Fast answer

The answer before the background

Our recommendation

The Creeper World 4 save file and settings live under the Windows user Documents tree in `My Games/creeperworld4`, according to the developer-published file-location post. The controls file is inside its settings folder, while the Unity player log is under the user's LocalLow Knuckle Cracker directory. Steam currently lists Steam Cloud, but a local backup is still required before deleting a save or resetting progress. For Colonies not loading, test connectivity and official files before touching campaign data.

Preserve

Copy the complete local game folder before isolating one file

Close the game and Steam synchronization before making a backup so files are not changing during the copy. Preserve the full Creeper World 4 folder, not only a file whose name looks like the campaign. Settings, custom content and progress can be interdependent. Add a date to the backup and keep it outside the live folder.

Steam Cloud is a convenience, not proof that every local custom map, editor file or damaged state can be restored. Cloud synchronization may upload the unwanted change. If Steam presents a conflict, compare timestamps and sizes rather than automatically choosing the newest item.

Repair order

Keep online-map failures separate from local progress

ProblemPreserve firstLeast-destructive next check
Colonies does not list mapsCurrent saves and editor workCheck service/network, filters and current version.
One map will not downloadMap ID and author threadRetry official download and check required version.
Game will not launchEntire local data folder and player logVerify Steam files and remove unsupported overlays.
Controls are brokenControls/settings fileRestore default bindings before deleting progress.
Campaign state looks wrongComplete dated backupTest a separate profile or restore only after comparison.
MVerse resume differsHost save plus map/version detailsReproduce on a simple compatible map.

Reset

A reset is not a general troubleshooting button

Deleting save data can remove campaign progress, scores, settings and local creative work without fixing a network outage or unsupported custom script. Diagnose the smallest affected layer. If only Colonies fails, the local story save is unlikely to be the cause. If only one map fails, record its ID and inspect the author's thread.

When a clean reset is truly intended, confirm the backup opens, disable synchronization long enough to avoid an immediate restore or overwrite, and use the current game/platform interface where possible. This page does not provide edited progress files or achievement unlockers. If an unknown trainer has already modified data, remove it, scan the system and verify official files before reintroducing the backup.

FAQ

Common questions

Where is the save data?

Knuckle Cracker documents the base Windows data directory under the user's Documents/My Games/creeperworld4 folder.

Does Creeper World 4 support Steam Cloud?

Yes, Steam currently lists Cloud support, but keep a local backup before destructive changes.

Should I delete my save when Colonies will not load?

No. Check network access, service state, filters, game version and official files first.

Where is the player log?

The developer forum identifies the Unity player log under the user's LocalLow/Knuckle Cracker/Creeper World 4 location.

Sources

What we checked

Official listings establish current availability and product facts. Community pages are used for mechanics and build history, then labeled separately.