Managing save data in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is essential for any player who has invested dozens of hours into leveling up Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Z-Fighters. Whether you are looking to secure your progress against accidental deletion, moving your gameplay to a new setup, or attempting to install a 100% completion save file downloaded from the internet, using a USB drive remains one of the most reliable methods.

However, the process varies significantly depending on whether you are playing on PC, PlayStation 4, or Xbox. This comprehensive guide details every step required to handle your Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot save data via USB, ensuring your progress is never lost.

Quick Summary for Save Data Transfers

  • PC (Steam/Windows): You can manually copy save folders located in your local AppData or Steam userdata directory directly to a USB.
  • PlayStation 4: Use the "Application Saved Data Management" menu to copy files to a FAT32/exFAT formatted USB.
  • Xbox Series X|S & One: Direct USB export for individual save files is not supported due to system encryption; cloud synchronization is the primary method.
  • Next-Gen Transfers: Moving from PS4 to PS5 requires the in-game "Transfer Save Data" tool rather than a manual USB copy.

Managing Dragon Ball Z Kakarot Save Data on PC

The PC version of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers the most flexibility, but it also requires the most manual navigation. Unlike consoles, the game doesn't provide a "Copy to USB" button within the UI. You must interact with the Windows file system.

Locating Your Save Files

Before you can move data to a USB, you need to find where the game stores it. There are two primary locations depending on your installation and whether you are using Steam or a different version.

  1. The Local AppData Path: Most local settings and temporary save caches are stored here.

    • Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
    • Type %LOCALAPPDATA% and hit Enter.
    • Navigate to the following folder: AT\Saved\SaveGames.
    • Note: The folder is named "AT," which refers to "A-Type," the internal project name used by CyberConnect2.

  2. The Steam Userdata Path: This is the most critical folder for Steam users, as this is the data that syncs with the Steam Cloud.

    • Navigate to your Steam installation directory (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam).
    • Go to userdata.
    • Inside, you will see a folder named with a string of numbers—this is your unique Steam ID. Open it.
    • Look for the folder 851850. This is the official Steam AppID for Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot.
    • Open the remote folder. Your save files (e.g., ManualSave0.sav, AutoSave.sav) are located here.

Backing Up to USB

Once you have located these files, follow these steps:

  1. Insert your USB drive into a free port.
  2. Select the entire 851850 folder (for Steam users) or the AT folder.
  3. Right-click and select Copy.
  4. Open your USB drive in File Explorer, right-click in an empty space, and select Paste.

How to Download and Install a 100% Save File via USB

If you have downloaded a completed save file from a community site and want to use it:

  1. Extract the Files: Downloaded saves usually come in .zip or .7z archives. Extract them to your desktop first.
  2. Match the Path: Ensure the files you downloaded are named correctly (e.g., ManualSave1.sav).
  3. Backup Your Own Data: Before replacing anything, copy your original remote folder to your USB as a safety measure.
  4. Overwrite: Move the downloaded files from your USB into the 851850\remote directory on your PC.
  5. Disable Steam Cloud (Temporary): If Steam detects a mismatch between your local file and the cloud, it might overwrite your new save. Right-click the game in Steam > Properties > General > Toggle off "Keep games saves in the Steam Cloud." Once you launch the game and save successfully, you can turn it back on.

Working with PlayStation 4 Save Data and USB

The PlayStation 4 is the only console that allows a straightforward "Export to USB" function for game saves. This is particularly useful for players who do not have a PlayStation Plus subscription for cloud storage.

USB Drive Requirements

Your PS4 will not recognize just any USB drive. It must meet these criteria:

  • Format: The drive must be formatted to FAT32 or exFAT. To do this on a PC, right-click the drive in File Explorer, select "Format," choose the file system, and click Start.
  • Connection: Ensure the drive is pushed all the way into the PS4 port (some bulky drives may struggle with the PS4's recessed ports).

Exporting Data to USB

  1. Go to the PS4 Settings menu.
  2. Scroll down to Application Saved Data Management.
  3. Select Saved Data in System Storage.
  4. Select Copy to USB Storage Device.
  5. Find Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot in the list.
  6. Check the boxes for the specific save slots you want to back up, or select "All."
  7. Select Copy.

