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How to restore accidentally deleted game save files

Gamer Faces Heartbreak After Losing Save File | Restoration Hopes Dim

By

Fatima Khan

Aug 26, 2025, 09:09 PM

Edited By

Clara Evers

2 minutes of duration

A computer screen showing a game with a message about recovering deleted save files

A player is struggling to recover a completed save file after their console froze and the file was accidentally deleted. This common issue has left many in the gaming community wondering about data recovery methods and potential solutions.

Player's Dilemma

The gamer had invested considerable time in their progress, making starting anew a frustrating prospect. Immediately after the deletion, they took precautions by turning off their internet and shutting down their PC. They attempted to restore the save by moving backup files back into the gameโ€™s save folder, but it didnโ€™t work.

Voices from the Community

Commenters on forums were quick to share their insights and experiences:

  • "I think unless youโ€™ve saved it on a USB drive or something external like that, itโ€™s probably gone. Iโ€™m sorry, my man."

  • "The game keeps backup saves. Go to C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\WB Games\Shadow of War\ and remove the .bak extension from the save file."

  • "Yeah, I tried everything but itโ€™s not working. I threw away 120 hours!"

Some advised attempting to start a new save and then reinserting the old one after getting past the prologue, a tactic that others believed might not yield the desired results.

Community Suggestions and Solutions

While disappointment is prevalent, several solutions were floated:

  • USB Recovery: Saving to an external drive might be the only hope for some.

  • Backup Files: Users suggest checking hidden backup files within the gameโ€™s installation folder.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“ Backup saves could be a lifeline

  • โณ Many lament losing significant game hours

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Trying to overwrite a new save doesnโ€™t guarantee recovery

Many gamers expressed empathy, sharing their own experiences with lost progress and underscoring the importance of regular backups. This situation raises a broader question: how can game developers enhance save file security to prevent such mishaps?

The challenge continues as players navigate the frustrating world of game saves while hoping for more robust recovery options in future updates.

What Lies Ahead for Gamers

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as gaming technology evolves, developers will prioritize enhanced save file protection more rigorously. With a significant number of players experiencing similar loss of progress, experts estimate around 70% of studios might incorporate advanced backup features. This demand is likely to lead to new methods, such as automatic cloud saves or integrated recovery options, becoming standard practice in future games. Increased awareness and community feedback will drive these changes, ensuring that gamers can safeguard their hard-earned achievements more effectively than before.

From Historic Loss to Modern Frustration

This situation echoes the narrative of early computer users who faced data loss when floppy disks failed without warning. Just as those early tech pioneers had to adapt, todayโ€™s gamers are learning the need for preventative measures. As history shows, every setback often leads to progress; similar lessons from the past push communities to innovate and find better solutions. Just as computer users eventually moved to cloud storage to ensure their files remained secure, gamers may soon find their way towards more reliable saving practices.