Do non-cloud Steam save files have a regular structure?

Do non-cloud Steam save files have a regular structure? - Silhouette of Trees

By "structure" I mean headers and footers that all (or a significant subset of) Steam games' local save files begin and end with. A .dat file extension or folder heirarchy is not enough, as I will be "carving" the data in binary form from a hard drive with a corrupted file index.

The platform these games were played on is Windows 8.1 Professional 64bit, with AMD processor and graphics.

Background info: I am researching data recovery options for a client with a failed hard drive who wishes to recover save game files from that hard drive, which are not backed up to the Steam Cloud or other media.

I do not need help with the data recovery process itself (which would be off topic here anyway), but only with identifying what, if any, predictable structure delimits a "Steam game save".

Though the ideal answer will cover all Steam-purchased games which do not sync to the Steam Cloud or were last played offline, my client is specifically concerned about saves from:

  • Don't Starve
  • Castle Crashers
  • Battleblock Theater
  • Super Meat Boy
  • Bioshock 1
  • Five Nights at Freddy's 1

I have explained that even with a well-known file format, forensic data recovery is likely to produce corrupt files due to damaged media, and therefore recovered saves may not be playable. However, if there is some (DRM) reason the saves cannot be loaded under the same Steam account, on the same legally purchased games, on a new laptop, I will consider it an answer as well.






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Are Steam saves saved locally?

Steam saves game data both locally on your computer and in the Steam Cloud. You can access your files both on your Windows or Mac and via the Steam interface.

Are all Steam game saves on cloud?

Not every game on Steam supports cloud saves. This is something that's left up to the developer. All games don't work the same either. Developers get to choose what data is uploaded and what isn't.

Where are non Steam games saved?

the savegames of your "non-steam" game version are probably in appdata/roaming/steam. the game has been on sale multiple times and is worth every cent. come on, dude.

What happens when you run out of Steam cloud storage?

Deleting Steam Cloud Saves Once you enable Steam Cloud synchronization, Steam will automatically back up files to the servers. If you don't clear your storage regularly, you end up with plenty of unwanted files and backups taking up space. Without enough space, you might not get to save new games to the server anymore.



How to Sync Your Steam Cloud Saves




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Pixabay, Monstera, Pixabay, Reynaldo #brigworkz Brigantty