Save File Locations for Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2 save files are stored in specific locations depending on the operating system or platform used. The save data is organized in folders that often include the player’s unique ID, ensuring distinct file management for different users. Accessing these paths is essential for backing up, transferring, or modifying saves.
Save Files on Windows
On Windows, Borderlands 2 save files are located within the Documents folder. The full path is:
%UserProfile%\Documents\My Games\Borderlands 2\WillowGame\SaveData
Inside the SaveData folder, there is at least one subfolder named after the player’s Steam ID or account identifier.
Players can open this directory quickly by pressing Windows + R, pasting the path, and clicking OK.
Additionally, if the game is installed via Steam, Steam stores cloud backups of save data, which sync automatically when connected to the internet. This cloud save feature supports data recovery and multi-device access but does not replace local saves.
Save Data on Mac
For Mac users, Borderlands 2 save files reside in the Application Support folder. The path is:
~/Library/Application Support/Borderlands 2/WillowGame/SaveData
Players can locate it through Finder using Command + Shift + G and entering the above path.
Within the SaveData folder, subdirectories reflect Steam account IDs, just as in the Windows version.
Mac users also benefit from Steam Cloud save functionality if they run the game via Steam, which provides online backup and synchronization alongside local saves.
Linux Save File Path
On Linux systems, Borderlands 2 save files are stored under the user’s local share directory. The exact path is:
~/.local/share/aspyr-media/borderlands 2/willowgame/savedata
Within the savedata folder, one or more subfolders correspond to the Steam64ID of the player.
This location applies specifically to Linux installations via Steam or Aspyr Media’s distribution.
Linux users should ensure that the .local and hidden directories are visible in their file manager to access these files.
Save Files on Consoles
Borderlands 2 save files on consoles such as PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are managed differently. These platforms store saves within their respective system storage environments, often not directly accessible via file explorers.
Players typically back up or transfer saves using the console’s built-in tools or external storage devices approved by the platform.
Unlike PC versions, console game saves are integrated with user profiles tied to the console’s network accounts, such as PlayStation Network or Xbox Live.
Cloud saves may also be supported on consoles with active subscriptions, providing additional backup options and cross-device syncing.
Managing and Backing Up Borderlands 2 Save Files
Proper management of Borderlands 2 save files involves creating backups, transferring files between different platforms, and handling cloud saves to avoid data loss or conflicts. Understanding these processes helps ensure game progress remains secure and accessible across devices.
How to Backup and Restore Saves
Borderlands 2 save files are located at Documents\My Games\Borderlands 2\WillowGame\SaveData\<SteamID>. Players should regularly copy this entire folder to an external drive or another safe location to prevent accidental data loss.
Restore backups by replacing the current save files with the copied versions. For additional safety, the game creates backup files named similar to Save0001.sav.bak. Removing the .bak extension allows manual restoration of previous save states.
Windows users can also utilize the Previous Versions feature by right-clicking the save folder, selecting Properties, and choosing an earlier version to restore. This requires that System Restore or File History was enabled prior to the file being overwritten.
Transferring Save Files Between Platforms
Transferring Borderlands 2 save files between platforms such as Steam and Epic Games requires manual copying of save data. Both platforms store saves in similar folder structures, but each uses a unique identifier folder (e.g., a Steam ID).
To transfer, copy everything from the source folder, including files like profile.bin, Save0001.sav, and backups, then paste them into the destination platform’s save folder. This allows the game to recognize characters and preferences on the new platform.
It is crucial to back up all relevant files before transferring. Note that achievements or cloud synchronization may not fully transfer between platforms, and some achievements might not register correctly on the new platform.
Cloud Saves and Conflict Resolution
Borderlands 2 supports Steam Cloud Saves when connected online, providing an additional layer of backup. Cloud saves synchronize progress and allow access to the same save file on multiple devices.
Conflicts can arise if local and cloud saves differ. To resolve this, players must choose which save to prioritize—local or cloud—usually prompted at game launch. It is advisable to regularly back up local saves to avoid data loss during synchronization.
When transferring saves or dealing with cloud saves, players should be cautious as overwriting files might cause loss of recent progress. Keeping multiple backups minimizes this risk and protects game progression.
