Failed to save game error code 804 bg3​

Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is an immersive role-playing game that provides players with an incredibly rich narrative and expansive world to explore. Developed by Larian Studios, the game features deep character customization, branching storylines, and tactical combat. However, like many complex games, BG3 can sometimes encounter technical issues that affect gameplay. One of the more frustrating errors players might experience is the “Failed to Save Game Error Code 804.” This error typically prevents players from saving their progress, which can be a major setback, especially in a game with as much content as BG3.

1. Error Code 804

The “Failed to Save Game” error code 804 in Baldur’s Gate 3 usually occurs when there is a problem with the game’s ability to create or access save files. This issue may be related to the game’s settings, file corruption, or even system-level conflicts. The error can be particularly concerning because it may result in lost progress if the game cannot properly store your save data.

To resolve this error, it’s important to first understand where and why it’s occurring. Below are several potential causes for the issue:

File Permissions Issues: If the game cannot access or write to the directory where save files are stored, you may encounter this error.

Corrupted Save Files: Sometimes, the save files themselves can become corrupted due to interruptions during the save process, hardware failures, or game crashes.

Insufficient Disk Space: If your computer or gaming device is running low on storage, the game may not be able to save data properly.

Cloud Save Issues: Players who use cloud saving may experience sync issues between their local save files and cloud storage.

Background Processes: Background applications or services can interfere with BG3’s ability to save data, especially if they are using a lot of system resources.

2. Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more technical solutions, there are several basic troubleshooting steps you can try. These steps can quickly resolve common problems and are worth attempting first.

2.1 Restart the Game

This might sound simple, but restarting the game can often fix temporary issues, including saving problems. Close BG3 completely, restart your system, and then try saving your game again. Sometimes, the error can occur due to a temporary glitch that a simple restart can resolve.

2.2 Check for Game Updates

Developers regularly release patches and updates to fix bugs and improve game performance. If your version of BG3 is outdated, it may contain known bugs that cause the save error. Make sure your game is up to date by checking for updates via the platform you’re using, such as Steam or GOG.

2.3 Check Your Storage Space

One common cause of the error code 804 is insufficient storage space. If your device is running low on disk space, the game may not be able to write save files. Ensure that you have enough free space on the drive where BG3 is installed. On a PC, you can check available space by going to “This PC” or “My Computer” and looking at the free space on your primary drive.

2.4 Close Background Programs

Background applications can consume system resources and potentially interfere with BG3’s ability to save your game. Close any unnecessary applications, especially resource-intensive ones like web browsers, video players, or other games. You can use the Task Manager on Windows (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to identify and close resource-heavy programs.

3. Advanced Solutions

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be necessary to delve deeper into the problem. Here are some more advanced solutions to help you fix the “Failed to Save Game Error Code 804.”

3.1 Verify Game Files Integrity (Steam)

Corrupted or missing game files can lead to save game errors. Steam offers a built-in feature to verify the integrity of game files, which can help fix any issues with BG3’s installation.

To verify the integrity of BG3’s files on Steam:

Open Steam and go to your Library.

Right-click on Baldur’s Gate 3 and select Properties.

Navigate to the Local Files tab.

Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.

Steam will check the game’s files and replace any corrupted or missing files automatically.

3.2 Check for Save File Corruption

If your save files are corrupted, you may not be able to load or save your game properly. Fortunately, BG3 allows you to manage save files manually. To check for save file corruption, follow these steps:

Navigate to the BG3 save folder on your system. The default location is usually:

Windows: C:\Users\\Documents\Larian Studios\Baldur’s Gate 3\PlayerProfiles\Default\Savegames

Mac: ~/Documents/Larian Studios/Baldur’s Gate 3/PlayerProfiles/Default/Savegames

Steam Cloud: If using cloud saves, check for sync issues.

Look for any save files that seem unusually large, incomplete, or missing.

If you have a backup save file, try replacing the corrupted one.

3.3 Run BG3 as Administrator

Sometimes, BG3 may not have the necessary permissions to save files due to system restrictions. Running the game as an administrator can resolve permission issues that might be causing the error code 804.

To run BG3 as administrator:

Right-click on the BG3 shortcut or executable file.

Select Run as Administrator.

This ensures that the game has full access to system resources, including the ability to write to the save file location.

3.4 Disable Antivirus and Security Software

Antivirus or security software can sometimes block the game’s ability to save progress. To check if this is the case, temporarily disable your antivirus software and try saving your game again. If this resolves the issue, you may need to add an exception for BG3 in your antivirus software.

Note: Be sure to re-enable your antivirus after testing.

3.5 Reinstall the Game

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reinstall the game. This will remove any corrupted files or settings that could be causing the problem.

To reinstall BG3:

Uninstall the game through Steam or your game client.

Restart your computer.

Reinstall the game and try saving your progress.

Make sure to back up any save files before reinstalling if you don’t want to lose your progress.

4. Addressing Cloud Save Issues

If you’re using cloud saves, syncing problems could be the root cause of the save error. Cloud save issues can arise due to network connectivity problems, server outages, or sync conflicts between your local saves and the cloud.

4.1 Check Internet Connection

Ensure that your internet connection is stable. If your connection is intermittent, BG3 may struggle to sync your save files with the cloud, leading to error code 804. Try resetting your router or connecting via a wired connection for better stability.

4.2 Disable Cloud Saves (Temporary Solution)

If you suspect the issue is with the cloud save system, you can temporarily disable cloud saves. To do this:

Steam: Go to your game’s properties and uncheck Enable Steam Cloud Synchronization for BG3.

GOG: Disable cloud saves via GOG Galaxy settings.

Once cloud saves are disabled, try saving your game again to see if the issue is resolved. If it is, the problem may lie with the cloud sync process.

5. Final Thoughts

Encountering the “Failed to Save Game Error Code 804” in Baldur’s Gate 3 can be frustrating, but it’s a problem that can typically be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps. From basic fixes like restarting the game and checking your storage space to more advanced solutions like verifying game files or running the game as an administrator, there are plenty of ways to address this issue.