Importing/Downloading Save Data via USB

If you are moving a save from another PS4 or installing a modded save:

  1. Ensure the file structure on the USB is correct: USB Drive > PS4 > SAVEDATA > [Unique Folder ID].
  2. Insert the USB into the destination PS4.
  3. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management.
  4. Select Saved Data on USB Storage Device.
  5. Select Copy to System Storage.
  6. Choose the game and the files you wish to import.

Important Note on Region Locking: PS4 saves are region-locked by their CUSA code. For example, a save file from the US version (CUSA14835) will not work with the European version (CUSA14836). If you download a save online, ensure it matches your game's region.

The Xbox Situation: Why USB Transfers Are Restricted

For users on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, the process is markedly different. Microsoft employs a "closed" file system for game saves to prevent cheating and data manipulation.

  • No Manual USB Export: You cannot go into the Xbox settings and copy an individual Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot save file to a USB drive to move it to another account or PC.
  • Automated Cloud System: Xbox handles all save data through its integrated cloud service. As long as you are connected to the internet, your progress is backed up automatically. When you log into a different Xbox with your profile, the console will download your Kakarot save data as soon as you launch the game.
  • External Storage Limitation: You can move the entire game installation (the 40GB+ of game files) to an external USB hard drive, but the save data remains stored in the internal "system reserved" partition or the cloud.

Understanding the HD (Next-Gen) vs. SD Version Conflicts

With the release of the "Next-Gen" update (Version 1.30 vs 2.20), a new layer of complexity was added to save data management. Many players found that after updating, their old saves "disappeared."

  • Version Mismatch: The Standard Definition (SD) version and the High Definition (HD/Remastered) version often look for files in slightly different paths or use different headers.
  • The Transfer Tool: On consoles, you should see a "Transfer Save Data" option on the main menu of the PS5 version. Do not use a USB for this; instead, ensure the PS4 version is installed and the save is present on your system storage, then use the in-game tool to convert it.
  • PC Renaming Trick: If you are playing on a ROG Ally or Steam Deck and the game isn't detecting your save after an update, try creating a new manual save, then look at the filename created. Rename your old USB backup to match that specific name (e.g., changing ManualSave0 to ManualSave2).

Troubleshooting Common USB Save Data Issues

"Data is Corrupted" Error

This usually happens if the USB was removed while the data was being written. Always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option on PC or ensure the PS4 has finished the copy progress bar before unplugging. If the data is corrupted, you will need to delete the file from the USB and re-copy it from the source.

USB Not Recognized

If your console doesn't see the USB:

  1. Check the format. If it is NTFS, the PS4 will ignore it. Reformat to exFAT.
  2. Check the partition style. Consoles prefer MBR (Master Boot Record) over GPT for smaller USB sticks.
  3. Ensure the USB is 250GB or less for simple save data tasks; sometimes, massive multi-terabyte external HDDs confuse the "Saved Data Management" menu.

Save Data Not Showing Up in Game

On PC, this is frequently caused by a mismatch between the SteamID folder and the account currently logged in. Save files are often "signed" to a specific user. If you are using a downloaded save, you may need a third-party tool or to rename the file to match the slot the game expects.

FAQ

Can I transfer my PS4 save to PC using a USB? No. The file formats for PlayStation 4 and PC are fundamentally different and encrypted. There is no official way to move progress between these platforms.

Do I need a USB for Steam Cloud saves? No, Steam Cloud handles backups automatically. However, keeping a USB backup is a "best practice" in case of cloud synchronization errors which can occasionally revert your progress by several hours.

How many save slots can I back up? Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot typically offers multiple manual save slots and one auto-save slot. You can back up all of them to your USB, provided there is enough space (save files are very small, usually only a few megabytes each).

What happens if I update the game after backing up? Generally, newer versions of the game can read older save files, but older versions of the game cannot read saves made on a newer version. Always update your game to the latest patch before attempting to restore a backup.

Conclusion

Backing up your Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot save data to a USB is the most effective way to protect your journey through the Z-Saga. For PC users, it’s about navigating to the AppData or userdata folders. For PS4 users, it’s a matter of using the system's built-in management tools with a properly formatted drive. While Xbox users are tied to the cloud, understanding these platform-specific rules ensures that whether you’re facing Cell, Buu, or a hardware failure, your progress remains safe. Always remember to maintain at least two copies of your data—one on your device and one on your USB—to guarantee that your 100% completion status is never at risk.