The safe method is to copy your save folder first, then point a read-only analyzer at the copy, never at the live files. The game is closed or idle during the copy, and you never restore or edit anything while you’re only looking. This guide covers Windows PC saves on Steam and Epic Games Store, where official support documents the file locations.
Where the PC saves live
The game’s official support documentation gives these Windows locations. Replace %user% with your Windows username. The final folder is named after your platform account ID.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Storefront | Save folder |
|---|---|
| Steam | C:Users%user%DocumentsAvalanche StudiosCOTWSaves%SteamID% |
| Epic Games Store | C:Users%user%DocumentsAvalanche StudiosEpic Games StoreCOTWSaves%EPICID% |
If you have played from more than one account, you may see several ID folders. Confirm that the one you copy belongs to the account you want to inspect.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A 2019 Steam community post reproduces a developer reply about an older layout: the folder used to be called theHunter Call of the Wild and was later moved to COTW, with a slots backup folder and conversion of legacy saves. That is historical context. For current directions, use the paths above.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Console players
This workflow is PC-only. Official support says Xbox offers no way to manually back up save data, and a separate support page says Xbox save data can’t be accessed or exported for submission to support. For PlayStation, the support article points to Sony’s own PS4 or PS5 backup instructions rather than giving a file path. Neither platform gives you a folder to analyze.
The workflow
- Stop the game from writing. Close it, or wait until the in-game save indicator disappears. An analyzer guide for one independent tool warns that a read can fail while the game is writing to or holding a save file.
- Open the correct account folder. Use File Explorer and the path for your storefront.
- Copy the entire folder elsewhere. Official support recommends manually copying saves even where cloud saves exist, and it names USB storage and online storage as destinations. A USB flash drive works, and no particular capacity is required. Support’s cloud-save statement excludes Epic Games, so for Epic the manual copy matters even more.
- Keep two layers. Treat the first copy as your untouched archive. Make a second working copy from it, or open the archive only in a tool that documents read-only behavior.
- Point the analyzer at the copy. Check which directory the tool has selected. The guide for the independent tool advises verifying account-specific details after you switch directories.
- Read the report. If a read fails, wait for any save to finish and try again.
What a read-only analyzer can tell you
The independent Call of the Wild Tools documentation says its analyzer recognizes supported save, population and profile files. It says it can present hunter progress, animals, harvests and explored locations. It also states that it processes raw saves locally by default, doesn’t upload them, doesn’t edit the source save, and doesn’t repair corrupted saves.
Rank #2
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
These are the publisher’s own claims, not audited findings, and the tool is not an official product. Read its current documentation before relying on them. The game’s developer hasn’t published a full save-file format, so what any analyzer can interpret depends on that tool and the game version it supports.
Reading an incomplete report
If a section is empty or a file isn’t recognized, that tells you about the tool’s support, not necessarily about your save. The documented analyzer separates validation from repair: it can flag problems but won’t fix them. Don’t conclude a save is damaged because a report is thin.
Rank #3
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Choosing between analyzers
Compare tools on points you can verify in their documentation:
- Does it support your storefront and the files in your folder?
- Does it read locally, or upload data?
- Does it edit files, or state that it leaves the source untouched?
- Which report sections does it actually document?
- Does it clearly report missing or unsupported files?
Avoid any claim of “complete” file coverage, since no official schema exists to measure it against.
Rank #4
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
If saves are missing or won’t update
Keep recovery separate from analysis. Official support says security software’s ransomware protection can stop the game from creating or modifying saves, and notes that recovery may be possible from a PC save slot or cloud backup. If you need to restore anything, make sure your untouched copy exists first, then follow official support’s steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the analyzer repair a corrupted save?
The documented independent analyzer says it doesn’t. It focuses on read-only interpretation and validation. Recovery is a separate process covered by official support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
