SOTF Save Backup Script Generator

Generate a numbered backup script, an automated schedule (cron or Task Scheduler), and restore commands for your Sons of the Forest server saves.

Critical: Always stop the server before backing up or restoring saves. Copying files while the server is running will produce a corrupted, unplayable save.

Configuration

Operating System

Hosting Type

Backup Frequency

Backup Destination Directory

Save File Locations

Linux Dedicated Server

/home/steam/.config/unity3d/Endnight/SonsOfTheForest/Saves/Multiplayer/0

Files per save: GameStateSaveData.json, PlayerInventorySaveData.json, SaveData.json, plus terrain chunk files.

Backup Script

#!/bin/bash
# SOTF Save Backup Script
SAVE_DIR="/home/steam/.config/unity3d/Endnight/SonsOfTheForest/Saves/Multiplayer/0"
BACKUP_BASE="/home/steam/sotf-backups"
TIMESTAMP=$(date +"%Y%m%d_%H%M%S")
DEST="$BACKUP_BASE/$TIMESTAMP"

mkdir -p "$DEST"
cp -r "$SAVE_DIR/." "$DEST/"

echo "Backup complete: $DEST"

# Keep only 10 most recent backups
ls -dt "$BACKUP_BASE"/*/  | tail -n +11 | xargs -r rm -rf
echo "Old backups pruned. Current count: $(ls -d $BACKUP_BASE/*/ 2>/dev/null | wc -l)"

Cron Entry

Add to crontab with crontab -e:

0 3 * * * /bin/bash /path/to/sotf-backup.sh >> /var/log/sotf-backup.log 2>&1

Restore Commands

Replace BACKUP_FOLDER with the timestamped folder you want to restore from.

#!/bin/bash
# Stop the server FIRST before restoring!
BACKUP_FOLDER="/home/steam/sotf-backups/BACKUP_FOLDER"
SAVE_DIR="/home/steam/.config/unity3d/Endnight/SonsOfTheForest/Saves/Multiplayer/0"

# Clear current save and restore from backup
rm -rf "$SAVE_DIR"
cp -r "$BACKUP_FOLDER/." "$SAVE_DIR/"
echo "Restore complete from: $BACKUP_FOLDER"

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