May 8, 2023

v0.2 Cloud Save: Save file conflict issues and guide

Research Story - Mikixen

We have received a few reports regarding save files not showing in the game after the v0.2 update, for players who have played Research Story on 2 or more separate devices prior to the update. If you've played on multiple devices and have yet to launched RS since the v0.2 update, we suggest that you do a manual backup (see Part 1) of your save files before launching the game.

This guide covers potential issues and how to resolve them. At any one point, if you're unsure of the steps, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly via Steam, Discord, or email!

[Part 1] Checking for your saves + manual backup

If you've played RS on 2 separate devices prior to the v0.2 update and cannot see some of your save files in the game after the update, please check for your save files by following the below steps:
1) Open Run app (Windows + R key)
2) Copy this to the field: %LOCALAPPDATA%\ResearchStory\
3) Press Ok.
4) In the "Saves" folder, check if the save is there (0_Player_savedgame.save). There may be two files with the same starting number "0_...". If so, the save still exists but is not showing in game.

If you can't find your save file in the "Saves" folder, check your second device before launching the game. If it exists, ⚠️please do a manual backup of the saves by copying + pasting all folders somewhere safe (e.g. your desktop) before continuing with the below steps. If you can't find it on any of your devices, please write to petalcatgames@gmail.com and I'll respond to you directly.

[Part 2] Checking your .info files

Once you find your .save files and do a manual backup (see Part 1), the next step is to check your .info files in the 'SavesInfo' folder. These are responsible for locating the saves and showing them when you press 'Play' in game.

For each .save file, there should be a corresponding .info file. For most affected players, the issue arises when there are missing .info files.

[Part 3] Duplicating .info files

For the case in the images above, the player has two .save files (PlayerA and PlayerB) but only one .info file. To resolve this:
1) In the SavesInfo folder: Copy + Paste the 0_SaveInfo.info file in the same folder. Rename the copied file to 1_SaveInfo.info
2) In the Saves folder: Rename 0_PlayerB_savedgame.save to 1_PlayerB_savedgame.save
3) Launch the game. It should show the 2 save files instead of 1. However, the player customisation would be duplicated for both of them.

[Part 4] Remaking a .info file with correct customisation

1) Create a new character with your preferred player customisation, naming the character the name of the player character you're fixing (e.g. PlayerB). Skip the introduction cutscene. The game will be autosaved after the cutscene and creates a new 2_SaveInfo.info file. If you have more than 2 saves, the save you're working with is the newest file that has the largest number prefix.

You can continue these steps in the File Explorer while the game is running:
2) Delete the 1_SaveInfo.info file that is has incorrect customisation.
3) Rename the new 2_SaveInfo.info to 1_SaveInfo.info.
4) In the Saves folder, delete the 2_PlayerB_savedgame.save that was created for the purpose of this fix. Keep your original 1_PlayerB_savedgame.save.
5) Go back to the game, go to main menu and press play again. You should be able to see the changes.

Other issues and contact

If you run into further issues regarding your save files, please reach out to us via Steam, on Discord, or drop us a message at petalcatgames@gmail.com. We'll do our best to work things out with you! Thank you to everyone for your understanding and patience.

- Miki