How to Locate and Secure DELTARUNE Save Files: A Detailed Technical Guide

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Introduction

DELTARUNE, the critically acclaimed RPG developed by Toby Fox, is known for its engaging narrative, unique gameplay mechanics, and retro-style presentation. Like many modern games, DELTARUNE stores save data locally on your system or device. However, unlike some AAA titles that offer cloud saves or in-game export options, DELTARUNE’s save files are not always easy to locate or back up — especially for players unfamiliar with file structures or game-specific storage conventions.

This article provides a comprehensive and professional breakdown of:

• Where DELTARUNE save files are stored across different platforms
• How to locate, back up, and protect these files from accidental loss
• Best practices for data management and recovery
• Advanced techniques for users who want to transfer or modify save files

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🧩 Understanding DELTARUNE Save File Structure

1. Game Engine & Storage Mechanism

DELTARUNE is built using the GameMaker Studio 2 engine, which typically uses a platform-specific directory structure to store user data such as:

• Save files (.sav)
• Configuration files (.ini, .json)
• Log files (.log)
• Cache data

By default, GameMaker-based games use the following directories depending on the operating system:

Platform	Default Save Path
Windows	C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\DELTARUNE\
macOS	/Users/<Username>/Library/Application Support/DELTARUNE/
Linux	/home/<Username>/.config/DELTARUNE/
Steam Deck / Proton	Usually under ~/.steam/debian-install-data/... or managed via Steam Cloud

💡 Note: The exact path may vary slightly depending on how the game was installed (e.g., standalone, via Steam, or through a custom launcher).

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🔍 Locating DELTARUNE Save Files on Windows

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open File Explorer
2. In the address bar, type:

   %APPDATA%\DELTARUNE\

and press Enter.

3. This will open the folder where all local game data is stored.

Expected Files:

• file_0.sav – Slot 1 save file
• file_1.sav – Slot 2 save file
• file_2.sav – Slot 3 save file
• settings.ini – Audio, display, and control preferences
• error.log – Game crash logs (useful for debugging)

⚠️ Warning: Modifying or deleting these files can affect your progress or cause unexpected behavior. Always make backups before editing.

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🔐 Protecting Your Save Files: Best Practices

1. Manual Backup Strategy

To prevent losing progress due to crashes, hardware failure, or accidental deletion:

Steps:

1. Navigate to the save folder as shown above.
2. Copy all .sav files to a secure location (e.g., external drive, cloud storage).
3. Label them clearly (e.g., save_slot_1_backup_YYYYMMDD.sav).
4. Repeat periodically, especially before major story points or after completing important segments.

💡 Tip: Create a batch script or shortcut to automate this process if you’re tech-savvy.

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2. Use Cloud Services (Workaround)

While DELTARUNE does not natively support cloud saving, you can simulate it using symbolic links or syncing tools.

Example: Sync Save Folder with OneDrive or Dropbox

1. Move the entire DELTARUNE folder to your cloud storage directory.
2. Create a symbolic link pointing from the original location to the new one.

mklink /J "%APPDATA%\DELTARUNE" "D:\CloudStorage\DELTARUNE_Save"

⚠️ Ensure the game is closed when syncing or modifying files to avoid conflicts or corruption.

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3. Version Control (Advanced Users)

For developers or enthusiasts, version control systems like Git can be used to track changes to save files:

1. Initialize a Git repository inside your save folder.
2. Commit each save state with a meaningful message.
3. Use branches to manage multiple playthroughs or test scenarios.

📌 This method is ideal for modders, speedrunners, or those interested in deep analysis of save states.

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🔄 Transferring Save Files Between Devices

If you want to continue playing on another PC or share progress with a friend:

Steps:

1. Locate the .sav files on the source machine.
2. Copy them to a USB drive or cloud service.
3. On the target machine, navigate to the same save folder (%APPDATA%\DELTARUNE\).
4. Replace existing .sav files (back them up first) with the copied ones.

✅ Ensure both machines are running the same version of the game. Version mismatches may cause load failures or data corruption.

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🛠 Troubleshooting Save Issues

Common Problems:

• Save file not loading: Try restarting the game or restoring from backup.
• Corrupted .sav files: Check the error.log for clues. Replacing with a backup usually resolves the issue.
• Missing save folder: Run the game at least once to generate the necessary files.
• Permission errors: Take ownership of the folder or run the game as administrator.

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🧪 Developer-Level Insights

For modders or reverse engineers, understanding the structure of the .sav files can be useful. While DELTARUNE’s save format is not publicly documented, preliminary analysis suggests they contain:

• Binary-encoded player stats
• Inventory data
• Dialogue flags
• World state information

Modding communities have begun developing tools to parse and edit these files safely, though caution is advised to avoid breaking game logic or triggering anti-cheat mechanisms.

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✅ Conclusion

Understanding where DELTARUNE stores its save files and knowing how to secure and manage them effectively is crucial for preserving your progress and enhancing your gaming experience. Whether you’re a casual player looking to back up your saves or an advanced user exploring file manipulation, this guide provides the technical foundation needed to take control of your game data.

From manual backups to symbolic linking and version control, implementing a robust save management strategy ensures you’ll never lose your progress again — even if the world turns upside down.

By combining standard file management techniques with thoughtful planning, you can turn what might seem like a simple save folder into a powerful tool for exploration, testing, and storytelling within DELTARUNE.