The Sims 4 already keeps several recovery generations next to each main slot, which makes indiscriminate cleanup a mistake. A good backup preserves the whole saves directory, including `.save.ver0` through `.ver4` files. If a slot becomes unusable, duplicate the directory first and test recovery on the copy. Also remember that the Documents tree may be redirected or synchronized by OneDrive, so the file you replace locally may not be the only copy involved.
Where The Sims 4 stores PC saves
The researched save-location boundary is Windows: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4saves | macOS: $HOME/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/saves/ | Linux / Steam Play: Steam Play: <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/1222670/pfx/. The known file or folder pattern is Slot_*.save
Slot_*.save.ver0 … .ver4. 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: EA app, Steam, Epic Games Launcher. The active Windows saves still live under Documents/Electronic Arts. Steam and Epic launch through EA services but should not be assumed to maintain a separate independent save directory. 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
OneDrive Documents backup can synchronize or redirect the saves directory when enabled. Treat that as a second copy source when diagnosing unexpected restores. 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
The game maintains main Slot_*.save files and several rotating .save.verN recovery copies. These historical versions are valuable rollback points and should be preserved before manual recovery. The current filename/folder evidence is Slot_*.save
Slot_*.save.ver0 … .ver4. File-extension context: .save, .save.ver0, .save.ver1, .save.ver2, .save.ver3, .save.ver4 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 main Slot file fails, preserve it first, then work from a copied .save.verN generation. Do not rename over every version until one recovery copy has been tested. 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: Windows/macOS/Steam Play save paths and storefront/OneDrive context were reviewed against current PCGamingWiki coverage. Rotating Slot recovery filenames follow the standard Sims 4 desktop layout.