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Downloading and installing save files is a common practice for players who want to test specific high-level builds, recover lost progress, or bypass the early leveling grind
. To successfully use a downloaded save, you must place it in the correct directory based on whether you use Steam Cloud 1. Locate Your Save Directory
Grim Dawn uses two distinct locations for character data depending on your settings: Local Saving (GOG or Steam with Cloud disabled):
C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\My Games\Grim Dawn\save\main Steam Cloud Saving (Enabled by default):
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[Your Steam ID]\219990\remote\save\main 2. How to Install Downloaded Save Files
Once you have downloaded a character folder (typically named with a prefix, like _MyCharacterName ), follow these steps: Backup Your Existing Data: Before adding new files, copy your current folder to a safe location to prevent accidental data loss. Determine Your Save Mode: Check your in-game settings under Options > Gameplay
. If "Cloud Saving" is checked, you are using the Steam Cloud path. Place the Folder: Extract the downloaded Copy the character folder (e.g., ) and paste it into the directory of your identified save path. Restart the Game:
Grim Dawn must be closed when you move files. Once you restart, the new character should appear in the selection menu. Crate Entertainment Forum 3. Critical Troubleshooting Tips Missing Characters:
If a character doesn't appear, you may have a mismatch between Steam's cloud settings and the game's settings. It is highly recommended to disable
the in-game cloud toggle and the Steam library property toggle to use local saves reliably. OneDrive Interference: Microsoft OneDrive can sometimes "hijack" the Grim Dawn Save File Download
folder, moving your local saves to a cloud directory and causing the game to fail to find them. Shared Stash:
Downloaded characters often come with their own equipment, but if you want a specific "blank" high-level character to use your existing gear, you must ensure your transfer.gst (normal) or transfer.gsh (hardcore) files are in the local folder. Crate Entertainment Forum Finding Save Files While individual players often share builds on the Official Grim Dawn Forums , tools like Grim Dawn Tools
are better for viewing builds before deciding which save files to seek out.
your existing cloud saves to local storage to use external modding tools?
Downloading a is a popular way for players to bypass the initial grind, test specific "End Game" builds, or recover lost progress. Because Grim Dawn stores character data locally, sharing and installing these files is a straightforward process. Why Download a Save File? Build Testing
: Many players download "Level 100 Blank" characters or fully geared builds to see if a specific playstyle (like a Vitality Conjurer or an Eye of Reckoning Warlord) is actually fun before investing 60+ hours into leveling. Item Farming
: Some save files act as "mule" accounts, containing every Legendary item or Blueprint in the game, allowing you to transfer gear to your own characters via the Shared Stash Difficulty Unlocks
: If you've lost your data, downloading a save that has completed the campaign on Normal and Elite allows you to jump straight into difficulty. Where to Find Save Files
The Grim Dawn community is active and maintains several repositories for high-quality save data: The Official Forums Grim Dawn Forums Downloading and installing save files is a common
have a dedicated "Classes, Builds and Theorycrafting" section where authors often include a download link (usually via Google Drive or Mega) for the character they are showcasing. Nexus Mods : While primarily for mods, Nexus Mods hosts "all-item" saves and level 100 starters. Grim Tools : While primarily a Build Calculator
, many community guides link their character files directly to their build profiles. How to Install a Downloaded Save
To use a downloaded character, you must place the files in the correct directory. Important: Steam Cloud Sync
in the Grim Dawn general settings before doing this, as Steam may overwrite your new files with old data from the cloud. 1. Locate Your Save Folder
Depending on your settings, your saves are usually located in one of two places: Local Save Path
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\Grim Dawn\save\main Steam Cloud Path
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[YourID]\219990\remote\save\main 2. Insert the Character Folder
A Grim Dawn character is a folder prefixed with an underscore (e.g., Extract the downloaded _CharacterName Paste it into the directory mentioned above. 3. Refresh the Game
Launch the game. Your new character should appear in the character selection list. If it doesn't, double-check that you haven't nested folders (e.g., _CharacterName/_CharacterName/player.gdc Risks and Considerations Expansion Requirements : If a save file was created using the Ashes of Malmouth Forgotten Gods expansions, you own those expansions to load the character. Version Mismatch What You Typically Get:
: Characters created in newer versions of the game (e.g., v1.2) may not work if your game is not updated. Cheating Stigma
: Grim Dawn is primarily a single-player or cooperative game, so using downloaded saves is generally accepted. However, using "impossible" items (items with stats that cannot naturally roll) may prevent you from playing with others who use legit characters. complete item collection save file?
To download and successfully use a save file, you must navigate two different save locations depending on whether you use Steam Cloud
saving. This guide explains how to find, backup, and import downloaded character or stash files. Crate Entertainment Forum 1. Locate Your Save Folder
Grim Dawn stores saves in two primary paths. Which one is active depends on your in-game settings. Local Save Path (GOG & Steam Cloud Disabled):
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\Grim Dawn\save\main Steam Cloud Save Path (Steam Cloud Enabled):
[SteamInstallPath]\userdata\[YourSteamID]\219990\remote\save\main is the Steam App ID for Grim Dawn. Crate Entertainment Forum 2. Prepare for the Download Before adding a new save file, perform these safety steps: Item Assistant - Grim Dawn ( Installation & Explanation )
It's important to clarify: "Grim Dawn Save File Download" is not a single, official product or DLC, but a search term for user-uploaded save files. Here’s a practical review of what you can expect when downloading such files.
Your hard drive crashed, or your save corrupted during a power outage. You need a backup. If you didn’t make one, downloading a save similar to your lost character is the only way to avoid starting from scratch.
Developer Crate Entertainment has stated: “We don’t police single-player save editing. Play how you want. But don’t disrupt others in multiplayer.”
Downloading save files exists in a gray area.
