Kingmaker saves can be very stateful and mod-sensitive. Back up the complete Saved Games directory and record the active mod list before opening a long campaign with a changed setup.
For this PC reference, the documented storage is Windows: %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowOwlcat GamesPathfinder KingmakerSaved Games. The known file or folder pattern is *.zks packaged saves. Kingmaker uses .zks packaged save archives in LocalLow. Mods and game patches can affect serialized blueprint/state references, so preserve version and mod context with backups.
Backup guidance: Close Pathfinder: Kingmaker, 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 behavior varies by storefront; copy the Saved Games directory offline before mod or patch changes. Launcher and cloud context matters because The active Steam, 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.