Start with your platform, not with random folder hunting

If the editor cannot find your save, the first question is not “what did the editor do wrong?” The first question is “which platform path am I supposed to open?”

For most users, that answer is simple once the platform is clear.

Windows on Steam or GOG

The normal starting point is:

%AppData%\HelloGames\NMS

Once you are in the correct folder, the editor can help you choose the most recent save. If the editor opens but you still do not see the save you expected, make sure the game itself is writing to the same Windows profile you are editing.

Windows on Game Pass or Microsoft Store

This is the platform path that causes the most confusion.

The older and still common route is:

%LocalAppData%\Packages\HelloGames.NoMansSky_bs190hzg1sesy\SystemAppData\wgs

Some newer installs also mention an xgs folder. That matters because Game Pass path changes can make a previously obvious save route stop behaving like the old instructions. If you are on Game Pass, assume the path might be the issue first and check Compatibility and changelog if the expected folder structure looks different.

Mac

The usual save location is:

~/Library/Application Support/HelloGames/NMS

If the JAR launches but you still cannot open a save, check both this path and your Java setup before troubleshooting anything more complicated.

Steam Deck and Linux

The common Proton path is:

~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/275850/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Roaming/HelloGames/NMS

Use Desktop Mode so you can browse this path normally instead of trying to guess it from memory.

PS4

PS4 is a separate workflow because the project relies on Save Wizard there. Treat it as its own path from the beginning instead of assuming it behaves like a local PC folder.

If you found the folder but still do not see the right save

Work through these checks in order:

  1. confirm you edited the correct platform path,
  2. confirm you opened the save you actually use in game,
  3. confirm the editor build is not behind a fresh patch-specific change,
  4. confirm you are not mixing Game Pass and Steam assumptions.

The next useful pages are: