Short version: Ren'Py keeps saves in two places: a saves folder inside the game's game folder, and a copy in your user folder. Back up both before big updates, and copy them into the same game on another device to continue there.
Where Ren'Py saves are stored
| System | Location |
|---|---|
| Inside the game (all systems) | [game folder]/game/saves/ |
| Windows | %APPDATA%\RenPy\[game name] (paste into the File Explorer address bar) |
| Mac | ~/Library/RenPy/[game name] (Finder → Go → Go to Folder) |
| Linux / Steam Deck | ~/.renpy/[game name] (hidden folder) |
| Android | Inside the app's storage, usually Android/data/[app id]/files/saves |
The folder name is the game's internal name and sometimes has a number at the end. Look for files named like 1-1-LT1.save and persistent.
What the files are
X-Y-LT1.save: one save slot each (page X, slot Y).persistent: unlocked gallery images, endings seen and settings. Copy it too, or your gallery resets.
Back up before every big update
- Close the game.
- Copy both save locations to a backup folder, external drive or cloud storage.
- Install the update. If saves don't appear, copy them back into
game/saves.
Move saves from PC to Android (or back)
- Install the same version of the game on both devices.
- Start the game once on the new device and make one save, so the folder exists.
- Copy your save files and
persistentinto that folder, replacing the new ones. - Launch the game and load.
On recent Android versions, access to Android/data is restricted. Use a file manager that supports it, or connect the phone to a computer. With JoiPlay, saves live in the game folder you imported. See PC adult games on Android.
When saves don't carry over
Sometimes a developer changes the story structure and old saves break. The game usually warns you in its changelog. In that case, keep the old version installed to finish your playthrough, or use the skip key (Tab) to fast-forward through what you've already read.
FAQ
Why did my saves disappear after updating?
Usually the new version was installed in a new folder. Your saves are still in the old game/saves folder and in your user folder (e.g. %APPDATA%\RenPy on Windows). Copy them into the new game's game/saves folder.
Can I transfer saves between different versions of a game?
Usually yes when moving to a newer version. Going back to an older version often doesn't work.
What is the persistent file?
It stores progress that isn't tied to one save: gallery unlocks, seen endings and settings. Copy it along with your saves.
Where are Ren'Py saves on Windows?
In the game's game/saves folder and in %APPDATA%\RenPy\[game name]. Paste %APPDATA%\RenPy into the File Explorer address bar to find them.