Horizon Zero Dawn keeps the working save set in Documents. Before New Game+ preparation, modding, or migration, preserve the entire Saved Game directory rather than only the most recent checkpoint.
Where Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition stores PC saves
The researched save-location boundary is Windows: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsHorizon Zero DawnSaved Game. The known file or folder pattern is manual/autosave checkpoint folders and profile records. 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, Epic Games Store, GOG. The active Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG installation determines which local profile and cloud copy can overwrite the save. Identify the storefront and account before restoring files. 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
Cloud support is storefront-specific; manual backups should be taken after synchronization completes. 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
Horizon Zero Dawn groups checkpoints in a Saved Game directory. Preserve the full directory so slot/checkpoint metadata remains aligned. The current filename/folder evidence is manual/autosave checkpoint folders and profile records. File-extension context: No single extension is sufficient to identify every relevant save record. 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 progress is missing after a restore, confirm the active Windows account, storefront/profile, cloud state, and exact directory first. Restore the untouched backup before experimenting with individual files or older autosaves. 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: Windows save location, file-boundary, launcher/cloud, and backup notes were reviewed against the linked game-specific references for Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition. This Game Hub is documentation only and does not claim a new game-specific Save Editor.
Recorded Phase 40 evidence boundary
This Phase 40 entry is grounded in the researched PC save boundary for Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition: Windows: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsHorizon Zero DawnSaved Game The recorded file or folder pattern is manual/autosave checkpoint folders and profile records. These concrete identifiers are retained so backup, transfer, recovery, and editing preparation remain tied to the documented game/storefront context instead of a generic extension guess.