Where Does RetroArch Save Games and States?
RetroArch save files, save states and config locations, including the default of saving next to ROMs.
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By default RetroArch writes SRAM saves next to the ROM that created them. Save states follow the same rule. Everything is redirectable through retroarch.cfg directory settings.
That default surprises organizers. One settings change centralizes every save, which is worth doing before the collection grows.
Where RetroArch stores this, by platform
[RetroArch install folder]\retroarch.cfg
Portable layout: retroarch.cfg plus saves and states subfolders when configured. Verify live paths in Settings > Directory, since defaults follow the loaded content folder.
~/.config/retroarch/retroarch.cfg
Main config file defining savefile_directory and savestate_directory. Uncomment and set them to centralize saves. Defaults resolve next to each ROM.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep RetroArch saves in one folder?
Set savefile_directory and savestate_directory in retroarch.cfg (or Settings > Directory) to fixed folders. Otherwise SRAM saves (.srm) and states (.state) land next to each ROM, which scatters them across your collection.
Are saves and states in the same place?
No, unless directories are explicitly set. SRAM saves and save states follow the content directory by default. Cores and BIOS follow the configured system directory instead.
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