Elden ring failed to save game save data is corrupted

​Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, offers one of the most immersive open-world RPG experiences in recent years. However, like many complex games, it isn’t immune to technical hiccups. One of the most dreaded errors players encounter is:

“Failed to save game. Save data is corrupted.”

This message typically appears when launching the game or after a crash. It means that Elden Ring cannot read the save file and is at risk of losing your progress entirely. The good news? This doesn’t always mean your journey through the Lands Between is over. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, solutions, preventive measures, and even recovery options for corrupted save files.

Chapter 1: What This Error Really Means

When you see “Failed to Save Game” and “Save Data Is Corrupted,” the game has tried to read your save file and failed due to file damage or integrity issues. This can happen for several reasons:

Power outages during saving

Crashes or forced shutdowns

Interrupted cloud syncing (Steam Cloud / PlayStation Plus)

Manual editing or tampering with save files

System issues or bad sectors on your storage drive

The error indicates the game doesn’t trust the data and cannot load your save state properly.

Chapter 2: Where Elden Ring Saves Game Data

Before attempting recovery or fixes, it helps to know where your save files are stored:

On PC (Steam):

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C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\[RandomNumberString]\

Files will be named:

ER0000.sl2 (Main save file)

💡 Tip: Always back up the .sl2 file before trying any recovery.

On PlayStation:

Saved locally on console or in PS+ Cloud.

Use “Application Saved Data Management” from system settings.

On Xbox:

Saved to the internal storage and synced to Xbox Cloud.

Limited manual access, but the system may auto-recover.

Chapter 3: Immediate Recovery Steps (PC)

Step 1: Check for Auto Backups

Sometimes, Elden Ring creates backup .bak or previous .sl2 files automatically.

Go to:

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C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\[YourSaveFolder]\

Look for any previous versions or backups.

Rename a .bak file to ER0000.sl2 and launch the game.

Step 2: Restore a Previous Version (Windows)

Right-click the folder containing ER0000.sl2.

Select Properties > Previous Versions.

Choose a date prior to the corruption.

Restore and relaunch the game.

⚠️ Note: This only works if you have Windows File History enabled.

Chapter 4: Fix via Steam Cloud (PC)

If the corruption happened locally but your Steam Cloud still has a good copy:

Disable Steam Cloud sync temporarily.

Delete or back up the corrupted ER0000.sl2.

Re-enable Cloud Sync.

Restart Steam. It should redownload the last synced save file.

If prompted with a conflict:

Choose Download from Cloud (not the local file).

Chapter 5: PlayStation Save Recovery

Option 1: Restore From Cloud (PS+)

Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

Select Cloud Storage > Download to Console Storage.

Choose Elden Ring and restore the last working file.

Option 2: Use USB Backup

If you manually backed up:

Plug USB into your PlayStation.

Go to Settings > Saved Data > USB Storage Device.

Select Elden Ring > Copy to Console.

Chapter 6: Xbox Save Recovery

Xbox handles cloud syncing automatically. If a save becomes corrupted:

Delete the local save:

My Games & Apps > Elden Ring > Manage Game > Saved Data > Delete from console

Relaunch the game.

Xbox will try to sync and download a fresh copy from the cloud.

Chapter 7: Preventive Measures

7.1 Manually Back Up Save Files (PC)

Create a weekly backup routine:

Navigate to:

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C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\

Copy the folder to an external drive or cloud folder.

7.2 Avoid Forced Shutdowns

Never ALT+F4 or unplug during saving.

Always exit the game using in-game menu.

7.3 Disable Auto Cloud Sync Temporarily (When Modding)

Steam: Library > Elden Ring > Properties > General > Disable Cloud Save

This prevents overwriting a clean save with a broken one.

Chapter 8: Causes of Save Corruption

8.1 Unexpected Shutdowns

System crashes or forced reboots during save writes cause incomplete files.

8.2 Modding or Cheat Tools

Tools like Cheat Engine or save editors may make incompatible changes.

8.3 Overwrites and Cloud Conflicts

Using multiple devices without syncing properly can trigger overwrite loops.

8.4 Drive Issues

Bad sectors or SSD problems can corrupt data silently.

8.5 Game Updates or Patches

Occasionally, a patch may alter save file structure and cause compatibility issues.

Chapter 9: Recovery Using File Recovery Software

Use Panda Data Recovery or Similar Tools

If your save file was deleted or overwritten:

Download Panda Data Recovery.

Scan:

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C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\

Recover older versions of ER0000.sl2.

This works only if the file wasn’t overwritten multiple times.

Chapter 10: Rebuilding Database (PlayStation)

For PS5/PS4:

Boot into Safe Mode.

Select Rebuild Database.

Let the console scan and fix file system issues.

This may resolve game-specific data corruption without deleting saves.

Chapter 11: Steam Validation (PC)

Go to Steam Library.

Right-click Elden Ring > Properties > Installed Files.

Click Verify integrity of game files.

This ensures the game itself isn’t causing save issues due to missing files.

Chapter 12: Contacting Support

If no methods work, you can:

Bandai Namco Support: support.bandainamcoent.com

Provide your corrupted .sl2 file and details.

Include crash logs if available.

Note: Save recovery is not guaranteed, but they might offer options.

Chapter 13: Community Tools

Some fans have built tools to inspect or attempt minor recovery of .sl2 files. Be cautious:

Only use trusted sites (like Nexus Mods).

Avoid any tool that promises decryption or editing.

Always back up before using.

Chapter 14: Starting Over Safely

If all else fails:

Delete corrupted save.

Begin a new game.

Regularly back up your progress to avoid future heartbreak.

Consider turning off cloud sync until you’ve re-established consistent backups.

The “Failed to Save Game: Save Data Is Corrupted” message in Elden Ring is daunting but not always final. By understanding how saves work, locating backups, and using recovery tools carefully, you can often retrieve your progress or minimize loss.