Ace Combat 8 PC save file location and Steam Cloud backup

Open the expected Windows folder

1. Close AC8 before copying files.
2. Open File Explorer and paste %LOCALAPPDATA%\BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment\ACE COMBAT 8\Saved\SaveGames into its address bar.
3. Inspect the existing files and their modification times. SteamDB lists Campaign.sav, OnlineAccount.sav and Replay*.sav as cloud patterns.

The SteamDB page derives its location from Steam’s configuration. It is an expected Windows location, not proof that every file exists before you have played. If the folder is absent, confirm the Windows user profile that launched the game. Do not create an empty replacement save or follow a generic Steam userdata path as though it were verified for this title.

Make a copy you can identify later

Copy the existing SaveGames folder into a different location, giving the backup a date and a clear AC8 label. Retain the original. Open the backup folder and compare filenames and sizes to confirm that the copy completed. These are editorial backup steps; no restore or save-editing procedure was tested by this site.

A named OnlineAccount file does not prove that copying it transfers every server-side Online entitlement. For missing aircraft or rewards, use the progression checks. For rolling replay storage, use the replay guide.

Steam Cloud is synchronization, not a recovery guarantee

Valve’s documentation describes synchronization before and after game sessions. Finish a session and let Steam complete synchronization before switching to another PC. Cloud support is listed on the current AC8 Steam page.

If Steam presents conflicting copies or a synchronization error, preserve a separate local backup and compare the reported dates before making a choice. This page does not establish which copy is correct for your save. It provides no verified corruption repair.

Steam Cloud for the Steam version is not evidence that a PS5 or Xbox save can be imported. Cross-platform multiplayer and cross-platform save transfer are separate questions; see crossplay support.