Where Do I Find the Save File for Monster Hunter World (MHW)
If you’ve been playing Monster Hunter World (MHW) for any length of time, you know just how valuable your save data is. Whether you’re moving to a new PC, backing up your files, or modding the game, finding the save file is crucial to ensuring that all your hard-earned progress is safe. The problem is, the save file isn’t always in the most obvious location.
So, if you’re wondering, “Where do I find the save file for Monster Hunter World?” — you’ve come to the right place! Let’s break it down in a simple, helpful guide so you can find your save data with ease.
Why Do You Need to Find the MHW Save File?
Before diving into the file path, it’s important to understand why you’d need access to your save file in the first place:
- Backing up your save: If you’re worried about losing progress or you’re about to make significant changes to your game (like adding mods), it’s a good idea to keep a backup of your save file.
- Transferring saves: Moving to a new PC? You’ll need your save file if you want to pick up right where you left off.
- Fixing corrupted files: In rare cases, save files can get corrupted. Having access to them can allow you to fix or replace them.
Now that you know the reasons, let’s get into where exactly you can find your MHW save file.
Locating the Save File for Monster Hunter World (PC Version)
Monster Hunter: World stores its save files in a specific directory on your PC, depending on which platform you’re playing through—whether it’s Steam or another launcher. Typically, if you’re playing on Steam, this is where you’ll find your save file.
Here’s how to find it:
1. Steam Save File Location for MHW
If you’re playing Monster Hunter: World on Steam, follow these steps to locate your save file:
- Step 1: Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
Step 2: Navigate to this folder:
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C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[Your Steam ID]\582010\remote
The 582010 folder is the unique Steam ID for Monster Hunter: World, and the save file will be stored in this remote folder. The file you’re looking for will be named something like SAVEDATA1000.
2. Where Do I Find My Steam ID?
If you’re not sure what your Steam ID is, it’s the unique number that Steam assigns to your account. To find your Steam ID:
- Step 1: Open Steam and log into your account.
- Step 2: Click on your profile in the top right corner, then select Profile from the drop-down menu.
- Step 3: Your Steam ID will appear in the URL as a long string of numbers.
Simply replace the “[Your Steam ID]” part of the path above with this number, and you’ll be able to access your MHW save file.
3. Microsoft Store/Game Pass Save File Location
If you’re playing Monster Hunter: World through the Microsoft Store or Game Pass, finding your save file is a bit different. Here’s where you’ll need to look:
- Step 1: Open File Explorer.
Step 2: Navigate to this folder:
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C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Packages\
Once in this folder, look for the subfolder related to Capcom or Monster Hunter: World. Inside, you should find the save file. However, save files from the Microsoft Store version are often encrypted, which can make them difficult to transfer or back up compared to Steam saves.
Tips for Safely Managing Your MHW Save Files
Now that you’ve found the location of your Monster Hunter: World save file, here are some helpful tips for managing it effectively:
1. Make Regular Backups
Creating a backup of your save file is always a good idea, especially before installing mods or major game updates. Here’s how you can easily back up your save data:
- Step 1: Copy the entire remote folder (if on Steam) or the relevant save folder (for other platforms).
- Step 2: Paste the folder in a safe location, such as an external hard drive, cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox), or even a separate folder on your PC.
By regularly backing up your saves, you ensure that even if something goes wrong, you won’t lose your progress.
2. Restoring a Save File
If you’ve made a backup and need to restore it, simply:
- Step 1: Locate your backup.
- Step 2: Copy the backup save file.
- Step 3: Paste it back into the original directory, overwriting the existing save.
Just be sure that your game is closed when doing this, so you don’t run into any conflicts.
3. What to Do if the Save File Is Corrupted
In the unfortunate event that your save file becomes corrupted (which can happen with power outages or crashing while saving), you may need to replace the corrupted save with a backup. If you don’t have a backup, some games have automatic cloud save options (like on Steam), but this doesn’t always work if the cloud save itself is corrupted.
If your game save is beyond repair, you may need to start a new game or rely on third-party save editors—though using these comes with its own risks.
Can You Transfer Your Save File to Another PC?
Yes! If you’re switching PCs or want to play Monster Hunter: World on a new machine without starting over, you can transfer your save file. Just follow these steps:
- On Your Old PC: Copy the save file from the appropriate directory.
- On Your New PC: Install Monster Hunter: World and launch the game to create a save directory. Then, close the game and paste your old save file into the newly created folder.
This process should let you pick up right where you left off.
Conclusion
Finding the save file for Monster Hunter: World is easy once you know where to look. If you’re playing through Steam, your save file will be located in the userdata folder tied to your Steam ID, while players using other platforms may have to dig into the AppData folder. Wherever you’re playing, always remember to back up your save data regularly, especially if you’re making changes to your system or installing mods.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to manage your save files with ease and ensure that all your hunting progress is safely stored and ready for future adventures.
Happy hunting, and may your save files stay safe and sound!