Edited By
Clara Evers

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.
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 gameโs save folder, but it didnโt work.
Commenters on forums were quick to share their insights and experiences:
"I think unless youโve saved it on a USB drive or something external like that, itโs probably gone. Iโm 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 itโs 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.
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 gameโs installation folder.
๐ Backup saves could be a lifeline
โณ Many lament losing significant game hours
๐ก Trying to overwrite a new save doesnโt 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.
Thereโs 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.
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, todayโs 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.