SaveState

Overview

SaveState is a free, open-source app for backing up and restoring game saves, including saves from games without built-in cloud support. It is best suited to players with libraries spread across launchers and emulators who want local backups and control over any cloud storage. Its broad desktop discovery and optional sync are compelling; Android is a less dependable choice while the separate app remains in pre-release alpha.

Key features

SaveState packages saves into compressed ZIP backups, with one-click backup and restore and automatic rotation of older copies. Scheduled backups and version history help maintain a succession of copies, but restore is manual, so recovery still requires user action.

Dropping a game-launcher shortcut onto the desktop app prompts it to identify the game and search for its save folder. Supported launchers include Steam, Epic, GOG, Battle.net, Ubisoft, EA App, Playnite, and Heroic. Emulator discovery covers RetroArch, Dolphin, ares, DuckStation, PPSSPP, and PCSX2, making the app particularly useful for players whose saves span storefronts and emulation.

Cloud sync is optional and supports Google Drive, WebDAV, FTP/FTPS, SMB or network folders, and Git. Nothing is uploaded until a provider is configured, so local-only use is a genuine option. Cloud users get flexibility in storage choice, but must configure a provider to use synchronization.

Version 3.1 describes restore safeguards that validate a restore in advance, extract it in stages, install it atomically, and attempt a rollback if replacement fails. Those measures reduce the risk of a failed restore leaving files partially replaced, though they do not remove the need to keep backups and choose the correct save.

Pricing

SaveState is free: its Free plan costs nothing, requires no account, and includes local backups with optional cloud sync. There is no paid tier to unlock these capabilities, which makes it a straightforward fit for individual players who want to manage their own backups. The trade-off is that restore remains manual rather than an automatic recovery service.

Platforms

The desktop app is offered for Windows and Linux, with Windows ZIP and WinGet downloads and a Linux AppImage. Release notes describe Dolphin save-directory discovery for macOS locations, but the desktop downloads are specified for Windows and Linux. The separate Android app supports emulator detection, save scanning, ZIP backup and restore, and profile management, but remains in pre-release alpha. Some emulator saves in protected Android/data paths require a rooted device and superuser access through Root mode, a substantial barrier for users who do not root their phones.

Who it's for

SaveState suits players who want free, local-first protection for saves across supported desktop launchers and emulators, especially those who may later choose their own sync destination. It is less suitable for anyone needing a stable Android workflow for protected save locations, or an automatic restore process.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source, with no account requirement, makes local backup available without a subscription.
• Pros: Broad launcher and emulator discovery reduces the work of locating saves across different libraries.
• Pros: Optional sync across several provider types lets users choose cloud storage or stay local-only.
• Cons: Manual restore means users must initiate recovery themselves.
• Cons: Android is still alpha, and some protected save paths require root access.

Alternatives

Browse game save managers to compare more tools in the category.

• Checkpoint64 is worth considering if its freemium model and 20 MiB per-space free allowance suit your needs; its free plan also limits use to one team, joining three friends' teams, and three read-only fans.
• EmuSync is another free option if its Linux and Windows platform coverage is a better match.
• Game Backup Monitor may fit Linux or Windows users looking for an open-source tool with unlimited games and 7-Zip compression; cloud use requires a provider and sync client.
• Game Save Genie is an alternative if you want a free tool that uses your own cloud storage.
• Hoard is another option to compare if you are considering a freemium game-save manager.
• Ludusavi may suit users who prefer a portable executable for Windows, Linux, or Mac; it is MIT licensed and free.
• OpenSave is another free, open-source option with no pro tier, ads, or telemetry.
• QSave may be a better fit for Mac or Windows users who specifically want to back up game saves to their own Google Drive.

Verdict

Choose SaveState if you want a free, open-source way to back up saves across supported launchers and emulators, with the choice to keep backups local or configure your own sync provider. Its broad discovery and restore safeguards are strong reasons to use it, but look elsewhere if you need a mature Android app, root-free access to protected Android saves, or automatic recovery.