Borderlands 4, developed by Gearbox Software using Unreal Engine 5, saves all player progress and settings in specific locations on a computer. For Windows users, the save files are found in the Documents folder under My Games\Borderlands 4\Saved\SaveGames. This folder contains all character data, mission progress, and custom settings, making it critical for backups and data transfers.
On Linux systems running the game via Steam Play with Proton, save files and configuration data are stored within the SteamLibrary folder under steamapps/compatdata/1285190/pfx. Accessing these locations allows players to protect their progress, customize configurations beyond the game menu, and easily move data between devices.
Understanding where these files reside helps players avoid data loss and troubleshoot potential issues. Knowing this also facilitates smooth transitions when upgrading hardware or reinstalling the game.
Key Takeaways
- Save files are stored in the Documents\My Games\Borderlands 4 folder on Windows.
- Linux users find their saves inside the Steam compatibility prefix directory.
- Access to these files enables backup, transfer, and configuration management.
Save File Locations and Access Methods
Borderlands 4 save files are stored in specific directories depending on the platform used. Accessing these files typically involves navigating system folders or using file explorer tools. Understanding these locations is important for backup, transfer, or manual modification of save data.
Default Save Game Directory
The default save game directory for Borderlands 4 on Windows is located under the user’s Documents folder. Specifically, save files reside in:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\My Games\Borderlands 4\Saved\SaveGames
This folder contains multiple profiles and character save files. Each save file is stored in individual subfolders identified by unique IDs. The structure allows for easy backups and manual file management without interfering with game operation.
The save files typically have a .sav extension, sometimes with temporary or backup suffixes, which indicates active or incomplete saves. Users should avoid modifying these files while the game is running.
Save File Location for Steam
When playing Borderlands 4 via Steam, the save file location remains consistent with the default directory under the Documents folder. Steam does not alter the local save path but often syncs these files to the Steam Cloud for backup and cross-device access.
The path is:
%userprofile%\Documents\My Games\Borderlands 4\Saved\SaveGames
Steam Cloud synchronization automatically updates save data in this folder, ensuring backups. Users who wish to manually backup saves or transfer them between systems can navigate directly to this folder using environment variables like %userprofile% in Windows Explorer.
Save File Location for Epic Games Store
For users playing Borderlands 4 on the Epic Games Store, the save game files are stored in the same directory as the default Windows path, within the user’s Documents folder. Epic Games Store does not relocate these files to the program installation folder or a different directory.
The precise location is:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\My Games\Borderlands 4\Saved\SaveGames
This consistency simplifies managing save files across different PC platforms. Epic Games Store players should ensure to back up these files regularly as automatic cloud saves for Borderlands 4 may not be as reliably supported compared to Steam.
How to Access Save Files Using Windows Explorer
To access Borderlands 4 save files using Windows Explorer, a user can open Explorer and navigate directly to the save directory. Typing the following into the address bar allows fast access:
%userprofile%\Documents\My Games\Borderlands 4\Saved\SaveGames
This macro automatically expands to the user-specific folder on the system. Inside, each save folder corresponds to individual characters or profiles.
Users can copy, move, or back up the files manually. It is recommended to close the game before making changes. Setting file permissions or marking the .ini configuration files as “Read Only” prevents unintended alteration of settings but does not apply to save files themselves.
Cloud Sync, Backup, and Cross-Device Play
Borderlands 4 save files benefit from several features that help preserve progress and enable play across devices. Cloud synchronization allows automatic backups, while Steam’s Family Sharing offers limited save game sharing. Controller compatibility is enhanced by Steam Input for a flexible gameplay experience.
Steam Cloud Functionality
Steam Cloud automatically stores Borderlands 4 save files on remote servers, ensuring progress is backed up without manual intervention. When a player logs into their Steam account on any device, their saves download automatically, allowing seamless continuation of gameplay.
This feature requires a stable internet connection and Steam Cloud enabled in the game’s properties. If Steam Cloud is disabled, saves remain local, risking data loss. Players should verify cloud sync status in Steam settings and confirm their save files are uploading correctly.
Steam Cloud also handles save conflicts by prompting players to choose between the local or cloud version, helping prevent accidental overwrites.
Family Sharing and Game Progress Sync
Steam Family Sharing enables users to share access to Borderlands 4 with other accounts on the same device or different devices. However, save file sharing across accounts is not automatic; each account maintains its own separate save data.
If multiple users play on the same machine, their saves remain isolated. To share progress between family members or friends, manual transfer of save files is required, which involves locating the local save folder and copying files between profiles.
This limitation means Family Sharing supports shared gameplay access but does not synchronize save progress across users or devices.
Controller Support and Steam Input
Borderlands 4 offers broad controller compatibility, enhanced through Steam Input technology. Steam Input allows players to customize button mappings, create action layers, and switch between control schemes dynamically.
Using Steam Input, players can configure various controllers (Xbox, PlayStation, or generic gamepads) to work smoothly with Borderlands 4 without needing separate drivers. It also supports custom profiles, useful for personalizing gameplay or adjusting controls for different devices.
This flexibility improves the user experience, especially for players moving between PCs or platforms, ensuring consistent control regardless of hardware.
