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.
For this PC reference, the documented storage is Windows: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsHorizon Zero DawnSaved Game. The known file or folder pattern is manual/autosave checkpoint folders and profile records. Horizon Zero Dawn groups checkpoints in a Saved Game directory. Preserve the full directory so slot/checkpoint metadata remains aligned.
Backup guidance: Close Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition, let the launcher finish any synchronization, then copy the complete documented save directory to a dated folder outside the live path. Preserve companion files rather than selecting only the newest-looking record. Cloud support is storefront-specific; manual backups should be taken after synchronization completes. Launcher and cloud context matters because 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.
Compatibility and recovery should stay conservative. Treat saves as version-, storefront-, account-, and mod-sensitive unless the game or a separately verified migration workflow proves otherwise. A similar filename or extension is not evidence that two releases are interchangeable. If the expected progress is not visible, 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. 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.