Steam Cloud Conflicts: Protect Your Saves When Switching Handhelds

Keep the save you actually want

Switching between a desktop and a handheld should not become a guessing game. Use this checklist when Steam reports a sync failure or offers two competing saves.

Check support first

Confirm Steam Cloud support on the game's store page. In the desktop Steam interface, check Settings > Cloud and the game's Properties > General. Developers decide which files sync; cross-platform support is not guaranteed.

If synchronization failed

Do not launch through the warning. Check connectivity and try another network if necessary. On the device where you last played, let Steam finish syncing before continuing elsewhere. Missing progress may still exist on that device.

If Steam presents a conflict

Compare each file's timestamp with when and where you actually played. Do not automatically select cloud or local: either can be the copy you need. Offline play can leave competing versions when you reconnect. Steam Support cannot recover lost saves or choose the correct version for you.

An Atlas decision checklist

Before selecting a version, write down your last completed mission, save slot and approximate session time. If you cannot match the offered files to that session, stop and consult the game's official support for its save location and backup procedure. Preserve copies before experimenting; avoid deleting folders or reinstalling as your first response.