Do You Keep Your Progress if You Delete a Game and Redownload It? The Definitive Guide

Yes, generally, you do keep your progress if you delete a game and redownload it, but there are crucial nuances to understand depending on the platform, the game itself, and your online connectivity. This isn’t always a simple yes or no answer, so let’s dive into the specifics. The key is understanding where your save data resides – locally, in the cloud, or a combination of both. Let’s break down the intricacies of game saves and reinstalls.

Understanding Save Data: Local vs. Cloud

The location of your game save data is the single most important factor in determining whether you’ll retain your progress after a deletion and reinstallation. Historically, game saves were stored exclusively locally on your device – your PC’s hard drive, your console’s internal storage, or even a physical memory card. While some older games might still utilize this method, modern gaming largely relies on or incorporates cloud saves.

• Local Saves: If your game only saves data locally, deleting the game might delete the save data as well, particularly on PC or mobile devices. It’s crucial to check if the game offers an option to back up your save files manually.
• Cloud Saves: The advent of cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Plus has made it increasingly likely that your game saves are automatically backed up to the cloud. This means even if you delete the game from your device, your progress is safely stored and will be resynced when you reinstall and launch the game, assuming you are logged into the same account.
• Hybrid Saves: Some games use a hybrid approach, storing some data locally for quick access while periodically backing up to the cloud. This provides a balance of performance and security.

Platform-Specific Considerations

The behavior of save data retention can vary considerably depending on the platform you’re using:

PC (Windows, macOS)

On PC, things are the most variable. Some games store saves within the game’s installation folder, while others put them in separate folders (like Documents, AppData, or the Steam cloud save directory). Deleting the game might remove these saves depending on whether the uninstaller is designed to delete this information or if it is just uninstalling the application.

• Steam: Steam has a robust cloud save system. Most games on Steam automatically back up to the cloud. You can check if a game supports Steam Cloud by looking for the “Steam Cloud” icon on its store page or in your library.
• GOG Galaxy: GOG Galaxy also offers cloud saves for many games.
• Other Platforms (Epic Games Store, EA App, Ubisoft Connect): These platforms generally also offer cloud saves, but it’s still wise to verify on a per-game basis.
• Standalone Games: For games installed outside of these platforms, it’s vital to manually back up your save files if you’re concerned about losing them.

PlayStation (PS4, PS5)

PlayStation consoles heavily rely on cloud saves for PlayStation Plus subscribers. If you have an active PS Plus subscription, your save data is likely being automatically uploaded to the cloud. Even without PS Plus, you can manually back up your saves to a USB drive. When you delete a game, your save data is generally kept separate, but it’s always wise to have a backup.

Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

Xbox consoles automatically save game data to the cloud as long as you are connected to the Xbox network. This means that deleting a game from your console should not result in data loss. When you reinstall the game and sign in with the same profile, your progress will be resynced.

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch offers cloud saves through Nintendo Switch Online. If you have a subscription, your save data will be backed up for most games. However, some games do not support cloud saves (often due to competitive aspects), so it’s crucial to check the compatibility for each game. Without a subscription, you can back up saves locally to the system memory.

Mobile (Android, iOS)

Mobile games often use a mix of local saves and cloud saves (through Google Play Games or Game Center). Some games also tie your progress to your account (like Facebook or the game developer’s own system). Clearing an app’s data or uninstalling it can potentially delete local saves. Check the game’s settings to see if cloud saves are enabled and consider linking your account if possible.

Safeguarding Your Progress: Best Practices

While cloud saves are increasingly common, it’s always a good idea to be proactive about protecting your game progress:

1. Check Cloud Save Status: Before deleting a game, verify if it supports cloud saves on your platform.
2. Manual Backups: For PC games, locate your save files (usually in the game’s installation folder or in the Documents folder) and copy them to a safe location.
3. Platform-Specific Backups: Utilize the built-in backup features on PlayStation and Xbox consoles (e.g., backing up to a USB drive).
4. Account Linking: Link your game progress to an account (like Google Play Games, Game Center, Facebook, or a dedicated game account) whenever possible, especially on mobile.
5. Regular Backups: Make backing up your saves a routine, especially for games you’re heavily invested in.

