Stellaris Save File Location (Windows, macOS & Linux)

Stellaris stores its save files at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games on Windows. Checkpoint64 already knows this folder — it backs it up automatically and keeps every version, so a corrupted or overwritten save is one click from restored.

Where Stellaris saves are stored

  • Windows — %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games
  • macOS — ~/Documents/Paradox Interactive/Stellaris/save games
  • Linux — ~/.local/share/Paradox Interactive/Stellaris/save games

The save data here is .sav files — back up the folder as a set, not single files, so a restore always keeps them consistent.

How to open the save folder

  • Windows — press Win+R, paste %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games, and press Enter.
  • macOS — in Finder press Cmd+Shift+G (Go to Folder) and paste ~/Documents/Paradox Interactive/Stellaris/save games.

Backing up Stellaris saves automatically

  1. Install Checkpoint64 (free) and pick Stellaris — the save path above is already preset.
  2. Auto-backup watches the folder and uploads a new version whenever it changes, keeping full history.
  3. Restore any version in one click if a save corrupts, gets overwritten, or a mod breaks it.

Common questions

Where does Stellaris store save files on Windows?

Stellaris keeps its saves at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games. Checkpoint64 already knows this path and backs the folder up automatically.

Can I back up Stellaris saves automatically?

Yes — Checkpoint64 watches Stellaris's save folder and uploads a new version every time it changes, so you get automatic backups with full version history. Free download for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How do I restore an earlier Stellaris save?

With Checkpoint64, open the save's version list and restore any earlier version in one click — it puts those exact files back in Stellaris's save folder. Without a backup tool there's usually nothing to go back to: the folder only holds the latest files.