Save Data Error
Bandai Namco Elden Ring
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
A save data error in Elden Ring means the game cannot read your save file — either because it is corrupted or because there is a conflict between a local save and a cloud save. On PC, save files are stored locally and can be restored from a backup. Always back up your Elden Ring save file regularly to avoid losing progress.
Affected Models
- Elden Ring (PC via Steam)
- Elden Ring (PlayStation 4 and 5)
- Elden Ring (Xbox One, Series X/S)
Common Causes
- Force-closing the game while it was saving corrupted the save file
- Steam Cloud sync conflict — local and cloud saves disagree on which is newer
- Hard drive fault corrupting the save data
- Antivirus software quarantining or modifying the save file
- Playing with mods online and Fromsoft anti-cheat flagging the save
How to Fix It
-
On PC, locate your save file at C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\[numbers]\ER0000.sl2. Copy this file to a safe location immediately.
The save file location uses AppData, which is a hidden folder. In Windows Explorer, type %appdata% in the address bar to navigate there quickly.
-
If Steam Cloud shows a sync conflict when you launch, choose the option that corresponds to your most recent play session.
Steam Cloud shows a timestamp for both the local and cloud versions. If you played recently, choose the version with the most recent time. If you are unsure, choose the local version and let it upload to overwrite the cloud copy.
-
If the save is corrupted and you have a recent backup copy, close Elden Ring, replace the current ER0000.sl2 with your backup copy, and relaunch.
You will lose progress from after the backup was made, but this is better than losing everything. This is why backing up the save file after long play sessions is important.
-
On PlayStation, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4 or PS5) and look for a cloud backup to restore.
PlayStation Plus subscribers have automatic cloud saves for all games. If auto-upload is enabled, a recent backup should be available in the cloud.
When to Call a Professional
Save data recovery is self-service — FromSoftware support cannot restore individual save files. A backed-up copy is the only reliable recovery method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FromSoftware restore my Elden Ring save if it is corrupted?
No — FromSoftware does not have access to individual players' save files and cannot restore them. Your only options are a local backup, a Steam Cloud copy, or a PlayStation/Xbox cloud save.
How do I back up my Elden Ring save on PC?
Navigate to %appdata%\EldenRing in Windows Explorer, find the folder with your Steam ID number, and copy the ER0000.sl2 file to a USB drive or cloud storage. Do this after every long play session to protect your progress.