Does itch.io Save Progress for Browser or Downloaded Games?

itch.io is a popular platform for discovering and playing indie games, offering a wide range of titles from talented developers. While the platform provides a seamless way to purchase, download, and play games, many users wonder: Does an itch.io account save your game progress?

This article will explore how itch.io handles game progress, the differences between downloaded and browser-based games, and tips for ensuring your progress is safe.

What Is itch.io, and How Does It Work?

itch.io is an online platform that connects players with indie game developers. It serves as a marketplace where developers can showcase their creations, and users can discover and purchase unique games. Games on itch.io can be:

Downloaded: Played as standalone applications on your device.
Browser-Based: Played directly in your web browser without installation.

While itch.io accounts are used to manage purchases and downloads, saving game progress depends largely on the game itself and how it stores save data.

Does itch.io Save Your Game Progress?

The short answer is: No, itch.io accounts do not directly save your game progress.

Here’s Why:

Downloaded Games: Save progress is stored locally on your device. Itch.io doesn’t sync or back up these save files.
Browser-Based Games: Progress is often saved using cookies or local storage in your browser. This method is dependent on your browser settings and can be lost if data is cleared.

While your itch.io account tracks your game library and purchase history, it does not manage or back up your progress.

How Save Progress Works for itch.io Games

The way your game progress is saved depends on whether you are playing a downloaded game or a browser-based game:

Downloaded Games

Local Save Files: These are stored on your computer, usually in the game’s installation folder or a dedicated directory such as AppData (Windows) or Library (macOS).
Developer-Defined: The game’s developer decides where and how save data is stored. Some games might not support saving progress at all.

Browser-Based Games

Cookies and Local Storage: Many browser games save progress using your browser’s local storage or cookies. This allows progress to persist across sessions as long as the browser data isn’t cleared.
Risks: Clearing cookies or switching to a different browser or device will likely result in lost progress.

Can You Sync itch.io Game Progress Across Devices?

Unfortunately, itch.io does not offer native cloud save support, so syncing progress across devices requires manual effort. Here’s how you can manage it:

For Downloaded Games

Locate Save Files: Identify where the game stores its save files. This is often mentioned in the game’s documentation or forums.
Transfer Files: Copy the save files to an external drive or upload them to cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
Restore Files: Transfer the save files to the appropriate directory on your new device.

For Browser-Based Games

Syncing browser-based progress is challenging due to its reliance on local storage. You might need to:

Stick to the same browser and device.
Avoid clearing browser data to retain progress.

Tips to Protect and Back Up Your Progress on itch.io

While itch.io doesn’t manage game progress directly, you can take these steps to ensure your progress is safe:

Regularly back up your local save files for downloaded games to an external storage device or cloud service.
If playing browser-based games, avoid clearing cookies or switching browsers unless necessary.
Developers often share tips on how to manage save files or recover progress for their specific games.
Third-party tools like GameSave Manager can help automate the backup and restoration of save files.

Frequently Asked Questions About Game Progress on itch.io

Does itch.io Automatically Save Game Progress?

No, itch.io does not save progress. Progress is managed locally by the game or through your browser.

What Happens to My Progress If I Uninstall a Game?

For downloaded games, uninstalling the game may delete save files if they’re stored in the installation directory. Check and back up your save files before uninstalling.

Can I Recover Lost Progress on itch.io?

For downloaded games, you can recover progress if you’ve backed up save files. Browser-based progress is harder to recover once cookies or local storage are cleared.

Conclusion: Understanding Game Progress on itch.io

While an itch.io account tracks your library and purchases, it doesn’t directly save game progress. For downloaded games, progress is stored locally, while browser-based games rely on your browser’s storage mechanisms. To ensure your progress is safe, take proactive steps like backing up save files and avoiding clearing browser data.

Have you faced challenges with saving progress on itch.io? Share your tips or experiences in the comments below!