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Where Does BlastEm Store Saves and Config?

BlastEm keeps config in the platform config folder, with SRAM saves commonly beside the ROM. Paths per OS and the gotcha.

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BlastEm splits its data by kind. Settings live in a small config tree under the platform config folder. Cartridge RAM usually lands next to the ROM it belongs to, which keeps multi disc sets tidy.

Portable setups change the first half: running beside the binary keeps config local instead. Check for config files next to the executable before assuming the home folder paths. SRAM beside ROMs holds across both modes.

Where BlastEm stores this, by platform

Windows
%APPDATA%\blastem

Settings tree when installed normally. Portable builds keep config beside the binary instead, so check there first when this folder is empty. SRAM saves usually sit beside each ROM.

macOS
~/Library/Application Support/blastem

Same split as Windows between config here and SRAM beside ROMs. Homebrew and MacPorts layouts may relocate the tree, so a missing folder points to a local beside binary setup.

Linux
~/.config/blastem

Follows XDG config home. Distro packages and AppImages sometimes keep config beside the ROM folder, so confirm against a fresh save before scripting backups.

Frequently asked questions

Where are my BlastEm cartridge saves?

Look beside the ROM file first for a matching .sram file. BlastEm traditionally writes cartridge RAM next to the game unless configured otherwise. Save states sit in their own folder when enabled.

How do I back up BlastEm?

Copy the config folder with the emulator quit, plus any .sram files beside ROMs. Keep the ROM tree structure identical so saves pair back up. States need their folder too when used.

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