Elden Ring DLC: Where To Find Save Files & How To Download
Hey guys, are you ready to dive back into the Lands Between with the highly anticipated Elden Ring DLC? I know I am! But before you jump in, it's super important to make sure your save files are in order. Nobody wants to lose hours of progress, right? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Elden Ring save files, including where to find them, how to back them up, and even where you might be able to download them if you're starting fresh or ran into a snag.
Understanding Elden Ring Save Files
First things first, let's talk about how Elden Ring handles save data. Unlike some older games, Elden Ring doesn't give you a ton of manual save slots. The game primarily uses a single, continuous save file that automatically updates as you play. This means that every action you take, every enemy you defeat, and every item you collect is instantly recorded. While this system is generally reliable, it also means that mistakes can be harder to undo. That's why understanding where your save files are located and how to back them up is crucial, especially with a big DLC release on the horizon. You want to ensure that your precious Tarnished is ready to face whatever new challenges await without the risk of losing all your hard-earned progress. The save file contains all the details about your character, including their level, stats, equipment, story progression, and even your map discoveries. Essentially, it's the digital embodiment of your entire Elden Ring journey. Losing it would be like losing your personal legend, and we definitely don't want that to happen. Also, it's worth noting that Elden Ring's save system is tied to your platform account (like Steam or PlayStation Network). This means you can usually access your save data on different devices as long as you're logged into the same account. However, cross-platform save transfers are generally not supported, so keep that in mind if you're planning to switch from PC to console, or vice versa. Knowing these basic facts about Elden Ring's save system will help you better manage your game data and avoid any potential headaches down the line. So, with that out of the way, let's get into the nitty-gritty of finding and backing up your save files.
Locating Your Elden Ring Save File
Okay, so where exactly are these precious save files hiding? The location differs depending on your platform, so let's break it down:
PC (Steam)
For those of you playing on PC through Steam, your Elden Ring save files are typically located in the following directory:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing
Replace [YourUsername] with your actual Windows username. Now, this folder might seem a bit hidden, and that's because the AppData folder is often hidden by default. To make it visible, you'll need to go to your File Explorer settings and enable the option to show hidden files and folders. Once you've done that, you should be able to navigate to the directory above and find your Elden Ring save folder. Inside the EldenRing folder, you'll likely see another folder with a long string of numbers. This folder is specific to your Steam account and contains your actual save files. The main save file you're looking for is usually named something like ER0000.sl2. This file contains all your game progress, so treat it with care! It's a good idea to create a backup of this file before making any major changes to your game or installing any mods. Simply copy the ER0000.sl2 file to a safe location, like an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. That way, if anything goes wrong, you can always restore your save and pick up right where you left off. And speaking of backups, let's talk more about why they're so important.
PlayStation 4 & 5
On PlayStation, things are a bit more streamlined thanks to the console's built-in save management system. Your Elden Ring save data is stored on your console's hard drive, and you can access it through the Settings menu. To find your save data, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Elden Ring. From here, you can copy your save data to a USB drive or upload it to PlayStation Plus cloud storage (if you're a subscriber). The PlayStation Plus cloud storage is particularly convenient because it automatically backs up your save data to the cloud, so you don't have to worry about manually copying it. However, it's still a good idea to occasionally create a manual backup to a USB drive, just in case something goes wrong with the cloud storage. Keep in mind that save data is linked to your PlayStation Network account, so you'll need to be logged in to access it. Also, be aware that you can't directly access the save files in the same way as on PC. The PlayStation's save management system is designed to be user-friendly, but it also limits your control over the save files themselves. Despite these limitations, the PlayStation's save management system is generally reliable and easy to use. Just make sure you have enough storage space on your console or USB drive, and you should be able to back up your Elden Ring save data without any problems. And remember, backing up your saves is always a good idea, especially before a major DLC release. You never know what might happen, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Xbox One & Series X/S
Similar to PlayStation, Xbox consoles use a cloud-based save system. Your Elden Ring save data is automatically stored in the cloud, and you can access it on any Xbox console as long as you're logged into your Xbox Live account. This makes it incredibly easy to switch between consoles or continue your game on a friend's console. However, it's still a good idea to occasionally check that your save data is properly syncing to the cloud. To do this, go to Settings > System > Storage > Manage Storage > View Contents > Elden Ring. Here, you should see your save data listed, along with its size and last modified date. If you notice any discrepancies or errors, you can try manually syncing your save data to the cloud. Keep in mind that you need an active Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to use the cloud save feature. Without a subscription, your save data will only be stored locally on your console. Also, like PlayStation, you can't directly access the save files on Xbox consoles. The save management system is designed to be seamless and automatic, but it also limits your control over the save files themselves. Despite these limitations, the Xbox's cloud save system is generally very reliable and convenient. As long as you have an active subscription and a stable internet connection, you should be able to back up and restore your Elden Ring save data without any problems. And as always, remember to check your save data before a major DLC release to ensure that everything is in order. After all, you don't want to miss out on any of the new content because of a corrupted or outdated save file. Now that we've covered how to locate your save files on each platform, let's talk about backing them up.
