Where Are The Drifter Save Files Located?
The Drifter saves a single Save1.sav inside its install folder rather than Documents or AppData. Where to find it, and the catch.
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Powerhoof's The Drifter breaks the usual rule: your save is a single file called Save1.sav sitting in the game's install folder, right next to the executable. Nothing goes to Documents, AppData or LocalLow. That makes it easy to find once you know, and easy to lose if you reinstall by deleting the folder instead of letting Steam handle it.
Steam Cloud is enabled (App ID 1170570), which quietly protects the file in normal use. The simplest way to reach it is Steam itself: right-click the game, then Manage and Browse local files. Back the file up there before anything involving a manual install folder clean-up.
Where The Drifter stores this, by platform
[Steam]\steamapps\common\The Drifter\Save1.sav
One save file beside the game executable. Reach it via Steam's Browse local files option. Copy it out before deleting or moving the install folder yourself.
<SteamLibrary>/steamapps/common/The Drifter/Save1.sav
Native Linux build for App ID 1170570. No save location is documented separately for Linux, but the Windows behavior points to the game folder, so check beside the executable first.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Drifter related to Hyper Light Drifter?
No, they are different games with similar names. This post covers Powerhoof's 2025 adventure. Hyper Light Drifter keeps saves in LocalAppData under the HyperLightDrifter folder instead.
Does verifying Steam files delete my save?
No. Steam's verify option repairs game files and leaves unknown files alone, so Save1.sav survives it. Only deleting the install folder by hand removes the file.
Where is the save on Steam Deck?
No separate Linux path is documented. On Windows the save sits in the game folder, so on Deck check steamapps/common/The Drifter first; Steam Cloud syncs the file back to Windows anyway.
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