Appendix: Sample PowerShell Backup & Restore Script (Windows)
$source = "$env:USERPROFILE\Documents\My Games\Binding of Isaac Repentance"
$backup = "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\isaac_save_backup"
New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $backup
Copy-Item "$source\rep_persistentgamedata*.dat" $backup
Write-Host "Backup saved to $backup"
This script preserves all three save slots before manual replacement.
The Ultimate Guide to Installing a 100% Save File for The Binding of Isaac: Repentance
Whether you've lost your hard-earned progress to a corrupted file or you’re a speedrunner who needs a fully unlocked "Dead God" profile for practice, manually installing a save file is a vital skill for any Isaac player. Steam Community
This guide walks you through the precise steps to locate your directories, bypass Steam Cloud conflicts, and successfully install a 100% completion save for The Binding of Isaac: Repentance Repentance+ 1. Locate Your Save File Directories
Depending on your settings, Isaac stores data in two primary locations. You must know both to ensure the game doesn't overwrite your new save. Local Documents Folder:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\Binding of Isaac Repentance Note: For the latest DLC, this may be named Binding of Isaac Repentance+ Steam Cloud Directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[YourSteamID]\250900\remote 2. Preparation: Backup and Disable Cloud Sync Before touching any files, protect your current progress. Backup Your Data: Copy the entire Binding of Isaac Repentance
folder from your Documents to a safe location (like your Desktop or a USB drive). Disable Steam Cloud: Open Steam, right-click The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Properties > General , and toggle off "Keep game saves in the Steam Cloud"
. This prevents Steam from automatically "fixing" your manual changes by downloading your old save from the cloud. 3. Downloading a 100% Save File
You can find reputable 100% completion files (often called "Dead God" files) on community hubs: Speedrun.com: Repentance Resources
section frequently hosts verified save files used for competitive play. Steam Community Guides:
Many users share links to archives containing files with all characters, items, and completion marks unlocked. Steam Community 4. Step-by-Step Installation binding of isaac repentance 100 save file install
Once you have your downloaded file (usually named something like persistentgamedata1.dat ), follow these steps: [Guide] How to install Dead God 100% Save File in Rep+
Installing a 100% completion save file (often referred to as a "Dead God" file) for The Binding of Isaac: Repentance involves downloading a pre-completed file and manually placing it in your game's data directory. Quick Setup Guide
For the fastest results, use the Fully Unlocked Save File Installer provided by community members like Zamiel on Speedrun.com. This tool automates backups and installation. Manual Installation Steps (PC/Windows)
If you prefer to install the file manually, follow these steps: 1. Locate and Download a Save File
Download a verified 100% save file from reputable sources like the Speedrun.com Resources page.
The file is typically named persistentgamedata1.dat (for save slot 1). 2. Backup Your Current Saves Before making changes, secure your current progress:
Navigate to: C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\My Games\Binding of Isaac Repentance. Copy all files in this folder to a safe location. 3. Disable Steam Cloud
Steam Cloud will automatically overwrite your new file with your old progress unless disabled:
Open Steam, right-click The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, and select Properties.
Under General, uncheck Keep game's saves in the Steam Cloud.
(Optional) Open the options.ini file in your Documents folder and change SteamCloud=1 to SteamCloud=0. 4. Replace the Save File
Installing a 100% (Dead God) save file for The Binding of Isaac: Repentance involves placing the downloaded file into the correct directory and potentially disabling Steam Cloud to prevent the game from overwriting it with your previous data. 1. Locate the Save File Directory This script preserves all three save slots before
Depending on your version and how you use Steam Cloud, the save location varies:
Primary Cloud Save Location (Recommended):C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[Your Steam ID]\250900\remote
Local/Backup Location:C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\My Games\Binding of Isaac Repentance 2. Prepare the 100% Save File
Download and Extract: Download the 100% save (often found on Speedrun.com or SaveGame.Pro) and extract it from its archive (.zip or .7z).
Rename the File: The game looks for specific filenames based on the save slot: Slot 1: rep_persistentgamedata1.dat Slot 2: rep_persistentgamedata2.dat
Slot 3: rep_persistentgamedata3.dat(Note: If you are using the local "My Games" folder, remove the rep_ prefix so it is just persistentgamedata1.dat) 3. Bypass Steam Cloud (Essential)
Steam Cloud often reverts manual changes. To ensure your 100% save stays active:
In Steam: Right-click the game in your Library > Properties > General > Toggle Steam Cloud to OFF.
In Game Files: Navigate to the local "My Games" folder and open options.ini. Set the line SteamCloud=0 and save the file. 4. Finalize the Install Reddit·r/bindingofisaac
To install a 100% "Dead God" save file for The Binding of Isaac: Repentance
, you must manually replace your local data files and manage Steam Cloud synchronization to prevent it from overwriting the new file. 1. Backup and Download
Backup your current saves: Even if you want a fresh start, back up your existing progress first. Copy your current save folder to a safe place like your desktop . Tools like “Isaac Save Manager” (available on GitHub)
Acquire a 100% save: Download a reputable "Dead God" save file. Common sources include Speedrun.com or trusted community Discord servers . 2. Locate the Save Folders
Steam Cloud/Remote Folder: This is the primary location for active saves.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[Your Steam ID]\250900\remote .
Local Backups/My Games Folder: The game also keeps local backups here:
C:\Users\[Your Name]\Documents\My Games\Binding of Isaac Repentance . 3. Installation Steps [Guide] How to install Dead God 100% Save File in Rep+
Tools like “Isaac Save Manager” (available on GitHub) can:
Completing The Binding of Isaac: Repentance to 100% is a monumental task. With the inclusion of the "Achievement" system linked to game progression, many players seek to download a completed save file to bypass the initial grind, test out unlocked items in "Golden" form, or simply experiment with the sprawling Tainted character roster without the hours of setup.
This guide covers the location of save files, how to install a 100% file, and critical troubleshooting steps regarding Steam Cloud synchronization.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---------|--------------|----------|
| Save shows 0% after launch | Cloud sync overwrote file | Disable Cloud, delete .dat, recopy, launch offline once |
| “Corrupted save data” error | Version mismatch between save file and game patch | Ensure save matches Repentance v1.7.9+; downgrade save with online tool (rare) |
| Achievements not unlocking on Steam | Game checks for progression flags | Launch game, perform any trivial action (e.g., pick up a coin), exit; Steam sync will update |
| Tainted characters missing | Save file from pre-Repentance version | Need a full Repentance 100% file, not Afterbirth+ |
| Save slot selector shows empty | Incorrect filename (e.g., persistentgamedata1.dat without rep_) | Rename to rep_persistentgamedataX.dat |
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance does not store saves in the game’s installation folder. They are located in your user AppData folder.
The Fastest Way:
This will open the folder containing your game settings and save slots.
The Manual Way:
The Binding of Isaac Repentance.