Red Dead Redemption 2 uses a Rockstar profile directory rather than a simple shared folder of anonymous saves. The profile identity is therefore part of the backup context. For a dependable archive, close the game and launcher, copy the complete profile directory, and label the copy with the Rockstar account and date. If you later restore manually, watch for cloud synchronization that can replace the local files with a different remote revision.
Identify the exact save you intend to edit
The researched Red Dead Redemption 2 PC save location is Windows: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsRockstar GamesRed Dead Redemption 2Profiles<user-id> | Linux / Steam Play: Steam Play: <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/1174180/pfx/. Known file/folder pattern: SRDR3* Story Mode save records. Storefront context: Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, Epic Games Launcher. Steam/Epic launches still involve Rockstar account/profile services. Back up the Rockstar profile corresponding to the account used by the game. Do not edit a similarly named file from a different profile, edition, or cloud cache.
Make an untouched backup first
Copy the entire Red Dead Redemption 2 profile folder with the game and launcher closed. Keep that copy outside the live save directory and do not overwrite it with later experiments. Cloud context: Rockstar launcher synchronization can affect local Story Mode files. Let synchronization settle before capturing or restoring a backup. If a launcher can synchronize the save, prevent it from silently replacing either the original or edited copy while testing.
Understand the format boundary
Story Mode progress is stored in the Rockstar profile directory. The profile contains save-slot records and related profile files; the directory is a safer backup unit than one guessed filename. File-extension context: No single extension is sufficient to identify every relevant save record. Compatibility note: Do not assume files from a different Rockstar profile are portable merely because the game recognizes the filename pattern. These facts help identify the save but do not automatically reveal every field, checksum, encryption rule, or version-specific structure inside it.
Use only a Tool whose claim matches the file
Generic viewers and diff tools can inspect bytes without claiming game-specific semantics. A game-specific editor should be used only when its Tool page explicitly lists Red Dead Redemption 2, a matching supported version/container, and a Verified operational runtime. A planned URL or Game Hub is not evidence that an editor exists.
Test the edited copy safely
Write to a new output file when the Tool supports it, keep the original backup, restore the edited copy into the correct profile/storefront location, and launch the game only after the file operation finishes. If the game rejects it, If restored saves disappear, compare the active Rockstar account/profile and cloud timestamps. Preserve both the manual backup and current synchronized copy until recovery is complete. Return to the untouched backup before trying another change.
Verification context: Windows and Steam Play save locations were reviewed against current PCGamingWiki coverage for Red Dead Redemption 2. The Game Hub makes no game-specific editing claim.