View source for Support/Save game backup and restore

This page explains how to back up, restore, and share save games in '''Out of Ore'''.

Out of Ore does not currently support Steam Cloud, so save games are stored locally on your computer.

== When should I back up my save games? ==
It is recommended to back up your save games:
* Before reinstalling the game
* Before reinstalling Windows
* Before switching to a new computer
* Before troubleshooting crashes or issues
* If you want to share a save game with another player

== Important folders ==
The most important folders related to save data are:

'''Save games'''
<pre>
%localappdata%\OutOfOre\Saved\SaveGames
</pre>

'''Company data'''
<pre>
%userprofile%\Documents\My Games\Out of Ore\Companies
</pre>

For a full list of file locations, see [[Support/File locations]].

== Backing up save games ==
Before starting, make sure the game is completely closed.

# Open the SaveGames folder:
<pre>
%localappdata%\OutOfOre\Saved\SaveGames
</pre>
# Copy the entire '''SaveGames''' folder
# Paste it somewhere safe (for example another drive, a USB stick, or a backup folder)

If you want to preserve company progression as well, back up the Companies folder:
<pre>
%userprofile%\Documents\My Games\Out of Ore\Companies
</pre>

== Restoring save games ==
To restore a backup:

# Make sure the game is completely closed
# Copy your backed-up '''SaveGames''' folder
# Paste it back into:
<pre>
%localappdata%\OutOfOre\Saved\
</pre>
# Allow Windows to replace existing files if prompted

If restoring company data, do the same with the Companies folder:
<pre>
%userprofile%\Documents\My Games\Out of Ore\
</pre>

After restoring, start the game and load your save from:
''Single Player → Load Game''

== Sharing save games with other players ==
Save games can be shared between players.

To share a save game:

# Open the SaveGames folder
# Locate the folder with the name of the save game you want to share
# Compress (zip) that save folder
# Send the ZIP file to the other player

The receiving player should:
# Extract the save folder
# Place it inside their own '''SaveGames''' folder
# Start the game and load the save

''Note:''  
Sharing save games will transfer the world state, but progression tied to companies depends on whether the receiving player also has the same company data.

== Notes about company data ==
Company data is stored separately from save games.

If a save game relies on a specific company:
* That company must also exist on the receiving system
* Company data can be shared by copying the relevant company folder

Company behavior and progression may change in future updates.

== Important warnings ==

* Always close the game before copying or replacing files
* Always keep a backup before restoring or modifying save data
* Do not modify save files unless instructed by support
* Avoid renaming files inside save folders

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