Where Does ScummVM Store Saves and Config?
ScummVM splits scummvm.ini config from per game saves. The config paths plus the savepath setting.
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ScummVM keeps global and per game settings in scummvm.ini. On Windows that is %APPDATA%\ScummVM\scummvm.ini, on macOS ~/Library/Preferences/ScummVM Preferences, on Linux ~/.config/scummvm/scummvm.ini honoring XDG_CONFIG_HOME. The Paths tab shows the live location.
Saves go wherever the savepath key points, settable per game in Edit Game, Paths. Screenshots default to Pictures/ScummVM Screenshots (Desktop on Mac). A save failure almost always means the savepath points somewhere unwritable, so check that tab before reinstalling anything.
Where ScummVM stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\ScummVM\scummvm.ini
Global plus per game sections inside. Savepath settable per game; screenshots default to Pictures\ScummVM Screenshots. Snap installs on Linux remap under ~/snap/scummvm.
~/Library/Preferences/ScummVM Preferences
Note the space in the filename. Older installs may still use ~/.scummvmrc, which keeps working for backwards compatibility. Screenshots land on the Desktop.
~/.config/scummvm/scummvm.ini
XDG config home honored. Screenshots in ~/Pictures/ScummVM Screenshots. The --config flag and --initial-cfg option override per launch.
Frequently asked questions
scummvm says failed to save game state, why
The savepath for that game points at a missing or read only folder. Open Edit Game, Paths, and reset it to a writable directory. The official FAQ lists exactly this as the first check.
how do i back up scummvm saves
Copy the savepath folder plus scummvm.ini. The INI holds game entries and paths, so a new machine needs both halves pointed at the same game files.
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