Save file location & backups

The developer’s published path

The v1.0.1 announcement supplies this path:

Game installation directory\The Piper Of Dawn\ThePiper_Data\SavesDir

The absolute location depends on the Steam library where you installed the game. Do not assume it is on C: or in AppData. Start from the actual installation folder and locate ThePiper_Data/SavesDir.

Make a backup before changing anything

1. Save normally, then close the game.
2. Find the save directory in the installed game files.
3. Copy the entire SavesDir folder to a separate location.
4. Name the copy with the date and game version.
5. Keep the original untouched while checking the backup.

This is conservative file-backup advice; no save format conversion or compatibility between versions is promised.

Story saves and working saves

Keep a normal working slot plus separate saves before decisions you may want to revisit. In the route journal, record the slot name, the displayed in-game date and what you chose. A note is not a save file and cannot restore the game by itself.

Cloud saves are not this wiki’s progress

The Steam store lists Steam Cloud. The checklist and notebook on this site are unrelated local browser data. Export them separately with the backup button on the journal page. Clearing browser storage can remove wiki progress without changing your actual game saves.

Story saves and demo-transfer questions

v1.0.2 improves saving and loading during story sequences and fixes missing background music after saving/loading in the opening. Continue making a separate backup: improved stability is not a promise that every old save repairs itself.

Players are also asking about carrying demo progress into the release. The checked v1.0.2 announcement does not establish a supported demo-save conversion procedure. The save-folder location above does not prove compatibility. Keep demo and release backups separate; do not overwrite a release save with demo files on the strength of a forum suggestion. Ask official support for version-specific instructions.