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Private, browser-local player worksheet

Build a precise Subnautica: Below Zero troubleshooting note

Record the variables that change the correct support route. Your entries stay in this page until you choose to copy the note; they are not uploaded or saved. Never enter passwords, recovery codes, payment details, or another player's personal data.

Suggested next step

Record the exact symptom and compare the current official support instructions before changing data.

Game: Subnautica: Below Zero
Guide: Below Zero: Back Up the Local Save Before Moving It to Another PC (subnautica-below-zero-steam-save-transfer-backup-check)
Platform/storefront: Not recorded
Symptom category: Other reproducible issue
Displayed build/version: not recorded
Recent change: none recorded
Observed result (redact personal data): not recorded
Safe next check: Record the exact symptom and compare the current official support instructions before changing data.

This is an editorial worksheet, not official support, automated diagnosis, a game-state check, or a promise of recovery. Use the guide's cited sources and current client as authority.

Check storefront and local folder before transfer

Unknown Worlds' notice described Steam saves and said they remained local after Steam Cloud was disabled. The folder is within the installed game directory in that notice; Mac and Epic paths differ, and consoles do not expose the same files.

SetupSource-bounded checkLimit
Steam on WindowsSteam Library > steamapps/common/Subnautica Below Zero/SNAppData/SavedGamesLibrary drive may differ
Steam on macOSUse the installed game's Local Files location and the publisher's current pathDo not paste Windows separators/path literally
Epic or consoleUse the storefront/platform-specific support instructionsSteam path is not transferable guidance
Cloud status appears enabledInspect current game properties and sync state before transferHistoric announcement may not reflect a future client change

References: Unknown Worlds: Steam Cloud disabled for Below Zero saves

Copy; never move the only save

The publisher's Steam announcement recommends manual transfer when changing computers. Create a complete backup first and keep source and destination separate until the copied world loads correctly.

  1. Exit Below Zero and wait for any game process to close.
  2. Use the storefront's Local Files option to locate the installed game folder.
  3. Copy—not move—the entire SavedGames directory to an external or clearly separate backup location.
  4. Confirm the destination has the same storefront/build family and enough free space.
  5. Copy the save folder to the matching destination path; do not overwrite a non-empty destination until each slot is identified.
  6. Launch the game and inspect the world list; keep the original backup until the expected world opens and saves normally.
  7. If no world appears, stop and compare the actual folder/build with Unknown Worlds support rather than repeatedly replacing files.

References: Unknown Worlds: Steam Cloud disabled for Below Zero saves · Subnautica: Below Zero Steam Discussions

Before you play

  • Storefront and OS recorded.
  • Cloud state checked in current client.
  • Game closed before copying.
  • Full SavedGames folder copied to separate backup.
  • Source retained until destination world is verified.

Frequently asked questions

Does Steam Cloud always transfer Below Zero saves?

Unknown Worlds announced it disabled Steam Cloud after reliability issues; confirm current client behavior rather than assuming sync.

Can I use the Steam folder for a console save?

No. The cited transfer guidance applies to PC files.

Does this checklist copy my world?

No. It only records checks; it cannot access local folders.

Sources & revision notes

Editorial revision: November 7, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.

  1. Unknown Worlds: Steam Cloud disabled for Below Zero saves (Official)

    Unknown Worlds announced Steam Cloud was disabled after reliability concerns and recommended manual transfer for Steam saves. This describes the PC Steam build at that announcement; verify current platform behavior before transferring.

  2. Subnautica: Below Zero Steam Discussions (Community)

    Player-generated PC/Steam discussion. Save paths and cloud behavior vary by storefront, OS and platform; compare only reports with matching builds and do not follow destructive file advice without a backup.

What changed in this revision

November 7, 2026: first publication, converted the developer's Steam Cloud notice into a backup-first manual transfer checklist. No save was accessed.

How we research and correct guides

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