Save and Version Guide
How to reduce the risk of losing progress when changing devices, installations, or game versions.
Why Save Problems Happen
A save can appear to be missing or unusable after a version change, a file move, an incomplete transfer, or a damaged installation. The safest response is to preserve the original data first and investigate compatibility second.
| Situation | First thing to check |
|---|---|
| Save is not visible | Check the expected save location and whether the file was moved or renamed. |
| Save stopped working after an update | Compare the old and new versions before replacing the save. |
| Progress moved to another device | Confirm the transfer copied the complete save file rather than a shortcut or partial folder. |
| Several saves are affected | Check whether the installation or version changed rather than assuming every save is damaged. |
Backup Method
- Record the game version associated with the working save.
- Copy the save to a separate backup location.
- Do not modify the backup while testing.
- Make the installation or version change.
- Test the game before restoring anything.
- Keep the original backup until the new setup is confirmed.
Version Checks Before Updating
When a new release is installed, note both the previous version and the new version. This small piece of information can explain why an older save behaves differently after an update.
A release-history reference such as Summertime Saga Version History can provide additional context when comparing release changes.
Moving a Save Between Installations
Do not overwrite the only copy of a working save during a transfer. Keep the original separate, place the copied file in the expected location for the destination installation, and test the destination before deleting anything from the source.
When a Save Looks Corrupted
Stop making changes to the original file. If another backup exists, test the backup separately. Record what changed immediately before the problem appeared. This creates a useful timeline and prevents several experimental fixes from overwriting the evidence.
For more detailed save-compatibility notes, SaveCraft Notes is a related reference.