Reinstalling Add-ons and DLC

When you uninstall a game, add-ons and DLC are also typically uninstalled. However, you do not lose your purchase. On platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store, you can easily redownload and reinstall your DLC after reinstalling the base game. The process usually involves going to the game’s page in the store or library and managing the add-ons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns about deleting and reinstalling games:

1. Will I lose my game saves if I uninstall a game on Steam?

Most games on Steam support Steam Cloud, so your save data is likely backed up. Check the game’s store page to confirm. If it does support Steam Cloud, you generally won’t lose your saves.

2. Does deleting a game on Xbox delete my saves?

No. Xbox automatically saves game data to the cloud (as long as you are connected to the Xbox network). Deleting the game only removes it from your console, your progress remains in the cloud.

3. What happens if I uninstall a game on PlayStation without PlayStation Plus?

Without PS Plus, your saves are not automatically backed up to the cloud. You can manually back up your saves to a USB drive via the PlayStation’s settings menu.

4. Will I lose progress in a mobile game if I delete it?

It depends. If the game uses cloud saves (via Google Play Games or Game Center) and you’re signed in, your progress should be safe. If it only uses local saves, deleting the app will likely erase your progress. Link your account (if possible) and check cloud save settings.

5. How do I back up my game saves on PC?

Locate your game save files (usually in the game’s installation folder or the Documents folder) and copy them to an external drive, cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox), or another safe location.

6. I reinstalled a game on PC, but my saves are gone. What can I do?

First, check if Steam Cloud is enabled for the game. If not, look for any manual backups you might have made. If neither of those options work, you may have unfortunately lost your save data. In the future, make manual backups.

7. Does deleting a game free up storage space?

Yes, deleting a game removes its files from your device, which frees up storage space. This is the primary reason to delete a game.

8. Can I redownload a game I purchased if I delete it?

Yes, on platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Google Play Store, your purchase is tied to your account. You can redownload the game at any time without repurchasing it, as long as you use the same account.

9. How often does Xbox save to the cloud?

Your Xbox will sync your save to the cloud whenever you exit a game.

10. What happens to my DLC when I delete a game?

DLC is also uninstalled when you delete the base game. However, your purchase remains. You can redownload and reinstall the DLC after reinstalling the game.

11. I deleted a game on Nintendo Switch. Will I lose my progress?

If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, your save data is likely backed up to the cloud (for supported games). However, some games do not support cloud saves. Check the compatibility for each game. Without a subscription, you will need to have backed up your saves locally to the system memory.

12. Is there a way to check if a game supports cloud saves before deleting it?

• Steam: Look for the “Steam Cloud” icon on the game’s store page or in your library.
• PlayStation: Check the PlayStation Plus cloud storage settings.
• Xbox: Most Xbox games automatically use cloud saves.
• Nintendo Switch: Check the game’s details on the Nintendo eShop or the Nintendo website.

13. What is the difference between “uninstalling” and “deleting” a game?

On most platforms, “uninstalling” and “deleting” are the same thing. They both remove the game’s files from your device.

14. If a game has both local and cloud saves, which one takes precedence?

Generally, the cloud save takes precedence. When you launch a game, it will typically sync with the cloud and download the latest save data.

15. Can re-installing the game help to fix issues I’m having?

Yes, reinstalling the game can sometimes fix bugs or corrupted files.

The Future of Save Data

As cloud gaming and game streaming become more prevalent, the reliance on local saves will continue to diminish. The future likely holds a seamless experience where your progress is automatically and continuously backed up to the cloud, regardless of the platform or device you’re using. This will provide greater convenience and peace of mind for gamers, ensuring that their hard-earned progress is always safe and accessible. To further explore the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In short, exercise caution, check your settings, and when in doubt, back up your save data. Happy gaming!