The Long Dark Save File Location
Last verified: 2026-09-14
Save file location (Windows (Steam)): %LOCALAPPDATA%\Hinterland\TheLongDark
- Windows (Steam)
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Hinterland\TheLongDark- Windows (Microsoft Store)
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\27620HinterlandStudio...\
Here's exactly where The Long Dark stores your survival saves on PC, how to open the folder, and how to back it up.
Save file locations
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Hinterland\TheLongDark
Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Hinterland\TheLongDark . Save slots are the files inside; keep the whole folder together.
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\27620HinterlandStudio...\
The Store build stores saves in a Packages sub-folder named for Hinterland Studio — browse into it via AppData\Local\Packages.
Cloud saves
The Long Dark uses Steam Cloud on Steam. Let the cloud sync finish before copying or restoring a save so a later sync doesn't overwrite your backup.
Moving to a new PC? Follow the step-by-step The Long Dark 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 %LOCALAPPDATA%\Hinterland\TheLongDark and press Enter.
- Copy the whole folder somewhere safe before editing or moving PCs.
Save problems & fixes
The Long Dark save is missing after an update
Confirm Steam Cloud finished downloading before you launched; if the folder is empty, restart Steam so it pulls the latest save.
The Long Dark run won't load / corrupt
Restore your backup copy of the TheLongDark folder, then verify integrity of game files on Steam (right-click → Properties → Installed Files).
FAQ
Where is The Long Dark save file on PC?
On Steam it's at C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Hinterland\TheLongDark. Paste %LOCALAPPDATA%\Hinterland\TheLongDark into the Run box to open it.
Where are The Long Dark saves on Microsoft Store?
Under C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Packages in a folder named for Hinterland Studio.
How do I back up a The Long Dark save?
Copy the TheLongDark folder from AppData\Local\Hinterland to a safe place. Let Steam Cloud finish syncing first.
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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.