If you cannot see the AppData folder, follow these steps:
Before attempting to modify or replace any files, always create a backup to prevent the loss of your company progress.
The beauty of PC gaming is choice. If you have the time and patience, grinding from a beat-up minibus to a fleet of articulated giants in Bus Simulator 18 is incredibly rewarding. But if you have a full-time job, family commitments, or simply lost your progress to a blue screen of death, downloading a Bus Simulator 18 save game is the fastest way back behind the wheel.
By following this guide, you can safely install any save file in under five minutes. Now, stop worrying about ticket prices and start focusing on maneuvering that 18-meter bendy-bus perfectly into the bus stop at Seaside Valley Central Station.
Next Steps:
Have a safe journey, driver
For Bus Simulator 18, your save game data is primarily stored locally on your PC. Knowing this location is essential for backing up your progress, transferring it to a new computer, or fixing potential bugs before reaching major milestones like Level 25. 📂 Save Game File Location
Depending on your system setup, you can find your save files in one of the following directories:
Primary Windows Location:%LOCALAPPDATA%\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames\
Steam Userdata Location:
Linux (Steam Play):
If you want to protect your progress or use a downloaded 100% save file, follow these steps:
Disable Mods: Before backing up, ensure all mods are disabled in your offline company to prevent file corruption.
Locate the Folder: Copy the Windows location path above and paste it into your File Explorer address bar. Copy/Paste Files:
To Backup: Copy the contents of the SaveGames folder to a secure location like a USB drive or cloud storage.
To Install: Drag and drop new save files into this directory, replacing existing ones if necessary.
Multiplayer Note: You cannot manually back up multiplayer company saves, as these are stored directly on the game servers. 🛠️ Troubleshooting & Tips Savegame location? :: Bus Simulator 18 General Discussions
Master Your Commute: The Ultimate Bus Simulator 18 Save Game Guide
Whether you're looking to protect your hard-earned bus empire before a PC upgrade or simply want to avoid progress-breaking bugs, knowing how to manage your save files is a must for any professional virtual driver. 📍 Where to Find Your Save Files
For offline company saves on PC, your data is stored locally. You can find your "SaveGames" folder by navigating to the following path on your primary drive:
C:\Users\[Your Windows Username]\AppData\Local\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames
Quick Tip: To jump there instantly, press [Windows Key + R], type %LocalAppData%\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames, and hit Enter.
Multiplayer Note: Unlike offline saves, multiplayer company data is stored on the game's servers and cannot be backed up manually. 💾 How to Backup Your Progress
Don't rely solely on the auto-save feature, which triggers every few minutes. Before making major changes—like installing a new mod or reaching for a difficult achievement—manually back up your files:
Locate the Folder: Open the SaveGames folder using the path above. bus simulator 18 save game
Copy and Secure: Copy the entire folder and paste it into a safe location, such as a different drive, a USB stick, or a cloud storage service.
Mod Safety: If you use Steam Workshop mods, it is highly recommended to disable all mods from your offline saves before creating a backup to prevent potential file corruption. 🛠️ Pro Tips for Save Management Bus Simulator 18 - FAQ
For Bus Simulator 18, your local save game files are stored in the following directory on Windows: %LOCALAPPDATA%\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames\
If you are using Steam, you can also find your data within the Steam directory: [Steam-folder]\userdata\[user-id]\515180\remote\SaveGames\ Key Tips for Saving
Multiplayer Saves: Unlike single-player progress, multiplayer company saves are stored on the game server and cannot be manually backed up.
Mod Precautions: Before backing up or moving save files, it is recommended to disable all mods from the offline saves to avoid corruption issues when reloading.
Corruption Risks: Developers have noted that if a save file is corrupted (often appearing completely empty), it generally cannot be restored.
Backups: To prevent loss, you can manually copy the SaveGames folder from the local app data path to a safe location or cloud storage.
