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Game Hub / Save Reference

RimWorld Save Files & Tools

RimWorld 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
Ludeon Studios
Publisher
Ludeon Studios
Platforms
PC
Save extensions
.rws

RimWorld makes the file format comparatively transparent—.rws saves are XML—but that does not make them context-free. A colony serializes references to the game version, DLC, mods, world objects, pawns, maps, and many definitions supplied by the active content set. SaveEditor therefore treats a proper backup as the .rws file plus environment notes. This is especially important before removing a mod or upgrading a heavily modded colony, because an XML parser succeeding does not prove that RimWorld can reconstruct every referenced definition.

For this PC reference, the documented storage is Windows: %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowLudeon StudiosRimWorld by Ludeon StudiosSaves. The known file or folder pattern is *.rws; manual names plus Autosave-* records.. RimWorld saves are XML-based .rws files and embed world/colony state plus references to active DLC/mod content. The game can show the save-data location from its settings UI.

Backup guidance: Back up the entire Saves folder and also record the RimWorld version, DLC set, and mod list/load order that produced an important colony. Steam Cloud is commonly used; the official/community wiki documents platform-specific save directories. Launcher and cloud context matters because The save file is human-readable XML, but it is highly version/mod dependent. Editing XML without understanding cross-references can create a loadable-looking file that fails later.

Compatibility and recovery should stay conservative. A .rws file can be structurally valid XML yet incompatible with a different mod set or game version. Missing definitions are a compatibility problem, not automatically file corruption. If the expected progress is not visible, If a colony fails after an update or mod change, restore the save and matching mod environment together. Use the in-game “Show” save-data-location action when uncertain about the active folder. 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 .rws file can be structurally valid XML yet incompatible with a different mod set or game version. Missing definitions are a compatibility problem, not automatically file corruption.

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
%USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowLudeon StudiosRimWorld by Ludeon StudiosSaves

Launcher / edition differences

The save file is human-readable XML, but it is highly version/mod dependent. Editing XML without understanding cross-references can create a loadable-looking file that fails later.

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

.rws

File names / patterns

  • *.rws
  • manual names plus Autosave-* records.

Format notes

RimWorld saves are XML-based .rws files and embed world/colony state plus references to active DLC/mod content. The game can show the save-data location from its settings UI.

Launchers / stores

Steam / GOG / Epic Games Launcher

Cloud save notes

Steam Cloud is commonly used; the official/community wiki documents platform-specific save directories.

04 / Tools

Actual linked Tool support.

A published Save Editor linked to this game is marked as verified working. Check the tool page for exact platform and version compatibility before editing.

Verified

File Analysis

RimWorld Cloud Copy Identity Comparator

Compare two user-selected RimWorld save copies after both pass the existing verified parser; report identity and bounded parsed divergence without choosing a winner.

Platform
PC
Processing
Local browser processing
Game
RimWorld
Verified
2026-08-11
Updated August 11, 2026 Open tool
Verified

File Analysis

RimWorld Cloud State Divergence Inspector

Compare two user-selected RimWorld save copies after both pass the existing verified parser; report identity and bounded parsed divergence without choosing a winner.

Platform
PC
Processing
Local browser processing
Game
RimWorld
Verified
2026-08-11
Updated August 11, 2026 Open tool
Verified

Save Editors

RimWorld Save Editor

Perform one deliberately narrow, documented RimWorld 1.6.x save edit locally: convert an existing commitment/permadeath save to normal reloadable mode while keeping all colony/world/gameplay XML untouched.

Platform
PC
Processing
Local browser processing
Game
RimWorld
Verified
2026-08-08
Updated August 11, 2026 Open tool
Verified

File Analysis

RimWorld Save Verification Receipt

Validate the existing verified parser and export a deterministic local JSON verification receipt.

Platform
PC
Processing
Local browser processing
Game
RimWorld
Verified
2026-08-11
Updated August 11, 2026 Open tool
Game-specific Tool compatibility summary
Tool State Platform Processing Supported versions Last verified
RimWorld Cloud Copy Identity Comparator Verified PC Browser local Only the exact save family already accepted by rimworld-pc-xml-permadeath-v1. Phase 68 does not expand source-parser versions or storefront/mobile variants.
RimWorld Cloud State Divergence Inspector Verified PC Browser local Only the exact save family already accepted by rimworld-pc-xml-permadeath-v1. Phase 68 does not expand source-parser versions or storefront/mobile variants.
RimWorld PC Permadeath State Inspector Verified PC Browser local Only the exact PC save family already accepted by the existing verified source parser: rimworld-pc-xml-permadeath-v1.
RimWorld PC Save Version Inspector Verified PC Browser local Only the exact PC save family already accepted by the existing verified source parser: rimworld-pc-xml-permadeath-v1.
RimWorld Permadeath Mode Focused Editor Verified PC Browser local Exactly the same save family already accepted by rimworld-pc-xml-permadeath-v1.
RimWorld Save Editor Verified PC Browser local RimWorld PC 1.6.x XML saves containing permadeathMode metadata.
RimWorld Save Verification Receipt Verified PC Browser local Exactly the same save family already accepted by rimworld-pc-xml-permadeath-v1.

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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

Back up the entire Saves folder and also record the RimWorld version, DLC set, and mod list/load order that produced an important colony.

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 colony fails after an update or mod change, restore the save and matching mod environment together. Use the in-game “Show” save-data-location action when uncertain about the active folder.

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

RimWorld save-file questions.

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

Where are RimWorld 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 RimWorld use?

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

Does SaveEditor.com have a verified RimWorld Save Editor?

A published Save Editor linked to this game is marked as verified working. Check the tool page for exact platform and version compatibility before editing.

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 RimWorld?

Steam Cloud is commonly used; the official/community wiki documents platform-specific save directories.

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 RimWorld Wiki Save file documentation and current PC save-location conventions.

Reference sources
  1. Reference 1 - rimworldwiki.com

Related guides

Continue with reviewed save-file guidance.

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