Getting Started with SaveSync: Setup Guide
Learn how to set up SaveSync in minutes. This step-by-step guide covers installation, connecting with friends, and syncing your first co-op save.
SaveSync is a Steam tool that lets you share co-op game saves with your friends so anyone in the group can host the world, even when the original host is offline. This guide walks you through everything from installation to syncing your first save.
Step 1: Purchase and Install SaveSync
SaveSync is available on Steam. Purchase it like any other Steam application, and it will appear in your Steam library.
- Open Steam and search for “SaveSync” in the store, or visit the store page directly.
- Purchase SaveSync.
- Go to your Steam Library.
- Find SaveSync in your library and click Install.
- Once installed, click Play to launch it.
SaveSync runs as a standalone application alongside your games. It does not modify any game files.
Step 2: Add Your Save
Make sure you have played at least one session so a save exists.
- Click your game in the list on the left. You’ll see that game’s save management page.
- Click “+ New Save” in the top right.
- Select your save from the dialog of available saves.
- Click “Create Save”. The save starts syncing.
- Wait for the green checkmark.
Step 3: Share It With Your Friends
Every friend who wants to host needs SaveSync installed on their end.
- Click the share icon on your save.
- Search for your friend’s Steam username and click Share.
- Your friend clicks “Activate” on the shared save, which shows as shared by you. The save is ready, they can host it, and it syncs automatically after that.
SaveSync also keeps a full save history: who uploaded which save and when, with the option to revert to any earlier one.
Step 4: Play and Host
With the save shared, any player can host:
- Launch the game normally through Steam.
- Load the synced world.
- Your friends connect to your session as they normally would.
That is the complete workflow. The first time takes a few minutes to set up. After that, the save syncs automatically.
Transferring Host Duties
One of the biggest benefits of SaveSync is that hosting is no longer tied to one player. Here is how a typical host transfer works:
- Player A finishes their hosting session, and SaveSync syncs the save.
- Player B wants to host the next session. The latest save is already on their machine.
- Player B launches the game and loads the world.
- Everyone else connects to Player B.
No file hunting, no manual copying, no confusion about who has the latest save. It just works.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Always sync after your session. This ensures the group always has access to the latest progress.
- Make sure everyone is on the same game version. Game updates can cause save compatibility issues regardless of how the save is transferred.
- Keep mods in sync. If your group uses mods, everyone needs the same mods and versions. SaveSync handles save files, not mod installations.
- Use the LAN Sync feature if you are playing on the same local network (particularly useful for Minecraft Java Edition and Vintage Story).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every player need to buy SaveSync?
Yes. Every player who wants to sync saves needs to have SaveSync installed. This ensures the save can be uploaded and downloaded by any group member.
Does SaveSync modify my game files?
No. SaveSync only works with save files. It does not modify game executables, inject code, or alter how the game runs. Your game stays exactly as it was.
What happens if two players sync at the same time?
SaveSync handles versioning to prevent conflicts. The latest save is always clearly identified, and you will not accidentally overwrite newer progress with an older save.
Can I use SaveSync for single-player saves?
SaveSync is designed for co-op save sharing, but there is nothing stopping you from using it to back up and transfer single-player saves between your own machines or to share a single-player world with a friend.
What if my game is not supported?
SaveSync currently supports 50+ games with more being added regularly. If your game is not on the list, join the SaveSync Discord and request it. The most-requested games get prioritized for support.
Is my save data secure?
Your saves are shared only with the players you share them with. Nobody else can access your save files.
What if I have problems during setup?
Join the SaveSync Discord for help. The community and developers are active and can walk you through any issues.
Start Playing on Your Schedule
The setup takes less than five minutes. After that, your co-op world belongs to the whole group, not just the host. No more waiting, no more lost progress, no more worlds that die because one person got busy.