Where Are Dwarf Fortress Saves Stored?
Dwarf Fortress stores saves in a save folder under the user data directory on Windows. Since version 52.01 the default is AppData\Roaming\Bay 12 Games\Dwarf Fortress.
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On Windows Steam builds in non portable mode, user data lives under %APPDATA%\Bay 12 Games\Dwarf Fortress. Saves sit in the save subfolder, with one folder per world such as region1.
Portable mode writes to the install folder instead. Check prefs portable.txt to confirm the active mode, and always edit folders while the game is closed.
Where Dwarf Fortress stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Bay 12 Games\Dwarf Fortress\save\<region-folder>
<region-folder> is the world folder such as region1 or a custom name. current is a temp working folder and should be left alone. Copy the full world folder for backup, plus data installed_mods if the world uses mods.
<steam-library>\steamapps\common\Dwarf Fortress
<steam-library> is the Steam library root, often C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam. Use Steam Properties then Local files then Browse local files to open it. This path holds game content and portable mode data when portable.txt exists in prefs.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my save path change after an update?
Version 52.01 moved default user data to AppData Roaming Bay 12 Games Dwarf Fortress. Older saves may remain in the install folder. Copy world folders to the new save path while the game is closed, then launch to verify.
What should I copy for a full backup?
Copy the entire world folder inside save, not single files. For modded worlds also copy the matching data installed_mods set. Rename copies at the folder level only when the game is closed.
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