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Ludusavi

github.com

Free plan Open source WindowsmacOSLinuxAPIBrowser extension
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Spec score 8.6 #1 of 27 in Game Save Managers

What it is

Ludusavi is a free Rust tool for backing up PC video game save data. It covers more than 19,000 games and allows custom entries, with support for libraries such as Steam, GOG, Epic, Heroic, and Lutris. Users can operate it through a graphical interface or a command-line interface for scripting. Supported data includes file-based saves, Windows registry saves, Steam Proton saves, and Steam screenshots. Ludusavi is also available as a Playnite extension. For cloud copies, it integrates with Rclone remotes including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, FTP, SMB, and WebDAV. Its synchronization process checks local and cloud saves before uploading changes and warns about conflicts. The tool supports scheduled backups and version history. Its backup information uses the Ludusavi Manifest, with information primarily sourced from PCGamingWiki. Portable releases are available for Windows, Linux, and Mac under the MIT License. One limitation is that it does not automatically support backing up on one operating system and restoring on another.

Spec sheet

What it does
Ludusavi backs up and restores PC video-game save data across multiple game stores.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Purpose
Ludusavi backs up PC video game save data and is written in Rust.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The repository is released under the MIT License.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Cloud backup
It integrates with Rclone and supports Rclone remotes including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, FTP, SMB, and WebDAV.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Cloud integration
Cloud synchronization is implemented through Rclone, with bundled Rclone updates noted in releases.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Cloud synchronization
Automatic synchronization checks whether local and cloud saves are in sync before uploading changes and warns about conflicts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Command API
The CLI includes an api command that executes bulk requests using JSON input and supports JSON schemas for input and output.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Command line
A command-line interface supports scripting and tab completion for Bash, Fish, Zsh, PowerShell and Elvish.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Cross-OS limitation
Ludusavi does not automatically support backing up on one operating system and restoring on another.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Distribution
Portable executables are available for Windows, Linux, and Mac, with Winget, Scoop, Flatpak, and Cargo distribution also listed.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Documentation
The repository links detailed help for automation, exclusions, retention, validation, cloud backup, custom games, configuration, CLI usage, logging and troubleshooting.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Extensibility
Community projects provide secondary manifests and plugins for Decky Loader, LaunchBox and Visual Studio Code.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Game coverage
The project says its manifest covers more than 19,000 games and supports custom entries.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Graphical interface
A graphical interface provides scan, backup and restore workflows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Independent editor assessment
FileHippo describes Ludusavi as a portable, free, open-source Rust tool with a user-friendly backup workflow and Playnite integration.Read 15 Oct 2026 · filehippo.com
Installation methods
Portable releases are provided for Windows, Linux and Mac, with Winget, Scoop, Flatpak and Cargo installation options.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Interfaces
It provides both a graphical interface and a command line interface for scripting.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Latest release
The releases page lists version 0.31.0 dated April 4, 2026.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Library SDK
Release 0.31.0 added an experimental crates.io library crate exposing some Ludusavi internals.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: cross-OS restores
Steam Deck HQ cautions that moving saves between Linux and Windows may not work well because paths differ.Read 15 Oct 2026 · steamdeckhq.com
Limit: duplicate management
FileHippo's editorial review reports inconsistent duplicate detection and no delete function for unwanted saves.Read 15 Oct 2026 · filehippo.com
Limit: missing games
Independent testing notes that games absent from the manifest require custom entries and manual configuration.Read 15 Oct 2026 · hysenlabs.com
Limit: no native post-play automation
Independent analysis says automatic backup after closing a game requires a launcher such as Playnite rather than Ludusavi alone.Read 15 Oct 2026 · hysenlabs.com
Limit: no symlinks
Independent analysis notes that Ludusavi cannot create symlinks for game data, unlike GameSave Manager.Read 15 Oct 2026 · hysenlabs.com
Linux requirement
Linux source installation lists GCC, CMake, X11/XCB, font, GTK and related development packages for Ubuntu.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker identity
The GitHub account identifies the maintainer as Matthew Kennerly.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Manifest
Its backup data uses the Ludusavi Manifest, whose information is primarily sourced from PCGamingWiki.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Manifest data
Backup paths come from the Ludusavi Manifest, whose primary data is sourced mainly from PCGamingWiki.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Notable news
On September 8, 2024, Steam Deck HQ reported that NonSteamLaunchers bundled Ludusavi for automatic non-Steam game-save backups.Read 15 Oct 2026 · steamdeckhq.com
Playnite integration
An official Playnite extension can trigger Ludusavi operations from that launcher.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Praise: cross-store coverage
Steam Deck HQ praised its cross-platform support, broad store coverage, graphical interface and Proton compatibility.Read 15 Oct 2026 · steamdeckhq.com
Praise: ease and speed
A Steam Deck reviewer described Ludusavi as fast, easy to use and free, useful for protecting saves that Steam Cloud misses.Read 15 Oct 2026 · reddit.com
Praise: Linux support
A Linux Gaming commenter reported installation without trouble and automatic detection of Steam Proton, native and GOG saves.Read 15 Oct 2026 · reddit.com
Proton support
Steam Proton save locations are supported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Public API
The CLI has an --api mode with structured requests and responses, including backup and title-finding operations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Save formats
It handles saves stored as files and in the Windows registry.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Save types
It supports file-based saves, Windows registry saves, Steam Proton saves, and Steam screenshots.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Security notice
The project warns that Windows may show an unrecognized-publisher warning and macOS may identify the developer as unidentified.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security setting
The runtime configuration controls certificate and hostname validation for downloads, with safe as the default and an unsafe option that disables validation.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Steam screenshots
Steam screenshots can be included in backups.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Store support
It supports Steam, GOG, Epic, Heroic, Lutris, and other game libraries.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Support and community
The project provides GitHub issues and discussions, and invites translations through Crowdin.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Supported stores
It supports Steam, GOG, Epic, Heroic, Lutris and other game libraries.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
System requirements
Best rendering performance requires DirectX, Vulkan or Metal; a tiny-skia software renderer is available as fallback.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
VS Code integration
The VS Code extension lints Ludusavi manifests and offers inline schema suggestions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · marketplace.visualstudio.com

Plans and prices

Free Free Portable desktop backup and restore; no paid tiers stated Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Ludusavi Free portable executable · Windows, Linux, or Mac · MIT licensed Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every Ludusavi plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Covers more than 19,000 games.
  • Supports custom game entries.
  • Offers graphical and command-line interfaces.
  • Rclone remotes include Google Drive and Dropbox.
  • Supports scheduled backups and version history.

Limits

  • Does not automatically support cross-operating-system restore.
  • Backup information is primarily sourced from PCGamingWiki.

Who it suits

Ludusavi suits PC players who want to back up saves from multiple game libraries and can use either a graphical interface or command line. It may also suit users who want Rclone cloud copies or Playnite integration.

Ludusavi in depth

Read the full write-up

Ludusavi is a free PC game-save backup tool for players who want broad game coverage and control over local or scripted backups. Its range of save types and Rclone synchronization make it a capable option; its cross-operating-system restore limitation is the key caveat.

Overview

With definitions for more than 19,000 games and support for custom entries, Ludusavi can serve large or unusual libraries. Its manifest draws primarily on PCGamingWiki, and the tool supports Steam, GOG, Epic, Heroic, Lutris, and other game libraries. It is released under the MIT License.

The graphical interface supports manual use, while the command-line interface offers a path to scripting. A bulk-request API command accepts JSON and supports schemas for both input and output, making it suitable for structured automation as well as routine backups.

For other tools in the category, see Game Save Managers.

Key features

Multiple save types: Ludusavi handles file-based saves, Windows registry data, Steam Proton saves, and Steam screenshots. That breadth matters for libraries where game data is not confined to ordinary save files.

Cloud storage and synchronization: Rclone integration supports remotes including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, FTP, SMB, and WebDAV. Before uploading changes, automatic synchronization checks whether local and cloud saves are in sync and warns about conflicts. Those checks help identify a risky mismatch before an upload, though the cross-operating-system restore limitation remains.

Playnite extension: Ludusavi is available as a Playnite extension, a relevant fit for users who manage their library through Playnite.

Download validation setting: Runtime configuration controls certificate and hostname validation for downloads. Safe is the default; an unsafe option disables validation, so it should not be chosen casually.

Pricing

Ludusavi costs nothing. The plan includes a portable executable for Windows, Linux, or Mac and is MIT licensed; the project also offers automatic and scheduled backups, version history, game detection, and both backup and restore options. There is no paid tier in this plan to weigh against a limited free allowance, making it a straightforward choice for users comfortable managing their own backup setup.

Platforms

Ludusavi supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, and is also available as an API and extension. Portable executables are offered for Windows, Linux, and Mac; distribution options also include Winget, Scoop, Flatpak, and Cargo. A practical boundary is that it does not automatically support backing up on one operating system and restoring on another. Players moving saves between different operating systems should account for that before relying on it as their migration path.

Who it's for

Ludusavi suits PC players with saves across several game libraries, users with less common save types, and anyone who wants to automate backup work through the CLI. Its custom entries and broad catalog are useful for varied collections, while Rclone gives users multiple choices for connecting cloud storage. It is less suitable as an automatic cross-OS migration tool.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad game and library coverage. More than 19,000 games, custom entries, and support for major libraries give it reach beyond a narrow store-specific tool.

Pro: Handles varied save data. Registry saves, Proton data, and screenshots extend coverage beyond file-based saves.

Pro: Flexible backup workflow. A GUI, scriptable CLI, JSON API, and Rclone integration accommodate both manual and automated setups.

Con: Cross-OS restore is not automatic. Users switching operating systems cannot assume Ludusavi will carry out the full backup-and-restore workflow for them.

Con: Cloud setup relies on Rclone. The integration supports many remotes, but users need to work with that integration rather than treat the cloud destination as a separate built-in service.

Alternatives

Checkpoint64 may suit users who prefer a freemium plan structure: its Free plan costs nothing and allows 20 MiB per space, one team, joining three friends’ teams, and three read-only fans; its Pro plan costs €5 a month, billed monthly and cancellable anytime.

GSBS is another free option with Linux, macOS, Windows, API, self-hosted, and web platform support.

Hoard is a freemium alternative for readers considering a solo-developed project; its maker is credited as Raimundo León Oliva.

Game Backup Monitor is a free Linux and Windows option with unlimited games and 7-Zip compression; cloud use requires a provider and sync client.

Game Save Genie is free on Linux, macOS, and Windows, uses your own cloud storage, and has no subscription.

OpenSave is a free, open-source alternative with no subscription, pro tier, ads, or telemetry, and supports API and self-hosted platforms.

Playnite Save Manager is a free Windows extension for Playnite; cloud sync is experimental.

EmuSync is a free alternative for Linux and Windows with API support and no subscription or paywall.

Verdict

Choose Ludusavi if you want a free, open-source backup tool that spans a large game catalog, handles several save formats, and can connect through Rclone or be scripted. Look elsewhere if seamless restoration across different operating systems is central to your setup.

Verdict

Ludusavi offers broad game coverage, several save types, and local-to-cloud synchronization with conflict warnings. Its cross-operating-system restore limitation matters for anyone moving saves between different operating systems.

Where Specifiction places it

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