Ludusavi for Windows

Overview and purpose

Ludusavi is a free, open-source utility for backing up PC game save files. Created by Matthew Kennerly and written in Rust, it’s designed to run on multiple platforms and can integrate with several game distribution clients and library managers. Its main goal is to let players keep local copies of their save data so progress isn’t tied solely to cloud services.

Why use local backups instead of cloud-only storage?

Cloud syncing is convenient, but it isn’t always the best option for everyone. Common reasons to prefer local backups include:

• Concerns about privacy and who can access your files.
• The risk of corrupted uploads or accidental data loss in cloud systems.
• The desire to retain full control of restore points when switching PCs or reinstalling games.

A tool that produces reliable local backups helps protect long-term progress and removes dependency on third-party cloud services.

Principal capabilities

• Detects installed games and their save locations across multiple clients (for example Steam and the Epic Games Store).
• Offers a Backup Mode that scans discovered folders for save data and allows selecting one or many titles for export.
• Provides a Restore Mode to bring saves back onto another machine.
• Works without installation (portable) and supports cross-platform use.
• Can function as an add-on for game library managers such as Playnite.

How it operates

Start Ludusavi and choose Backup Mode to let the program locate game folders automatically. Use the preview/scan control to enumerate potential save files, then search for a specific title or mark several games to back up in one operation. When you need to move to a different computer, open Restore Mode and import the saved archives. Because the app is portable, you can run it directly from a folder or external drive without a formal install.

Current limitations and areas that could be improved

• Duplicate detection can be hit-or-miss, sometimes flagging files incorrectly or missing redundant entries.
• There’s no built-in function to remove obsolete save archives from the backup repository (for example, saves from games you’ve uninstalled).
• Some edge cases in detection or metadata reporting can produce inconsistent results that might confuse less technical users.

These shortcomings don’t prevent Ludusavi from doing the core job, but they are worth keeping in mind if you manage a large collection of saves.

Final impressions

Ludusavi is a straightforward, effective solution for creating local game save backups. It supports popular clients, integrates with common library tools, and generally “just works” out of the box. While it could benefit from more reliable duplicate handling and an option to prune outdated backups, it remains a highly practical utility for players who value privacy and control over their save data.