Where the saves actually live
Dead Cells keeps its save state in a small number of files, and the location depends on which store you bought it from. The Steam app ID is 588650, which appears in the cloud path.
| Platform | Save data location |
|---|---|
| Windows (local) | %LOCALAPPDATA%\MotionTwin\DeadCells\user_*.dat |
| Steam Cloud | Steam\userdata\<your ID>\588650\remote\user_*.dat |
| Microsoft Store | %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\MotionTwin.DeadCellsWin10_rtjy889c6zgtg\LocalCache\Local\MotionTwin\DeadCells |
| macOS | /save/user_*.dat |
| Linux | /save/user_*.dat |
Alongside the saves you will find customGameData_*.json and, for settings, dc_options.json (in the same folder on Windows, or in the Steam remote folder for the cloud copy).
What each file is
user_*.dat— the save slot itself. The number is the slot, not a version:user_0.datis slot one,user_1.datslot two, and so on. On a family PC each player accumulates their own, so check dates before copying anything over another.customGameData_*.json— custom mode data tied to the slot.dc_options.json— your settings, separate from progress.
The built-in backup system
Motion Twin’s own Steam announcement confirms the game keeps daily backups of saves as zip files inside the save folder, named like backup-2019-12-04-1.zip. If a save corrupts or you regret a decision, you probably already have a backup.
To restore one:
- Quit the game and turn off Steam Cloud for Dead Cells (Steam library → right-click Dead Cells → Properties → Updates → uncheck Enable Steam Cloud synchronization). This is required — otherwise the cloud copy overwrites what you restore.
- Right-click Dead Cells → Properties → Local Files → Browse Local Files, then open the save folder.
- Copy your current
user_*files somewhere safe first. - Pick the backup zip from the date you want and extract it directly into the save folder, confirming replacement when Windows asks about
user_0.dat. - Start the game. If it asks about Steam Cloud, say no — you want it to read the local files you just restored.
- Verify the save is the one you expected. If not, try another backup date. Once happy, you can re-enable Steam Cloud.
Moving saves between local and cloud
To push a local save into Steam Cloud, copy user_*.dat from the Motion Twin folder into Steam\userdata\<ID>\588650\remote\. Match the account ID on shared machines, and disable sync while you work — otherwise Steam will overwrite the file you just placed.
On Steam Deck the same paths and the same app ID apply; disabling Wi-Fi during the operation stops sync from clobbering your transfer.
Why this matters in a roguelite
Your Dead Cells save is your entire progression — every rune, every blueprint, every cell upgrade and your Boss Cell tier. There is no account system holding it for you. Copying the save folder to somewhere else once in a while costs seconds and protects hundreds of hours.