If your save is missing or won’t load, try this:

• Add the game folder + Steam to your antivirus exceptions (sometimes they block saves).
• Make sure Steam Cloud is on: right-click game → Properties → General. Wait for Steam to finish syncing before you close the game or shut down.
• Don’t switch devices or reinstall unless you’re sure Steam Cloud has synced.
• Verify game files in Steam: right-click game → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity.
• Since patch 1.0.5 you can restore a backup directly from the game's folder:
  1. Go to %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\The_king_is_watching_steam\Release\, move savedata.dat to a new folder (e.g. your desktop).
  2. Rename the savedata.dat.prev → savedata.dat.
  3. This replaces your current save with the previous one.
• You can also grab your save directly from Steam Cloud:
  1. Go here → log in → download your most recent save.
  2. Turn off Steam Cloud for the game in Properties.
  3. Replace the save in: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\The_king_is_watching_steam\Release\
  4. Start the game → check progress → turn Steam Cloud back on if you want.

• What is each file:
  • savedata.dat → your main save
  • savedata.dat.prev → your backup save
  • challenges → challenge progress
  • prefs → your settings
  • meta_progress → your meta progress

We’re also working on making saves more stable in future updates.