Gamma Emerald Save Location & Backup Guide

Default Gamma Emerald save location

The Early Access build keeps its local data inside the game's own folder. Starting from the folder that contains PokemonEmerald.exe, open:

The complete path therefore looks like:

Make a reliable backup

1. Save in-game at a normal standing position, then exit completely.
2. Open the folder containing PokemonEmerald.exe.
3. Open the nested PokemonEmerald folder.
4. Copy the entire Saved folder, not only Slot1.sav.
5. Rename the copy with a date and checkpoint, such as Saved-2026-08-16-before-update.
6. Store a second copy outside the game folder before replacing or moving the installation.

Restore a backup

1. Close the game.
2. Make one final copy of the current Saved folder, even if it appears broken.
3. Place your chosen backup back at PokemonEmerald\Saved.
4. Confirm that SaveGames\Slot1.sav exists inside it.
5. Launch and inspect the Continue screen before making a new save.

Steam Deck, Linux and compatibility layers

Begin in the folder where you placed the Windows build. If the save is not there, search the relevant Proton prefix or container for Slot1.sav. Keep the folder structure intact when copying between systems. A save backup does not guarantee that every compatibility layer will run the same game version, so preserve the original Windows copy too.

Back up before changing Proton versions, moving to a new microSD card, testing Winlator, installing a game update, using peer-to-peer trading, or resetting local settings.