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Can You Transfer Saves in Dying Light? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can transfer save files in Dying Light, but the process and limitations vary depending on the platforms involved. Cross-platform transfers between different ecosystems like PlayStation, Xbox, and PC are generally not supported. However, transfers within the same platform (e.g., PC to PC, PS4 to PS5) are usually possible, albeit with specific steps that need to be followed. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding Save Transfer Limitations

The primary obstacle to seamless save transfers in games, especially titles like Dying Light, lies in the differences between platforms. Each platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox) utilizes a unique file structure and sometimes encrypts save data, which prevents direct compatibility. While it’s often possible to manually move save files on PC, console systems are more restrictive. This is further compounded by the lack of cross-progression support in Dying Light and Dying Light 2, meaning that your progress on one platform cannot be directly mirrored onto another.

Transferring Saves on PC

The PC version of Dying Light offers the most flexibility in terms of save file management.

Locating Your Save Files

Dying Light stores its save data within your Steam installation directory. The exact location is typically:

C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata<Your Steam ID>239140remoteoutsave

Replace <Your Steam ID> with your unique Steam user ID number. This directory contains all your save files for Dying Light.

Sharing or Backing Up Saves

Close Dying Light: Ensure the game is completely closed before attempting any save file manipulation.
Navigate to the Save Directory: Use the file path mentioned above to locate your save files.
Copy the Desired Save: Identify the save file you want to transfer or backup and create a copy of it.
Transfer the Save: You can now share this save file with a friend or store it on an external drive for backup purposes.

Restoring a Save File

To use a transferred or backed-up save:

Close Dying Light: Again, the game must be closed.
Navigate to the Save Directory: Open the same save file directory on the target PC.
Replace an Existing Save: Paste the transferred save file into this directory, replacing an existing save (make a backup of the save you are replacing, just in case).
Launch Dying Light: Start the game. The restored save should now be available.

Transferring Saves on PlayStation

PlayStation offers some save transfer options, primarily within the PlayStation ecosystem (PS4 to PS5).

PS4 to PS5

You can transfer saves from your PS4 to your PS5 using a few methods:

USB Drive:
1. On your PS4, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device.
2. Select the save file you’d like to copy, and transfer it to the USB drive.
3. Once that’s done, unplug the USB from the PS4 and plug it into the PS5.
4. On the PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive.
5. You’ll then be presented with the option to Copy to Console Storage.
PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage: If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can upload your PS4 saves to the cloud and then download them onto your PS5.
Data Transfer: You can also transfer all data, including saves, from your PS4 to your PS5 using a network connection. This option is available in the PS5’s settings.

PS4 to PS4

The process is similar to PS4 to PS5 transfers, using either a USB drive or PlayStation Plus cloud storage.

Transferring Saves on Xbox

Xbox also offers save transfer options within its ecosystem, primarily through cloud saves.

Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S

Xbox uses cloud saves extensively. As long as you’re signed in to the same Xbox Live account, your save data should automatically sync between Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

Ensure you are signed into the same Xbox Live account on both consoles.
Launch Dying Light on the Xbox Series X/S.
The game should automatically download your save data from the cloud.

Cross-Platform Save Transfers: The Bad News

Unfortunately, as stated in the provided text, cross-platform save transfers are not possible for Dying Light or Dying Light 2. This means you cannot transfer your progress between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. This limitation is due to technical differences and licensing agreements between platforms. If you switch from one platform to another, you’ll need to start a new game from scratch. The Games Learning Society emphasizes how game design and platform limitations can greatly affect player experience and game accessibility.

What if You Lose Your Save Data?

Losing save data can be a frustrating experience. Unfortunately, there is no way to retrieve deleted or corrupted save data if you haven’t created a manual backup. This is why it’s crucial to regularly back up your save files, especially on PC where you have direct access to them.

Dying Light Backup Saves Feature

Dying Light includes a Backup Save system that allows you to revert to a previous save based on your main storyline progress. This is a valuable feature, but it shouldn’t be relied on as the only form of backup. You unlock new Backup Saves as you advance through the main story.

FAQs: Dying Light Save Transfers

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about save transfers in Dying Light, to further clarify the nuances and limitations.

1. Can I transfer my Dying Light save from PC to PS4/PS5 or Xbox?

No, cross-platform save transfers are not supported. You cannot transfer your save between PC and PlayStation or Xbox.

2. Can I transfer my Dying Light 2 save from PS4 to PS5?

Yes, you can transfer your Dying Light 2 save from PS4 to PS5 using a USB drive, PlayStation Plus cloud storage, or the data transfer feature.

3. Can I transfer my Dying Light 2 save from Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S?

Yes, Xbox uses cloud saves. As long as you’re signed in to the same Xbox Live account, your save data should automatically sync.

4. Where are Dying Light save files located on PC?

Save files are located in: C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata<Your Steam ID>239140remoteoutsave.

5. How do I backup my Dying Light save files on PC?

Navigate to the save directory and copy the save files to another location, such as an external drive.

6. Can I have multiple save slots in Dying Light?

Yes, Dying Light has multiple save slots.

7. How do I transfer saves between PS4 accounts?

Data Transfer from one system to another system. Follow the on-screen instructions.

8. Is Dying Light cross-progression?

No, Dying Light does not support cross-progression. Your game progress cannot be transferred between platforms.

9. What if I lost my save on Dying Light 2?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to retrieve deleted save data if you haven’t created a manual backup.

10. Can I transfer my Dying Light account from Xbox to PC?

Unfortunately, cross-platform save-transfer is not possible.

11. Can you load a previous save in Dying Light?

Yes, the Backup Save system allows you to load a save based on the previous main storyline progress.

12. How do I import a save game to Steam?

Install Steam and log in.
Launch Steam.
Click on Steam.
Select Restore Game Backup.
Browse to the location of the game’s backup files.
Continue through the Steam windows to install the necessary games.

13. Can you have two Dying Light saves running concurrently?

You can have multiple save slots, but not run two saves at the same time.

14. How do I share Steam saves with a friend?

Locate your save files on PC and send them to your friend. They can then place the files in their save directory.

15. Will I lose everything if I start a new game in Dying Light 2?

Starting a new game will reset the story, character progress, and collectibles. Some outfits, like difficulty-based ones, may remain. Starting NG+ only resets the story, side missions, safe zones, and your human rank in invasions.

Conclusion

While transferring saves in Dying Light has its limitations, understanding the specifics for each platform can help you manage your progress effectively. For PC users, manual save management offers flexibility, while console players can leverage cloud saves and USB drives for transfers within their respective ecosystems. Unfortunately, cross-platform play or save transfers remains a challenge. GamesLearningSociety.org offers insights into game design and these types of platform restrictions. Keep these details in mind to ensure your progress is safe and accessible, no matter where you’re playing.

Can you transfer saves in dying light?