Mechanics

Save location, Cloud conflicts and resuming a run

By Nocti · Last updated

Use Resume Run for an interrupted game, check the Windows Steam save folder before changing files, and separate a Cloud conflict from the corrupted-resume startup bug fixed in 1.2.1.

Continue the saved run

Version 1.2 added saving when you quit Endless, Challenges or regular Pressure runs. Finish any Evolution or POI selection before saving; those choice screens cannot save the run.

Choose Resume Run on the main menu to return to it. Starting a new run or saving another run overwrites the existing continuation. A save retains your position, stats, evolutions and nearby creatures.

Official 1.2 notes: mid-run saves

Windows Steam save folder

The developer corrected the Windows Steam path to include the real subfolder. Press Win + R, paste this folder path and open it:

%AppData%\..\LocalLow\Odd Dreams Digital\Everything is Crab\SyncedData\Steam\real

Developer correction of the Steam path

This is the Windows Steam location identified in that reply. Do not assume the same path applies to Epic, STOVE, Steam Deck or a different Windows user profile. If it is absent, confirm your storefront and profile before changing files.

Keep a separate backup first

  1. With the game closed, copy the Everything is Crab save folder to a separate dated backup location outside the active save folder. Copy it; do not move or delete the original.
  2. If two computers disagree, keep a separate backup from each and label which machine and playing session it belongs to. Preserve both before choosing which copy should sync.

Cloud conflict or different progress on two PCs

  1. If Steam reports a sync error, resolve it before launching the game. Repeated launches can make it harder to preserve the right local copy.
  2. In a conflict window, compare the local and cloud modification dates with the session you actually want to keep. The most recent timestamp is usually useful, but it is not enough if that session had already loaded older progress.
  3. If the newer progress may still be on the other PC, back it up first, then check whether Steam on that machine can finish syncing before playing on the second PC.

Steam Support says it cannot recover lost saves or choose the correct side of a conflict for you. A cloud copy is not a guaranteed history of older saves.

Steam Support: Cloud conflicts, failed sync and lost progress

Black screen after an interrupted save

Update to 1.2.1 or a later available version first. The 1.2.1 notes fix startup failure caused by a corrupt Resume Run file and add a warning so the game can continue.

The damaged interrupted run is discarded. This unblocks startup; it does not restore that run’s lost progress. Other black-screen causes need their own diagnosis.

Official 1.2.1 notes: corrupt Resume Run handling

Older-version workaround when updating is impossible

Use this developer workaround only for the matching corrupt-resume symptom, after backing up. It removes the interrupted run. The order matters because Steam Auto-Cloud can download the broken file again.

  1. Start the game and leave it running at the black screen.
  2. In the Windows Steam folder above, delete only the exact file named below. Leave the containing folder and every other save file untouched.

    Slot_1_ResumeRunSnapshot_v1.save

  3. While the game is still stuck, close it with Alt + F4.
  4. Launch the game again. If the file is absent, the path differs or the problem persists, stop deleting files and use the developer discussion for further help.

Developer’s original sequence and single-file restriction

New run, missing unlock and full reset are different

If you only want another attempt, start a new run, remembering that it replaces the saved continuation. Removing the resume snapshot is a black-screen workaround, not a full-profile reset procedure.

If a specific unlock is missing but your other progress is present, check its requirement and mode in the Codex before treating the save as lost.

This guide does not have a verified full-reset procedure for every storefront. For an intentional reset of all unlocks, keep a backup and ask the developer for instructions for your store and version rather than clearing the save folder or Steam achievements.