For a visual guide on managing game files and modding for Bus Simulator 18, check out this tutorial: Bus Simulator 18 Modding Tutorial - Publishing on Workshop Kostka_CZ official YouTube• Jun 3, 2018
Are you looking to transfer your progress to a new PC or are you trying to recover a lost file? Bus Simulator 18 - PCGamingWiki
In Bus Simulator 18, your save game files are stored locally on your PC. You can find them at the following file path:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames How to Access the Folder
Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the "Run" dialog box.
Type %LocalAppData%\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames and press Enter.
This will take you directly to the folder containing your offline company saves. Important Notes
Multiplayer Saves: Note that multiplayer company saves are stored on the game's servers and cannot be backed up locally.
Mods: Before backing up or moving a save file, it is recommended to disable all mods to avoid potential corruption or errors when reloading the save.
Steam Cloud: This game does not typically use Steam Auto-Cloud, so manual backups of this folder are the best way to ensure your progress is safe.
The management of save game files in Bus Simulator 18 is a critical aspect for players looking to secure their progress, transfer data between systems, or troubleshoot technical errors. For a PC simulation game, the "save game" represents more than just a checkpoint; it is a repository of a player's customized bus fleet, unlocked routes, and financial standing within the fictional city of Seaside Valley. 1. Locating Save Game Files
By default, Bus Simulator 18 stores its local save data within the Windows user profile directory. This location is distinct from the game's installation folder to prevent data loss during game updates. Primary Path %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames Access Method
: To find this folder, players can use the "Run" command (Windows + R) and paste the path above. Alternative (Steam)
: If Steam Cloud is enabled, a synchronized copy may also exist within the Steam directory: ~Program Files/Steam/userdata/[SteamID]/515180/remote/ 2. Safeguarding Progress
Manual backups are the most reliable way to prevent progress loss from file corruption. Manual Backup : To create a backup, copy the entire folder to an external drive or a cloud storage service like Google Drive Microsoft OneDrive Restoration
: To restore, simply paste the backed-up files back into the original directory, overwriting existing files if necessary. Steam Cloud If you cannot see the AppData folder, follow these steps:
: This service automatically uploads saves to Steam's servers. Players should ensure "Steam Cloud" is toggled in the game's properties within the Steam Library 3. Save Game Modification and Community Tips
While the game does not provide an official "save editor," the community has developed workarounds for common issues. Editing Progress
: Some players attempt to edit save files to modify XP or money. This often requires disabling Steam Cloud first to prevent the game from overwriting the modified file with the original cloud version. Troubleshooting
: If a save file becomes stuck or won't load, checking for "Previous Versions" by right-clicking the file in Windows can sometimes recover a functional earlier state. Modding Integration : For those interested in deeper customization, the Bus Simulator 18 Modding Tools
allow users to create custom decals and maps, though these are typically stored in a separate folder rather than the directory. 4. Comparison of Save Management Practices Local Save Steam Cloud Storage Location Local Hard Drive Remote Servers Internet Required Yes (to sync) Redundancy Low (needs manual backup) High (automatic) Portability Requires USB/Cloud drive Automatic across PCs manually edit specific values like money within the save file?
