GSBS

Overview

GSBS is a self-hosted save-sync service for players moving between computers or a Steam Deck. It suits mixed Windows and Linux setups particularly well; the trade-off is that you must operate a central server, and encryption needs to be enabled separately.

Game-aware syncing and manual version recovery make it a more considered option than syncing save folders blindly. It is best for players who want control over their own server and backups, not those seeking a hands-off hosted service.

Key features

Sync around gameplay

Clients discover games across Steam, Epic, GOG, Ubisoft, EA, Xbox, Heroic, Lutris, Bottles, and Prism by checking installations against a PCGamingWiki manifest. When a game is running, syncing waits until it closes, reducing the chance of altering a live save. Windows and Linux save paths are translated, including Proton paths, a useful fit for players whose saves move between a PC and a Steam Deck.

Version history and restore

GSBS versions save files and lets users restore a chosen copy from the web dashboard. That provides a practical recovery route after an unwanted change, but recovery is manual: users decide which version to restore.

Encryption and backups

Optional end-to-end encryption applies AES-256-GCM on the client and uses Argon2id. Encrypted saves reach the server as ciphertext; without encryption, their contents remain plaintext both on the server and in backups. Enable it if those systems or their storage are not trusted with readable saves.

Scheduled tar.zst snapshots can include the database, keys, and saves, with storage on local disk or S3. Webhook, Discord, and ntfy notifications cover events such as conflicts, quota, new devices, backups, and stale devices. The web interface also exposes an OpenAPI specification at /api/openapi.json.

Deployment and security

Docker Compose is the recommended server deployment, with a Windows server setup executable also provided. Installers and binaries are not code-signed or notarized, a meaningful caution for users who prefer signed software. The security policy directs vulnerability reports privately to the maintainer and says they are acknowledged within 72 hours. GSBS is distributed under the MIT License.

Pricing

GSBS is free, with a free plan. No paid tiers or plan limits are stated. The cost advantage comes with an operational trade-off: users provide and maintain the central server and, if desired, local or S3 backup storage.

Platforms

Clients are available for Windows, Linux—including Flatpak and arm64—and macOS. The service supports multi-device use, including desktop, laptop, and Steam Deck setups. The server can be deployed with Docker Compose or the Windows setup executable; the web interface provides save management and restore.

Who it's for

GSBS is a strong match for players with multiple devices, especially a Windows or Linux PC paired with a Steam Deck, who want game-aware syncing, save history, and scheduled backups under their own control. It is less suitable if you do not want to run a server, or if you expect save contents to be encrypted by default.

Pros and cons

Pro: Deferring sync until a detected game closes helps avoid changing an active save.

Pro: Windows/Linux path translation, including Proton paths, serves mixed-platform setups.

Pro: Versioned saves and dashboard restore give users a way to recover an earlier file.

Pro: Scheduled snapshots support local-disk or S3 storage and can include the database, keys, and saves.

Con: The central server must be deployed and operated by the user.

Con: Saves remain plaintext on the server and in backups unless optional end-to-end encryption is enabled.

Con: Installers and binaries are not code-signed or notarized.

Alternatives

Game Save Managers is the broader category to browse if GSBS's server-based approach is not a fit.

For local backups with optional cloud sync and no account requirement, consider SaveState. Ludusavi is a free, MIT-licensed portable executable for Windows, Linux, or Mac. If you want to back up saves to your own Google Drive on macOS or Windows, QSave is another free option.

Game Backup Monitor is free and open source, with unlimited games and 7-Zip compression; its cloud use requires a provider and sync client. Game Save Genie is free, has no subscription, and uses your own cloud storage. OpenSave is another free, open-source option, with no subscription, pro tier, ads, or telemetry.

Checkpoint64 may suit teams looking for a free tier capped at 20 MiB per space, one team, three friend teams to join, and three read-only fans; its Pro plan is €5 a month, billed monthly and cancellable anytime. Hoard is another alternative.

Verdict

Choose GSBS if you move game saves among Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck devices and want game-aware sync, version recovery, and scheduled backups on a server you control. Its strongest reason to choose it is the combination of cross-platform save-path handling and game-aware syncing. Look elsewhere if you want a hosted, low-maintenance setup or require encrypted saves without enabling encryption yourself.