteamID, click the folder under compatdata.

Steam Deck save file location compatdata

Step 4: Open the prefix folder and navigate to drive_c to find the game save files. Sometimes you can go to users > steamuser > Documents, and access the game to find the saved game file. Based on different games, the path to find its save file is different after opening drive_c.

How to Transfer Steam Deck Game to PC

After knowing the Steam Deck save file location, some of you may want to transfer games from Steam Deck to your Windows PC. You should note that you can only transfer file content part of the original game and local save games or configuration files cannot be sent.

For the game transfers, pay attention to some requirements:

  • Your PC also has the Steam client and Steam must be online on Steam Deck and the PC.
  • Two devices must be in the same LAN and online.
  • Only when the transferring Steam client is idle (no downloads or running games), game content can be transferred.
  • Game File Transfer settings on both devices must allow a transfer.
  • A Steam Deck or a PC must run in Steam desktop mode.

For the transfer, you can run Warpinator. Here is a related post – How to Connect Steam Deck to PC for Transferring Files that involves some steps.

Final Words

It is simple to locate the Steam Deck save file location. If needed, follow the guide to find saved game files on Steam Deck. Also, you can transfer game file content to your PC from Steam Deck.

In addition, some of you are concerned about “Steam Deck backup saves” to avoid losing game progress. For the task, you can follow a YouTube video.

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