Bus Simulator 18 , the save game system is built around managing your own bus company. A core feature of this system is the multi-save management capability
, which allows you to maintain and switch between several different bus companies simultaneously. www.bussimulator.com Key Save Game Features Company Management
: You can create multiple separate "Companies," each acting as an individual save file with its own name, progress, and financial state. Customization per Save
: When starting a new save, you can choose specific settings that are locked to that file, such as: Driving Mode : Toggle between Economic Difficulty
: Choose to enable realistic bankruptcy conditions for a challenge or disable them for a focus on driving. Mod Integration
: Activate specific map or bus mods for that particular save. Automatic Saving
: The game uses an auto-save feature that triggers at specific points during gameplay to track your score and progress. Manual Backups
: For PC players, you can manually backup your offline save files by locating them at:
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames Note on Corruption:
Historically, some players have experienced save game corruption. Developers have that converting a single-player save to a multiplayer save
can sometimes act as a safeguard, as multiplayer saves are stored on the game's servers rather than just locally. www.bussimulator.com file paths for backing up your saves on different platforms? an update about the save game issues - Bus Simulator | News
Bus Simulator 18 , managing your save games—whether for backup, transferring between PCs, or fixing corrupted files—requires knowing exactly where they are stored on your system. Save Game Locations
The location of your save data depends on whether you are using the standard Windows install or the Steam version. Windows Local Folder %LOCALAPPDATA%\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames\ : You can reach this by pressing , navigating back to , and then finding the BusSimulator18 Steam Userdata Folder
: Simply copy the files from the locations above to a safe place like a USB drive or cloud storage. This is highly recommended before experimenting with mods. Multiplayer Saves
: Note that multiplayer company saves are typically stored on the game server and cannot be backed up manually like offline saves. Cloud Saving
: This game may not have Steam Auto-Cloud configured, so manual folder backups are safer. Epic Games : Ensure "Enable Cloud Saves" is checked in your Epic Games Launcher settings to sync progress across devices. Epic Games Editing and Tools
Bus Simulator 18 Editor | Download and Play for Free - Epic Games Store
Let your imagination run wild! Download the Bus Simulator 18 Mod Kit and create routes, build your own buses, design bus liveries, Epic Games Bus Simulator 18 - PCGamingWiki 27 Aug 2025 —
Skip intro videos * Go to \BusSimulator18\Content\Movies\ * Delete or rename BS18LogoSequence720p.mp4 and StartupLogoSequence.mp4. PCGamingWiki Enable Cloud Saves in the Epic Games Launcher Before attempting to modify or replace any files,
The save game system in Bus Simulator 18 serves as the digital heartbeat of a player's virtual transit empire, capturing every route created, bus purchased, and level earned. Understanding its mechanics—from file locations to troubleshooting common corruption issues—is essential for any dedicated virtual driver. The Foundation of Progress: Creating and Storing Saves
Upon launching the game, players begin by creating a "New Company," which initiates their primary save file. This file acts as a repository for all mission progress, including connecting bus stops to the network and unlocking new areas like the "To the Sea" mission.
For PC players, these offline company saves are stored locally on the hard drive. You can find them by navigating to the following directory: %AppData%\Local\BusSimulator18\Saved\SaveGames Key Distinction
: While offline saves are local and can be manually backed up, multiplayer company saves are stored on game servers and cannot be manually copied or backed up in the same way. Challenges and Vulnerabilities
Despite its depth, the save system has historically faced technical hurdles. Many players have encountered an "infinite loading" loop when trying to update a save game, often linked to server communication issues or multiplayer syncing.
Furthermore, developers have acknowledged critical issues where save games can become corrupted or "empty," leading to a permanent loss of progress. To mitigate this risk, some players suggest converting single-player saves to multiplayer saves, though this can disable certain achievements. Why the Save Matters: Long-Term Engagement
The value of a stable save game is highlighted by the sheer amount of time required to master the game. According to data from HowLongToBeat , completing the main story takes roughly , while a "completionist" run can exceed
Here’s an interesting, step-by-step guide for Bus Simulator 18 save game management—written like a pro dispatcher’s secret handbook.
Community-made save games are available (e.g., 100% completion, unlimited money, all buses unlocked).
Common sources:
Usage:
Even with perfect instructions, issues arise. Here is how to fix them:
Summary
Save game structure (high-level)
Where save files live (typical locations)
Common save-file formats and handling
Practical uses of save files
Best practices
Troubleshooting common issues
Advanced tips
Legal and ethical notes
Concise example backup routine (recommended)
If you want, I can:
Here’s a concise guide to managing save games in Bus Simulator 18 (PC/Steam version).
Before replacing anything, rename your current SaveGames folder to SaveGames_Backup OR simply copy its contents to your desktop. You do not want to lose hundreds of hours by accident.
