The Forest Server Backup: Local Save Guide

This guide explains how to create a local backup of your The Forest dedicated server save files. This protects your world, player progress, and building structures from crashes, corrupted data, or accidental deletions. You’ll need access to the server’s file system, either directly on the machine or via an FTP/SSH connection, and a destination folder on your local computer.

What You’ll Need

• Access to the server’s file directory (via remote desktop, SSH, FTP, or a file manager in your hosting panel).
• A local folder where you want to store the backup.
• Optional: A tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR to compress the backup.

Step-by-Step

1. Stop the server. The most reliable way to back up is to shut down the server process. If you’re using a hosting panel, click “Stop” or “Shut Down.” If you’re running it manually, close the server window or use the console command save followed by exit. This ensures no files are being written while you copy them.
2. Locate the save files. The default save location for a dedicated server on Windows is C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\LocalLow\SKS\TheForest\Saves\. On Linux, it’s typically /home/[YourUsername]/.config/unity3d/SKS/TheForest/Saves/. If you’re using a game server provider, check their documentation for the exact path—it’s often inside the server’s root folder under save\ or Saves\.
3. Identify the correct save folder. Inside the Saves directory, you’ll see folders named with numbers (e.g., 1234567890) or a single folder named Multiplayer or DedicatedServer. The dedicated server saves are usually in a folder named Multiplayer or directly under a numeric ID. Look for files with .save and .png extensions—the .png is the world thumbnail.
4. Copy the entire save folder. Right-click the folder that contains the .save files and select “Copy.” Then navigate to your local backup destination and paste it. If you’re using FTP, drag the folder to your local directory. Make sure you copy the whole folder, not just the .save file, because there are multiple files that work together.
5. Verify the copy. Check that the copied folder has the same number of files and roughly the same total size as the original. You can compare by right-clicking both folders and selecting “Properties” (Windows) or “Get Info” (Mac).
6. Optional: Compress the backup. Right-click the copied folder and choose “Add to archive” (if you have WinRAR/7-Zip) or “Compress” on Mac. This saves space and keeps the backup as a single file. Name it with the date, e.g., TheForest_backup_2025-04-14.rar.
7. Restart the server. After the backup is safely copied, start the server again. You can now continue playing, and you have a restore point.

Common Mistakes

• Backing up while the server is running. This can result in corrupted saves because files are being written during the copy. Always stop the server first.
• Copying only the .save file. The server uses multiple files (like .save, .png, and possibly .json) to store the world. Copying just one file may not be enough to restore.
• Backing up the wrong folder. If you’re running multiple instances or have played single-player, you might copy the wrong save. Double-check the folder name and the modification date.
• Not verifying the backup. A failed or incomplete copy is useless. Always check the file count and size after copying.

Tips

• Automate backups. If you’re comfortable with scripting, you can write a simple batch file (Windows) or shell script (Linux) that stops the server, copies the folder, and restarts it. Many hosting providers also offer scheduled backups—enable them if available.
• Keep multiple versions. Rotate your backups: keep the last 3-5 days’ worth. This way, if a save becomes corrupted and you don’t notice for a few days, you can still go back to an earlier point.
• Use a cloud storage service. After copying locally, you can also upload the backup to Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar. This protects against hard drive failure.
• Test your backup. Occasionally, restore a backup on a test server to make sure it works. This is the only way to be certain your backup is valid.

Troubleshooting

I can’t find the Saves folder. If you’re on Windows and don’t see the AppData folder, you need to enable hidden items. Open File Explorer, go to the View tab, and check “Hidden items.” On Linux, the .config folder is hidden by default; use ls -a in the terminal to see it.

The backup is much smaller than the original. This usually means the copy was interrupted or you missed files. Delete the backup and try again, ensuring the server is fully stopped.

When I restore the backup, the server doesn’t load my world. Make sure you’re placing the backup in the correct save directory. The folder structure must match exactly. Also, check that the server version matches the version that created the save—a newer or older server may not read the save correctly.

The server won’t start after I copied the backup. If you accidentally modified the original folder instead of making a copy, you may have corrupted the live save. Restore the backup to the original location and try again. If the server still fails, check the server logs for errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I back up my server?

It depends on how much progress you’re willing to lose. For an active server, daily backups are recommended. If you have a small group playing occasionally, a weekly backup might suffice.

Can I back up a server that is currently running?

Technically yes, but it’s risky. You might end up with a corrupted save. If you absolutely must, use the in-game save command first and then copy the files quickly, but a clean stop is always safer.

What files exactly do I need to back up?

You need the entire folder that contains the .save file. This typically includes the save data, a thumbnail image, and sometimes auxiliary files. Copying the whole folder ensures nothing is missing.

Can I use the backup on a different server host?

Yes, as long as the server version is the same or newer. You can transfer the backup to a new host by uploading the save folder to the corresponding directory on the new server.

Does the backup include player inventories and structures?

Yes, the save file contains all world data, including building structures, player inventories, and world state. That’s why it’s important to back up the whole folder.

How do I restore a backup?

Stop the server, replace the current save folder with your backup (or rename the current folder and put the backup in its place), and start the server. Make sure the folder name matches what the server expects.

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