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.
Where RimWorld stores PC saves
The researched save-location boundary is Windows: %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowLudeon StudiosRimWorld by Ludeon StudiosSaves. The known file or folder pattern is *.rws; manual names plus Autosave-* records.. This is the practical starting point because launcher, profile, and storefront context can change which copy is active even when two folders look similar.
Storefront and profile differences
Documented launchers or storefronts: Steam, GOG, Epic Games Launcher. 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. When looking for a missing save, identify the executable/storefront you actually launched and the user/profile that created the progress before copying anything between directories.
Cloud synchronization
Steam Cloud is commonly used; the official/community wiki documents platform-specific save directories. A cloud service should be treated as another copy of the save, not as proof that the local folder is disposable. Before a manual restore, let synchronization finish, make an offline backup, and avoid starting the game while files are being replaced.
What the files represent
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. The current filename/folder evidence is *.rws; manual names plus Autosave-* records.. File-extension context: .rws A location guide does not claim that every file in the directory is safe to edit or that files from another storefront are automatically interchangeable.
If the save is not where expected
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. Also check redirected Documents folders, Steam Play prefixes, account IDs, and launcher-specific containers where applicable. Preserve every candidate copy before testing a restore so troubleshooting does not destroy the only surviving version.
Verification context: Reviewed against the current RimWorld Wiki Save file documentation and current PC save-location conventions.