Palworld worlds are multi-file save directories, so the world folder—not Level.sav alone—is the useful backup unit. Steam stores the data under the account-scoped `PalSavedSaveGames` tree and Steam Cloud is configured to recurse through .sav files there. Because the game also keeps local backup subdirectories, recovery can involve several generations of the same world. Copy the entire live world directory somewhere safe before testing any backup generation, and keep Xbox/Microsoft Store containers separate from Steam files unless a dedicated conversion workflow is used.
Prepare the source PC
On the source system, identify the actual Palworld save root: Windows: Steam: %LOCALAPPDATA%PalSavedSaveGames<64BitSteamID> | Linux / Steam Play: Steam Play follows the Windows path inside the Proton prefix for app 1623730.. The expected file/folder pattern is Level.sav
LevelMeta.sav
Players*.sav
backup…. Close the game, let the active launcher finish writing and synchronizing, then make a complete offline copy rather than transferring a file that may still be open.
Preserve storefront and profile identity
Documented storefronts: Steam, Microsoft Store / Xbox app. The Steam version exposes normal files under LocalAppData. The Xbox/Microsoft Store release uses a different packaged/WGS storage model; do not rename those container files into Steam .sav files without a dedicated extractor/converter. A transfer between two PCs is simplest when both systems use the same storefront/account/profile context. If the destination uses a different store or container, treat that as a migration problem rather than an ordinary restore.
Move the complete save boundary
Copy the complete world directory and its Players/backup subdirectories. Keep at least one dated backup outside the live Pal directory. Put the copied data on the destination only after confirming the destination save path. If the game creates a new empty save first, keep that new folder as another backup so you can compare structures and revert.
Handle cloud sync deliberately
Steam Cloud is configured for the SaveGames account directory. Cloud sync can propagate a damaged or unwanted local revision, so manual offline backups remain valuable. Decide whether the local transferred copy or cloud copy should be authoritative before launching the game. If possible, preserve both. After the transferred save loads correctly, make a fresh in-game save and let the launcher synchronize normally.
Check compatibility before blaming the transfer
Steam Cloud configuration points to the Pal/Saved/SaveGames account folder and recursively includes .sav files. World directories can contain Level.sav, LevelMeta.sav, player saves, and built-in backup subdirectories. Compatibility note: Single-player/local-co-op worlds, dedicated-server worlds, Steam account data, and Xbox/Microsoft Store containers are related but not identical migration targets. If the destination does not see the transferred progress, If a world disappears after a crash, preserve the entire current directory before inspecting the built-in backup subfolders. Do not overwrite every backup with the newest copy until one has been confirmed working. Verify game edition/version, store, profile IDs, redirected folders, and mod/DLC dependencies before editing the save itself.
Verification context: The Steam path and recursive .sav cloud pattern were reviewed against current SteamDB configuration. The documented LocalAppData path is independently corroborated by current PC backup references.