You cannot simply rename a file. Hardcore saves have a flag inside the .gdc file. Using GD Stash, you can toggle the "Is Hardcore" flag. Warning: This is widely considered cheating, but useful if your hardcore character died due to a crash.
If Cloud Saving is OFF (Local Saves):
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Grim Dawn\save\
If Cloud Saving is ON (Steam Cloud):
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[YourSteamID]\219990\remote\save\
(Note: 219990 is Grim Dawn's Steam App ID)
There are three primary methods of sharing: single character, full account, and shared stash only.
Yes and no. Some achievements (like "Reach Level 100") will pop immediately upon loading. Others (like "Kill 10,000 Aetherials") may not retroactively track.
Downloading save files from untrusted sources (random forum posts, torrent sites) is risky. A .gdc file is not an executable, but malicious users could package a .exe inside a zip. Only download from reputable communities like the Crate Entertainment official forums, Grim Dawn subreddit, or trusted Discord servers. Grim Dawn Save File Sharing
Sharing save files in is a common practice used by the community to skip the leveling grind, test endgame builds, or recover lost data. Since characters are stored locally or via the Steam Cloud, transferring them is as simple as moving a folder. Finding Your Save Files
The location of your save data depends on whether you have Cloud Saving enabled in the game options.
Local Saves: Found in Documents\My Games\Grim Dawn\save\main. Each folder starting with an underscore (e.g., _CharacterName) represents a unique character.
Steam Cloud Saves: Typically located in your Steam directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[YourID]\219990\remote\save\main.
The Shared Stash: To share items across all your characters, the file transfer.gst (or transfer.gsh for Hardcore) stores everything in your Shared Stash. How to Share or Install a Save You cannot simply rename a file
Backup First: Always copy your existing save folder to a safe location before making changes.
Download/Copy: Obtain the character folder (e.g., _BuildTest123) from a friend or a community site like the Crate Entertainment Forums.
Place the Folder: Drop the character folder into your save\main directory.
Disable/Enable Cloud: If you use Steam Cloud, you may need to temporarily disable it, launch the game to let it recognize the local file, and then re-enable it to sync. Why Players Share Saves
Theorycrafting: Instantly accessing a level 100 character with specific gear to test new expansion builds. If Cloud Saving is ON (Steam Cloud): C:\Program
Item Recovery: Using community "mule" saves that contain every Legendary item in the game for easier gearing.
Technical Fixes: Moving characters between different PCs or helping a friend who lost their progress due to a crash. Shared Stash vs. Character Sharing
If you just want to move gear between your own characters, visit the Smuggler NPC in any major hub (like Devil’s Crossing). They provide a Shared Stash tab specifically designed for item transfer.
The biggest problem in Grim Dawn, Save File Sharing - Page 3
To develop a useful feature for "Grim Dawn Save File Sharing," we need to address the specific problems with how Grim Dawn handles saves: file size (due to item stash data), version compatibility, and ease of transfer.
Here is a comprehensive design for a "Grim Dawn Sync & Share" feature (conceptually designed as a desktop application or a mod manager plugin).
GD Stash is the community standard for viewing and editing save files. You can use it to: