Ludusavi

Overview

Ludusavi is a free PC game-save backup utility for Windows, Linux and Mac. It suits players with saves spread across multiple libraries, as well as users who want to automate backups from the command line. Its breadth is a strong point; moving a save between different operating systems is a notable limitation.

It covers more than 19,000 games and accepts custom entries, giving it scope for large libraries and titles outside its standard catalog. Backup definitions draw primarily on PCGamingWiki through the Ludusavi Manifest, so the project’s coverage is a practical foundation rather than a guarantee that every game-specific setup is handled automatically.

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

Key features

• Wide library and save support: Ludusavi works with Steam, GOG, Epic, Heroic, Lutris and other libraries. It can handle file saves, Windows registry data, Steam Proton saves and Steam screenshots, covering more than ordinary save folders.
• Visual and scripted workflows: The graphical interface is suited to manual backups, while the command-line interface supports scripting. Its API command accepts bulk JSON requests and supports schemas for input and output, which is useful for structured automation.
• Cloud storage through Rclone: Rclone integration connects backups to remotes including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, FTP, SMB and WebDAV. Automatic synchronization checks local and cloud saves before uploading and warns about conflicts, a helpful safeguard when multiple copies may have changed.
• Playnite extension: Playnite users can access Ludusavi as an extension, making it a relevant choice for those who manage games through that launcher.
• Download security control: Runtime configuration governs certificate and hostname validation; safe validation is the default, while an unsafe option disables it. Most users should keep the safer default.

The key caveat is cross-OS restoration: Ludusavi does not automatically support backing up on one operating system and restoring on another. That makes it less suitable as a seamless migration tool for someone moving a game and its saves between, for example, Windows and Linux.

Pricing

Ludusavi — free. The free plan provides portable executables for Windows, Linux or Mac and is MIT licensed. Automatic and scheduled backups, version history, game detection and both restore options are included. There is no paid tier or subscription to weigh against a reduced plan.

Distribution also includes Winget, Scoop, Flatpak and Cargo. The project is released under the MIT License, and support and community participation are available through GitHub issues and discussions; translations are invited through Crowdin.

Platforms

Ludusavi supports Windows, Linux and macOS, with portable executables for all three. It also has an API interface and a Playnite extension. The range suits mixed desktop setups, but it does not remove the restriction on automatic restore across operating systems.

Who it's for

Choose Ludusavi if you want a free, open-source way to protect saves across a large PC game library, especially if you value scripting, scheduled backups, version history or Rclone destinations. It is also a strong fit for Playnite users and for people whose saves include registry or Proton data.

Look elsewhere if your central need is automatic cross-operating-system migration. Ludusavi’s breadth is most valuable when backing up and restoring within the same operating-system context.

Pros and cons

• Pro — Broad coverage: More than 19,000 games, custom entries and support for several major libraries suit players with varied collections.
• Pro — Flexible automation: Scheduled backups, a scripting CLI and JSON-based bulk API requests serve users who want more than manual backup runs.
• Pro — Multiple save types and cloud destinations: Registry, Proton and screenshot support plus Rclone remotes extend it beyond basic file copying.
• Con — No automatic cross-OS restore: Users changing operating systems should not expect a direct, seamless migration workflow.

Alternatives

• Game Save Genie is another free option for Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted setups; choose it if that platform mix better fits your environment.
• OpenSave is free and open source, with no subscription, pro tier, ads or telemetry. It is worth considering if those terms are a priority.
• GSBS is a free alternative spanning API, Linux, self-hosted, web and Windows platforms; consider it if that platform combination suits your use.
• Hoard is a freemium option for Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted environments. Its project is credited to solo developer Raimundo León Oliva.
• Gamekeeper is a Windows freemium alternative. Its free plan limits Multi-Space to three per game and includes cloud storage options such as FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, SMB/CIFS and S3.
• Game Backup Monitor is free and open source for Linux and Windows, with unlimited games and 7-Zip compression; cloud backup requires a provider and sync client.
• Game Save Manager is a Windows freemium choice with a free GitHub edition offered as a 64-bit installer under GPL-3.0.
• EmuSync is free with no subscription or paywall and supports API, Linux and Windows.

Verdict

Ludusavi is an excellent fit for PC players who want broad game coverage, flexible interfaces and capable backup automation without a subscription. Its Rclone integration and range of save types make it more than a simple folder copier. Choose it if your backups stay within the same operating-system context; if cross-OS restoration is essential, look for a tool built around that workflow.