Backing Up Your Elden Ring Save File
Alright, you've found your save file – great job! Now, let's talk about backing it up. This is a critical step that can save you hours of frustration if anything goes wrong. Think of it as creating a safety net for your Elden Ring journey. There are a few different ways to back up your save file, depending on your platform:
Manual Backup (PC)
On PC, the simplest method is to manually copy your save file to a different location. This could be an external hard drive, a USB drive, or even a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. To do this, simply navigate to your save file directory (as described above) and copy the ER0000.sl2 file to your desired backup location. It's a good idea to create a new folder for your Elden Ring backups, and to name each backup with the date it was created. This will help you keep track of your different backups and ensure that you can easily restore the correct one if needed. For example, you might name your backup folder Elden Ring Save Backups, and then create subfolders like 2023-10-26 and 2023-11-15. When you copy your save file, make sure to close Elden Ring first. This will prevent any potential conflicts or data corruption. Once you've copied your save file, you can safely resume playing the game. It's a good idea to create a new backup every few hours of gameplay, or before attempting any risky actions, like fighting a particularly difficult boss or experimenting with mods. The more backups you have, the more options you'll have if something goes wrong. And remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your Elden Ring save data.
Cloud Storage
As mentioned earlier, both PlayStation and Xbox offer cloud storage options for game saves. If you're a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, your save data is automatically backed up to the cloud. However, it's still a good idea to occasionally check that your save data is properly syncing to the cloud, and to create manual backups to a USB drive as an extra precaution. Cloud storage is a convenient way to protect your save data, but it's not foolproof. There's always a chance that something could go wrong with the cloud service, or that your account could be compromised. That's why it's important to have multiple backups of your save data, including both cloud-based and local backups. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can ensure that your Elden Ring save data is safe and secure, no matter what happens. And that's definitely worth the peace of mind, especially with a major DLC release on the horizon.
Why Backups Matter
Why all the fuss about backups? Well, imagine this: you've spent countless hours exploring the Lands Between, leveling up your character, and collecting powerful weapons and armor. You're finally ready to face the final boss and claim the title of Elden Lord. But then, disaster strikes! Your computer crashes, your console malfunctions, or your save file becomes corrupted. Suddenly, all your progress is gone, and you have to start all over from scratch. Nightmare scenario, right? That's where backups come in. By creating regular backups of your save file, you can protect yourself from data loss and ensure that you can always restore your progress if something goes wrong. Backups can also be useful for other purposes, such as transferring your save data to a different computer or console, or experimenting with mods without risking your original save file. In short, backups are an essential part of any gamer's toolkit, and they're especially important for games like Elden Ring, where progress can be slow and time-consuming. So, don't wait until it's too late – start backing up your save file today!
Downloading Elden Ring Save Files: Proceed with Caution
Now, let's address the topic of downloading Elden Ring save files from the internet. While it might seem tempting to download a save file with a fully leveled character or specific items, I urge you to exercise extreme caution. Downloading files from untrusted sources can be risky, as they may contain malware or viruses that could harm your computer or compromise your personal information. Additionally, using downloaded save files can sometimes lead to compatibility issues or even trigger anti-cheat measures in the game. If you're considering downloading a save file, make sure to only download from reputable sources that you trust. Before using the save file, scan it with a reliable antivirus program to check for any potential threats. Also, be aware that using downloaded save files may violate the game's terms of service, so proceed at your own risk. While downloading save files can be a quick way to get ahead in the game, it's generally not worth the risk. It's much safer and more rewarding to earn your progress through your own efforts and to protect your save data with regular backups. If you're struggling with a particular part of the game, consider watching some gameplay videos or reading some guides online. There are plenty of resources available to help you improve your skills and overcome any challenges you may face. And remember, the journey is just as important as the destination in Elden Ring. So, take your time, explore the world, and enjoy the experience. In addition, using someone else's save file can diminish the sense of accomplishment and personal investment in the game. Elden Ring is designed to be a challenging but rewarding experience, and overcoming those challenges is part of what makes the game so enjoyable. By using a downloaded save file, you're essentially skipping over that process and missing out on the satisfaction of earning your own progress. Finally, it's worth noting that using downloaded save files can sometimes lead to a less stable or enjoyable gameplay experience. Save files may be incompatible with your version of the game, or they may contain glitches or bugs that can disrupt your progress. While downloading save files may seem like a quick and easy solution, it's important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before proceeding. In most cases, it's better to stick to your own save data and to protect it with regular backups. That way, you can enjoy Elden Ring the way it was meant to be played, without any unnecessary risks or complications.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about Elden Ring save files. Remember to locate your save file, back it up regularly, and exercise caution when downloading save files from the internet. With these tips, you'll be well-prepared to jump into the new Elden Ring DLC and continue your epic adventure in the Lands Between. Now go forth, Tarnished, and may your path be guided by grace! And seriously, don't forget to back up those saves – you'll thank me later!
