On Windows, first confirm you are using the same account as before. Then check %AppData%/StardewValley/Saves for your character’s folder. Copy the whole folder somewhere safe before editing or renaming files.[1]

Recognize the save files
The main save has the same name as its character folder. SaveGameInfo supplies the Load menu entry. Files ending in _old are the previous in-game day’s backups. A missing menu entry does not by itself prove that the main save is gone.[1]
Choose a recovery route
Restoring _old files can lose a day of progress. Preserve the original pair and follow the developer’s exact recovery instructions. Advanced XML repair is outside this short reference; use the full guide rather than guessing at file edits.[1]
Sources & verification
Facts last checked Oct 30, 2026. Checking a source does not change the page’s update date.
- Official missing or corrupt save troubleshooting ConcernedApe · official · Checked Oct 30, 2026
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