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Game Hub / Save Reference

Factorio Save Files & Tools

Factorio PC save location, backup, file-format, launcher, cloud-sync, and compatibility reference. This Game Hub documents save-file facts without implying that a game-specific Save Editor is available.

PC

01 / Overview

Save reference at a glance.

Game Hubs separate documented save-file facts from actual Tool support. A Game Hub can be useful even when no custom editor exists.

Developer
Wube Software
Publisher
Wube Software
Platforms
PC
Save extensions
.zip

Factorio is straightforward to archive because each world save is itself a ZIP file, but the surrounding mod environment still matters. A user can copy one .zip and preserve the map bytes, yet later discover that required mods or versions are missing. SaveEditor recommends backing up the saves directory together with mod/version notes and checking whether the installation is standard or portable before assuming %APPDATA% is authoritative. The page deliberately separates ZIP structural validity from the game-level compatibility of the serialized factory.

For this PC reference, the documented storage is Windows: %APPDATA%Factoriosaves. The known file or folder pattern is Save games are ZIP archives, normally named <save-name>.zip.. Factorio’s standard user-data directory keeps saves as zip files. The archive contains the serialized map/state needed by the game, and the application directory can be relocated in portable/custom setups.

Backup guidance: Copy the entire saves directory and, for important modded factories, also preserve the mods folder and mod-list/version context. Keep the original .zip extension and avoid unpack/repack cycles unless required by a known workflow. Steam Cloud and GOG Galaxy cloud are documented. Launcher and cloud context matters because The default Windows root is AppData/Roaming, but ZIP/portable installations can use a local game data directory according to Factorio configuration.

Compatibility and recovery should stay conservative. A save can load differently or fail when required mods/versions are absent. The fact that the file is a valid ZIP archive does not guarantee semantic compatibility with another Factorio environment. If the expected progress is not visible, If a save is missing, verify whether the installation uses the standard user-data directory or a portable/custom write-data path. If loading fails, compare Factorio and mod versions. SaveEditor.com only labels a game-specific editor as available when a separate linked Tool has a verified operational runtime; this reference page by itself is not an editor claim.

Compatibility note

A save can load differently or fail when required mods/versions are absent. The fact that the file is a valid ZIP archive does not guarantee semantic compatibility with another Factorio environment.

02 / Save locations

Where the save files are stored.

Paths are displayed only when they have been explicitly documented for this Game Hub. Environment variables and launcher-specific differences should remain visible instead of being silently normalized.

Windows
%APPDATA%Factoriosaves

Launcher / edition differences

The default Windows root is AppData/Roaming, but ZIP/portable installations can use a local game data directory according to Factorio configuration.

03 / File format

Files, extensions, and format notes.

This section documents only known file names and structures. Format notes can later connect directly to SaveEditor.com parsers, checksum engines, and converters.

Extensions

.zip

File names / patterns

  • Save games are ZIP archives
  • normally named .zip.

Format notes

Factorio’s standard user-data directory keeps saves as zip files. The archive contains the serialized map/state needed by the game, and the application directory can be relocated in portable/custom setups.

Launchers / stores

Steam / GOG / standalone

Cloud save notes

Steam Cloud and GOG Galaxy cloud are documented.

04 / Tools

Actual linked Tool support.

No verified game-specific Save Editor is currently listed. This Game Hub remains useful for save locations, file details, backup guidance, and other linked utilities.

No active game-specific Tool is currently listed.

Planned and deprecated Tool records are intentionally excluded. The save-reference information on this page remains separate from Tool availability.

Browse all tools

05 / Backup

Protect the original before editing.

Save editing should be reversible. Keep an untouched copy outside the active save directory before replacing, converting, repairing, or modifying a save.

  1. 01
    Close the game.

    Avoid modifying a save while the game or launcher may still be writing to it.

  2. 02
    Copy the entire relevant save set.

    Some games use multiple files, profile folders, metadata, or companion files rather than one isolated save.

  3. 03
    Store the backup elsewhere.

    Use a separate folder or archive so cloud sync or the game cannot overwrite the untouched backup.

  4. 04
    Edit a copy, then validate.

    Follow the exact compatibility and processing notes on the Tool page before replacing the active save.

Game-specific backup note

Copy the entire saves directory and, for important modded factories, also preserve the mods folder and mod-list/version context. Keep the original .zip extension and avoid unpack/repack cycles unless required by a known workflow.

06 / Troubleshooting

When a save is missing or rejected.

Start with reversible checks. Do not delete or overwrite the only copy while diagnosing a path, cloud-sync, version, or format problem.

Game-specific notes

If a save is missing, verify whether the installation uses the standard user-data directory or a portable/custom write-data path. If loading fails, compare Factorio and mod versions.

A

Confirm the correct profile.

Games, launchers, and operating systems may keep separate save folders for different users, editions, or profiles.

B

Check cloud synchronization.

A cloud service can restore an older file or overwrite a local change. Preserve both copies before resolving a conflict.

C

Check Tool compatibility.

A matching filename does not prove a matching format. Verify platform, game version, extension, and Tool support state.

D

Restore the untouched backup.

If the game rejects a modified save, return to the original backup before attempting another change.

07 / FAQ

Factorio save-file questions.

Answers are generated only from visible Game Hub metadata and actual linked Tool states, plus universal backup guidance.

Where are Factorio save files stored?

The currently documented save locations are listed in the Save locations section above. Use the location that matches your platform or environment.

What save-file extension does Factorio use?

The extensions currently documented on this page are: .zip.

Does SaveEditor.com have a verified Factorio Save Editor?

No verified game-specific Save Editor is currently listed. This Game Hub remains useful for save locations, file details, backup guidance, and other linked utilities.

Should I back up the save before using a Tool?

Yes. Keep an untouched copy outside the active save directory before modifying or converting the file. Some games use multiple companion files, so back up the relevant save folder when in doubt.

Are there cloud-save considerations for Factorio?

Steam Cloud and GOG Galaxy cloud are documented.

Editorial review

Game-specific metadata on this hub was last reviewed on 2026-08-08. Individual Tool pages maintain their own verification dates and compatibility notes.

Verification notes

Reviewed against the current official Factorio Wiki application-directory documentation and PCGamingWiki save path.

Reference sources
  1. Reference 1 - www.pcgamingwiki.com
  2. Reference 2 - wiki.factorio.com

Related guides

Continue with reviewed save-file guidance.

Only reviewed, index-ready Guides explicitly related to this Game Hub are surfaced here.