You can change the game installation location in Origin, but you cannot directly change the location where your game save files are stored through the Origin client. Save files are typically stored in a hardcoded location, usually within your "Documents" folder.
Here's a breakdown:
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Game Installation Location (Changeable in Origin): This is where the actual game files are downloaded and installed.
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Game Save Location (Not Changeable in Origin): This is where your progress, settings, and other game-related data are stored. This location is determined by the game developer.
Why Can't I Change the Save Location in Origin?
- Developer Control: Game developers dictate where save files are stored. This is often done for compatibility reasons or to ensure that the game can easily access and manage save data.
- Standard Conventions: Many games default to storing save data in the user's "Documents" folder (or a subfolder within it) as this is a standard location for user-specific data on Windows.
What Can You Do? (Potential Workarounds)
While Origin doesn't offer a direct way to change save locations, here are a few possible (though not guaranteed) workarounds:
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Symbolic Links (Advanced Users): You might be able to create a symbolic link (symlink) to redirect the game's save folder to a different location. This is a more advanced technique that involves using the command line. Be careful when doing this, as incorrect use could cause issues with your game or computer.
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How it works: A symbolic link creates a virtual link between the original save folder and a new location. The game thinks it's saving to the original location, but the data is actually being saved to the new location.
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Tools: You can use the
mklinkcommand in the Windows Command Prompt (run as administrator) to create symbolic links.
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Game-Specific Configuration (Rare): Some games might have an in-game setting or a configuration file that allows you to change the save location. Check the game's options menu or documentation. This is relatively uncommon.
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Cloud Saves (If Supported): If the game supports cloud saves through Origin (or another service), your progress will be stored on EA's servers, not locally. This bypasses the local save location issue. Ensure cloud saving is enabled in both Origin and within the game, if applicable.
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Backup and Restore: You can manually back up your save files from the default location and restore them to a different location if you are switching to a new computer, but this won't change the directory from which the game reads and writes save data during play.
Finding Your Save Game Location:
The most common location for Origin game save files is within your "Documents" folder:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\
You'll typically find subfolders named after the game or the game developer (e.g., "Electronic Arts," "BioWare," or the game title itself).
