The exact path depends on:
Some developers distribute Ren’Py games as “portable” archives (no installer). In that case, saves are often stored , under game/saves/ . This is intentional for USB drives. If you see a game folder next to the executable, check there first.
If you can't find the folder, open the game and look at the "About" or "Preferences" screen; some developers include a "Open Save Directory" button. You can also search your computer for a file named persistent , which is the core file Ren'Py uses to track unlocks and progress across all save slots.
While Ren'Py often saves games in a standard location, it can vary based on your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and how the developer configured the game. 1. Where Are Ren'Py Save Files Located? (Quick Summary)
The easiest method is manual file transfer: simply copy your game's entire subfolder from the master RenPy directory on your old computer to the same location on your new one. Make sure the game is not running on either computer when you do this. renpy game save location
Sometimes developers choose to keep saves local to the game itself:
There are two common exceptions where developers change the default save location:
%APPDATA%/RenPy/ (usually C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\RenPy\ )
Multiple users on the same computer can have separate save files. The exact path depends on: Some developers distribute
A File Explorer window will open. Locate and open the folder named .
Whether you're backing up a 100-hour visual novel journey or helping a friend recover their progress, this guide provides all the information you need to locate, manage, and protect your Ren'Py game saves.
If this folder exists and contains .save files, the developer changed the default behavior, and your progress is entirely self-contained within the game folder. 6. What Do the Different Files Mean?
A: Yes. By modifying the config.save_directory variable in the game's script, a developer can force the engine to save files to a custom location. For example, setting config.save_directory = None will cause saves to be stored directly in a saves folder inside the game's directory, bypassing the OS user folder. If you see a game folder next to
~/.renpy/game_name/
. You will see folders named after the specific games you've played. Open Finder, select "Go to Folder," and enter ~/Library/RenPy/ or sometimes ~/.local/share/RenPy/ 2. The Game Directory (The "Old School" Way)
Want to change the save location? Use config.save_directory in options.rpy :