Back up the account folder with both SinglePlayer and Multiplayer branches as needed. For co-op, identify the host because the host save carries the persistent world state.
Where The Forest stores PC saves
The researched save-location boundary is Windows: %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowSKSTheForest<account-id>. The known file or folder pattern is SinglePlayer and Multiplayer save-slot directories. 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. The active Steam 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
Steam Cloud can synchronize the LocalLow data; multiplayer host saves remain different from a joining client's state. 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
The Forest stores local progression under LocalLow in account-specific single-player/multiplayer trees. A slot is a directory of related files, not one standalone save. The current filename/folder evidence is SinglePlayer and Multiplayer save-slot directories. 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 The Forest. 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 The Forest: Windows: %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowSKSTheForest<account-id> The recorded file or folder pattern is SinglePlayer and Multiplayer save-slot directories. 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.