Fast answer

Do not replace or delete anything until you identify what is missing: the world, one character's inventory, host ownership, or the latest shared-world state. Preserve a separate copy first, then compare timestamps and accounts.

Do this first

Save-safe order

  1. Stop repeated save/load cycles.
  2. Record world, owner, host/client role, character, and last good time.
  3. Copy the official PC save directory to a separate folder.
  4. Check the correct account and shared-world owner.
  5. Escalate before replacing files when history is unclear.

01

Identify the missing layer

World progress, character inventory, and shared-world ownership are not interchangeable. A world can load while one player's gear is wrong; a shared world can show an older copy while local saves remain intact.

  • World missing or not loading
  • Quest/base state is old
  • One character has missing inventory
  • Shared world belongs to a different account

02

Safe comparison

Compare names, timestamps, account identity, and world type before opening candidate backups. Keep originals untouched and duplicate every candidate before testing. If the next action overwrites cloud history, stop and contact support.

Evidence ledger

Sources checked

Official supportGrounded 2 Save File Location

Official Windows save directory used for a separate backup copy.

Official supportHow to Report a Grounded 2 Issue

Official evidence and attachment requirements for useful support reports.

OfficialGrounded 2 Issue Tracker

Authoritative issue IDs and current status. Recheck the tracker before acting on a status label.

Editorial boundary

Official sources establish shipped features, issue status, and support steps. Cross-check and community sources are labeled and never treated as universal fixes.