Red Dead Redemption 2 uses a Rockstar profile directory rather than a simple shared folder of anonymous saves. The profile identity is therefore part of the backup context. For a dependable archive, close the game and launcher, copy the complete profile directory, and label the copy with the Rockstar account and date. If you later restore manually, watch for cloud synchronization that can replace the local files with a different remote revision.
Known Red Dead Redemption 2 save-file structure
The researched filename or folder pattern is SRDR3* Story Mode save records. File-extension context: No single extension is sufficient to identify every relevant save record. The documented format notes are: Story Mode progress is stored in the Rockstar profile directory. The profile contains save-slot records and related profile files; the directory is a safer backup unit than one guessed filename.
Why an extension is not enough
A save filename can identify a likely container, but it does not prove the internal schema, game version, checksum rules, encryption state, or editability. Do not assume files from a different Rockstar profile are portable merely because the game recognizes the filename pattern. SaveEditor therefore separates file identification from Tool compatibility and only labels a game-specific Tool Verified when its exact profile/version evidence passes the runtime gate.
Where the format is stored
PC save locations: Windows: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsRockstar GamesRed Dead Redemption 2Profiles<user-id> | Linux / Steam Play: Steam Play: <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/1174180/pfx/. Storefront context: Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, Epic Games Launcher. Steam/Epic launches still involve Rockstar account/profile services. Back up the Rockstar profile corresponding to the account used by the game. This matters because two releases can use different containers or companion files even when the visible slot name is similar.
Back up before inspecting or editing
Copy the entire Red Dead Redemption 2 profile folder with the game and launcher closed. A read-only viewer is lower risk than a writer, but the live save should still be copied first. Cloud context also matters: Rockstar launcher synchronization can affect local Story Mode files. Let synchronization settle before capturing or restoring a backup. Keep the original bytes available so any experiment can be reversed without relying on a cloud service or automatic backup.
What this reference does not claim
This page does not infer an undocumented checksum algorithm, encryption key, compression layer, or cross-store conversion from the file extension. Troubleshooting evidence: If restored saves disappear, compare the active Rockstar account/profile and cloud timestamps. Preserve both the manual backup and current synchronized copy until recovery is complete. Those questions require a verified parser/profile or a game-specific source, not a generic format guess.
Verification context: Windows and Steam Play save locations were reviewed against current PCGamingWiki coverage for Red Dead Redemption 2. The Game Hub makes no game-specific editing claim.