Valheim Save File Location (Windows, macOS & Linux)

Valheim stores its save files at %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local 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 Valheim saves are stored

  • Windows%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local
  • macOS~/Library/Application Support/IronGate/Valheim/worlds_local
  • Linux~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim/worlds_local

The save data here is .db / .fwl / .old 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%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local, and press Enter (the AppData folder is hidden in Explorer, which is why this path is so easy to miss — pasting it skips the hunt).
  • macOS — in Finder press Cmd+Shift+G (Go to Folder) and paste ~/Library/Application Support/IronGate/Valheim/worlds_local.

Backing up Valheim saves automatically

  1. Install Checkpoint64 (free) and pick Valheim — 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.

For the deeper story — how Valheim saves break and how rollback works — read the full Valheim save backup guide.

Common questions

Where does Valheim store save files on Windows?

Valheim keeps its saves at %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local. AppData is a hidden folder — paste the path into Explorer or the Win+R box to jump straight there. Checkpoint64 already knows this path and backs the folder up automatically.

Can I back up Valheim saves automatically?

Yes — Checkpoint64 watches Valheim'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 Valheim save?

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