Where Are Civilization V Save Files Located?
Civilization V saves sit in Documents\My Games, with config files beside them and a Steam Cloud limit of 10 saves.
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Civilization V keeps its saves in Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5\Saves, one folder per Windows user. The same directory holds config.ini, UserSettings.ini and the DX9 and DX11 graphics settings, so a backup of the Saves folder alone leaves your preferences behind.
Steam Cloud is supported, but only 10 saves sync. The game also runs on macOS and Linux with different paths, and save files are compatible across systems when both copies are on the same patch, though the file names differ and need renaming.
Where Sid Meier's Civilization V stores this, by platform
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5\Saves
Save games live here. The parent folder holds config.ini, UserSettings.ini and the DX9/DX11 graphics settings. Steam Cloud syncs only 10 saves, and you have to choose Steam Cloud in the save menu to use them.
~/Documents/Aspyr/Sid Meier's Civilization 5/Saves
Aspyr build. Save files are compatible with the Windows version when both games are on the same patch, but the file names differ, so rename them when moving a save.
~/.local/share/Aspyr/Sid Meier's Civilization 5/Saves
Native Linux build follows XDG, so the path defaults to ~/.local/share. Config files live in the same Aspyr folder.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Civilization V saves on Windows?
In %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5\Saves. Config.ini and the graphics settings files sit one level up in the same folder.
Does Civilization V support Steam Cloud?
Yes, but the limit is 10 saves. Pick Steam Cloud in the save menu to see the synced copies. Local saves outside those 10 stay on the PC.
Can I use a Windows save on Mac?
Yes, if both copies are the same game version. The save files are compatible but named differently per OS, so rename the file to match the target platform's naming.
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