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How to Access Ryujinx Save Files: Step-by-Step Guide

Ethan Martinez

So you’ve been playing your favorite Nintendo Switch games on Ryujinx and having a blast. But now you want to peek into your save files—maybe to back them up, move them, or just tinker. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you dive into your Ryujinx save files without breaking a sweat!

TL;DR:

If you’re in a hurry: Ryujinx saves your game data in a specific folder on your PC. The location can vary based on your operating system, but it’s super easy to find. This guide walks you through each step—from locating the save files to backing them up. Ready? Let’s jump in!

What is Ryujinx?

First things first—Ryujinx is an open-source Nintendo Switch emulator. It lets you play your favorite Switch games right on your computer. Pretty cool, right?

Now, just like a real Switch, Ryujinx creates save files for every game you play. These contain all your progress, character stats, levels, and more. So, it’s important to know how to find them.

Why Access Save Files?

  • To back up progress before trying something risky
  • To transfer saves to another computer
  • To use mods or cheat tools
  • To restore previous game states

Whatever your reason, you’ll need to be careful. Tampering with save files can mess things up. So save a backup copy first, always!

Step-by-Step: How to Find Your Save Files

Step 1: Launch Ryujinx at least once

Before any save file is created, you need to have played a game on Ryujinx. If this is your first time, boot up a game, play a bit, and then quit. This ensures Ryujinx generates the folders we’re about to explore.

Step 2: Open the Ryujinx User Folder

By default, Ryujinx stores your game data in a folder called Ryujinx inside your system’s AppData or User folder.

For Windows:

Press Windows + R to open Run box,
Type %appdata% and hit Enter,
Navigate to: AppData\Roaming\Ryujinx

For Linux:

Go to: ~/.config/Ryujinx

For macOS:

Go to: ~/Library/Application Support/Ryujinx

Step 3: Navigate to the Save Folder

Once you’re inside the Ryujinx folder, go to:

Ryujinx > sdcard > saves

This saves folder holds all your individual game saves. But it doesn’t name them in a user-friendly way. Each game has a folder with a long string of random-looking letters and numbers. That’s your game ID!

Step 4: Find Your Game’s ID

Let’s say you want to find the save file for “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (or any other game). Here’s how to do that:

  • Open Ryujinx
  • Right-click on the game in your library
  • Select Open Save Data Location

This shortcut opens the save folder directly! Ryujinx is nice like that.

Alternative Method: Use the Console Log

You can also spot game IDs from the logging window when you start a game. It’ll mention the full save path, including the game’s unique ID. This method is a bit more technical, but it gives insight into what’s going on under the hood.

What You’ll Find Inside the Save Folder

The folder might contain files like:

  • savedata.bin
  • user1, user2 folders
  • Configuration files

These are the actual save files! Some games use a single file, others several. Just don’t move or rename them unless you know what you’re doing.

Backing Up Your Save Files

Before poking around or making changes, make a backup. To do this:

  1. Find the correct game folder as shown above.
  2. Copy the entire folder to a safe location like your desktop or cloud storage.
  3. Label it clearly. Game name + date is a good idea!

This way, if something breaks, you can restore your progress in seconds.

How to Restore a Backup

Got a backup of that epic 100-hour save file? Here’s how to bring it back:

  1. Go to the Ryujinx > sdcard > saves folder
  2. Find the game’s save directory (match the folder name if you have it saved)
  3. Delete or move the current save folder (just to be safe)
  4. Paste your backup in its place

Now relaunch the game and enjoy where you left off!

Helpful Tips

  • Don’t edit save files unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
  • Always back up before overwriting anything.
  • Keep your Ryujinx version updated — it can change how save files work.
  • Look up your game’s Title ID online to identify save folders faster.

Quick Fixes to Common Issues

Can’t find save folder? Make sure you’ve launched the game at least once in Ryujinx.

Saves not loading? Double-check that you placed the backup in the correct folder. Wrong game ID = no dice.

Corrupt save? Try restoring from a backup—or delete and let Ryujinx generate a fresh one (you’ll lose progress though).

Bonus: Syncing Between Devices

Cloud sync isn’t built-in, but you can do it manually! Here’s a pro tip:

  • Upload your save folders to Google Drive or Dropbox
  • Download them on your second PC
  • Paste into the saves folder as usual

Now you can keep playing on your laptop or gaming rig anytime.

Conclusion

Finding and managing your Ryujinx save files is easier than it sounds. Whether you’re a modding wizard, a backup freak, or just curious, you now know where those precious files live.

Take it slow, back things up, and enjoy the magic of emulation! 😄

Now go get that Master Sword, collect those stars, or finally beat that boss without worrying about losing your progress!

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