If you’re a fan of visual novels or interactive storytelling games, chances are you’ve heard of Split Fiction—a game known for its branching narratives, deep character development, and visually immersive settings. Whether you’re diving into its complex plotlines or trying out different narrative routes, one technical question inevitably arises: Where are the save files stored? This is not just important for backing up your progress but essential if you plan to port your progress to another platform or device.

TLDR: Split Fiction’s save files are typically stored in system-specific directories on your computer or device, depending on whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux. For Steam users, the files may also be found in the cloud sync folders. Knowing the exact location helps with backups, troubleshooting, or transferring saved progress. Scroll down for an OS-specific breakdown and some pro tips on managing your save data effectively.

Why You Might Need to Locate Split Fiction Save Files

Before we jump into the technical details, let’s consider why someone would want to access Split Fiction’s save files in the first place:

• Backup Your Progress: You’re halfway through a complicated multi-path story arc and want to ensure nothing gets lost.
• Transfer Saves Between Devices: For users who play Split Fiction on both a desktop and a laptop, transferring save data can ensure continuity.
• Modding or Debugging: Advanced users and developers may wish to examine, modify or debug the save data.
• System Restores or OS Reinstalls: Save data can be lost during these processes unless you know where to find and protect it.

No matter which of these scenarios applies to you, knowing the default save file location will make your gaming experience smoother.

Split Fiction Save File Locations by Operating System

Windows

On Windows, Split Fiction typically stores its save files in the AppData directory, which is hidden by default. The exact path is usually the following:

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\SplitFiction\Saves

To reveal this folder, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type %appdata% and press Enter. This opens the Roaming folder.
3. Navigate to the SplitFiction folder and then enter the Saves subfolder.

Note that if you’ve installed the game through platforms like Steam, the game might use a different save structure or rely on cloud sync for storage.

macOS

For Mac users, save files are typically stored in the Library directory within your user folder. Here’s the general path:

/Users/[YourUsername]/Library/Application Support/SplitFiction/Saves

The Library folder is also hidden by default. To access it:

• Open a Finder window.
• Hold down the Option key and click the Go menu at the top of the screen.
• Select Library, and then navigate to Application Support > SplitFiction > Saves.

Always be cautious when modifying or moving files in this folder, as doing so can corrupt your saved data if not handled properly.

Linux

Linux enthusiasts will find their save files in a hidden directory within their home folder. The default path is:

/home/[YourUsername]/.config/SplitFiction/Saves

To view hidden folders (those starting with a dot), you may need to enable hidden view in your file manager or use terminal commands to access them. Those comfortable with the terminal can use:

cd ~/.config/SplitFiction/Saves

Because Linux environments vary, especially depending on your distro and desktop environment, this path may be slightly different.

Steam and Cloud Save Locations

If you’re using Steam to play Split Fiction, things become a bit more nuanced. Steam offers cloud syncing, so you may not find traditional local save files in the locations mentioned above.

The local path for Steam’s save files is generally:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[YourSteamID]\[GameID]\remote

To find your specific Steam user ID and corresponding game ID:

1. Launch Split Fiction through Steam.
2. Enable Steam’s cloud sync feature via the game’s properties panel.
3. Browse to the Steam userdata directory and look for the most recently modified folder, which often corresponds to the most recently played game.

If Steam Cloud is enabled, your saves may automatically sync across devices, but it’s still wise to know the underlying file structure in case cloud issues arise.

Tips for Managing Your Save Files

Once you’ve located your save files, here are a few smart ways to manage them:

• Use Cloud Storage: Copy your saves to services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for extra peace of mind.
• Rename Save Folders: Before making any changes or trying mods, make a backup and give the folder a label like “Original_Saves.”
• Regular Backups: Schedule a recurring backup if you’re deeply invested in the game’s narratives.
• Cross-Platform Migration: While save files may be cross-compatible, always verify with file extensions and data structures to avoid issues.

Remember: Manipulating save files can be risky, especially if you’re trying to cheat or modify outcomes. Always work from a backup copy when testing something new.

Common Issues with Save Files

Even when you’ve correctly located your save files, you might encounter a few hiccups:

• Game Not Recognizing Save: This can happen if the saved file format is changed, or metadata files are corrupted. Revert to a backup if possible.
• Permissions Problems: Especially on macOS or Linux, you might need to adjust read/write permissions to make the game recognize your saves.
• Mismatched Game Versions: An update to Split Fiction may affect compatibility with older save files, particularly if branching logic has changed.

Community forums and subreddits dedicated to Split Fiction often offer save file validators or tools that can help restore corrupted data.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, here are some techy extras that might interest you:

• Symbolic Links: Use symlinks to have your save files in one location while tricking the game into loading them from another (ideal for shared network drives).
• Hex Editing: With extreme caution, advanced users can use hex editors to peek into save file contents. This is not recommended unless you truly understand binary structures.
• Automated Syncing: Tools like Syncthing or Resilio Sync can auto-sync your save directory between devices.

Conclusion

Split Fiction might be a fictional story playground, but finding and managing its save files is very real and very technical. Whether you’re a player looking to safeguard dozens of hours of narrative choices or a tinkerer hoping to peek behind the scenes, knowing where these files live is essential. With the right knowledge and careful management, you can ensure your journey through Split Fiction is not just memorable—but safely preserved.