Dead Cells has several legitimate Windows save roots depending on storefront, which makes timestamps and launcher context more useful than the filename alone. Steam users should preserve app ID 588650 remote data; other editions may write under the install directory or LocalAppData. The save set also includes customGameData JSON separate from user_*.dat. SaveEditor recommends backing up both categories so a restored profile does not silently lose custom-mode configuration.
Where Dead Cells stores PC saves
The researched save-location boundary is Windows: Steam: <Steam-folder>userdata<user-id>588650remote ; Microsoft Store: %LOCALAPPDATA%PackagesMotionTwin.DeadCellsWin10_rtjy889c6zgtgLocalCacheLocalMotionTwinDeadCells ; other desktop builds may use <path-to-game>save. The known file or folder pattern is user_*.dat and customGameData_*.json. This is the practical starting point because launcher, profile, and storefront context can change which copy is active even when two folders look similar.
Storefront and profile differences
Documented launchers or storefronts: Steam, GOG, Epic Games Launcher, EA app, Microsoft Store. The exact path depends strongly on storefront. Preserve both user_*.dat and customGameData_*.json if you want the same profile plus custom-game settings. When looking for a missing save, identify the executable/storefront you actually launched and the user/profile that created the progress before copying anything between directories.
Cloud synchronization
Steam Cloud, GOG Galaxy, Epic, EA, and Xbox Cloud are documented depending on edition. A cloud service should be treated as another copy of the save, not as proof that the local folder is disposable. Before a manual restore, let synchronization finish, make an offline backup, and avoid starting the game while files are being replaced.
What the files represent
Dead Cells stores player data and custom-game configuration separately. Steam uses app-ID remote storage, while other desktop releases can use the installation save directory and Microsoft Store uses package-local/WGS-style storage. The current filename/folder evidence is user_*.dat and customGameData_*.json. File-extension context: .dat, .json A location guide does not claim that every file in the directory is safe to edit or that files from another storefront are automatically interchangeable.
If the save is not where expected
If the wrong profile appears, check whether the game is using Steam remote, LocalAppData, or an install-folder save. Then compare timestamps before overwriting anything. Also check redirected Documents folders, Steam Play prefixes, account IDs, and launcher-specific containers where applicable. Preserve every candidate copy before testing a restore so troubleshooting does not destroy the only surviving version.
Verification context: Reviewed against current PCGamingWiki Dead Cells save paths and file patterns.