Ryujinx Save File Location: Find, Back Up and Transfer Saves Safely

Where Are Ryujinx Save Files Located?

The practical answer is to open the save directory from inside Ryujinx Canary instead of relying on one hard-coded path from a forum post. Ryujinx stores user data in an application data folder, and the exact path can vary by operating system, portable setup, launcher shortcut and package type. For a specific game, the in-app Open User Save Directory action is the safest route because it jumps to the folder Ryujinx is actually using for that title.

• Windows paths can differ between normal user data and portable folders.
• Linux and Steam Deck paths can change with AppImage, Flatpak-like wrappers or custom launch scripts.
• macOS paths are often hidden inside the user Library area.
• The game-specific directory matters more than a generic Ryujinx folder when restoring a save.

Common Save Location Clues by Platform

Use these as orientation only. The in-app folder action should still win when it is available, because it reflects your active profile and current build.

Back Up Saves Before Updating Ryujinx Canary

Canary builds move quickly, so backing up saves before an emulator update is a simple safety habit. A normal emulator update should not require deleting saves, keys, firmware or game folders, but a backup protects you from accidental folder replacement, profile confusion or testing a portable build in the wrong location. Copy the whole game save folder to a separate backup directory before replacing the application files.

• Record the current Canary version before updating.
• Back up saves and configuration before replacing app files.
• Do not change firmware, keys, mods and saves during the same test.
• After updating, launch one known game and verify the expected save appears.

How to Transfer Ryujinx Saves to Another PC or Steam Deck

Save transfer is safest when the source and target both have a clean Ryujinx setup first. Install or launch Ryujinx Canary on the target device, confirm the same game appears, open that game's save directory, close the emulator, then copy the backed-up save folder into the target location. If you move directly into a guessed folder, you may place the save under the wrong user, title ID or package path.

• Create the target folder by launching Ryujinx once before copying.
• Use the same game dump and update state when possible.
• Keep a copy of the target device's original folder before replacing it.
• Test one save slot before copying a large library.

Restore a Save Without Corrupting the Folder

Close Ryujinx Canary before restoring. Rename the current save folder instead of deleting it, paste the backup folder, then launch the game once. If the game does not detect the save, restore the previous folder and recheck whether you copied the right title, user account and directory level. Do not fix a save location problem by downloading save packs, ROMs, DLC or firmware from random pages.

What Not to Copy With Saves

Keep save recovery separate from other setup files. Saves are not prod.keys, firmware, ROMs, game updates, DLC or shader caches. Copying unrelated files while troubleshooting makes the problem harder to diagnose and can create legal or privacy risks. This site only explains folder handling and does not provide copyrighted game content or console setup files.

• Do not bundle keys or firmware into a save backup.
• Do not upload private save data to public file-sharing pages.
• Do not replace the emulator folder when you only need a game save.
• Do not mix save restore with graphics or controller troubleshooting.

Quick Checklist Before You Move a Save

Before moving any Ryujinx save, confirm four things: the game is closed, the folder was opened from the correct game entry, the backup has a clear date label, and the original target folder is preserved. Those four checks solve most save-location mistakes without reinstalling the emulator or changing legal setup files.