How to Fix Baldur’s Gate 3 Error Code 516 and Can’t Save Bug

Baldur’s Gate 3, the highly anticipated role-playing game developed by Larian Studios, has captivated players with its immersive gameplay and rich storytelling. However, many players have encountered a frustrating issue: the inability to save their progress due to Error Code 516 or the “Can’t Save” bug. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to resolve these problems and ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Understanding Error Code 516 and the Can’t Save Bug

Error Code 516 and the Can’t Save bug are closely related issues that prevent players from saving their game progress in Baldur’s Gate 3. These problems typically arise when there is insufficient disk space on the drive where the game is installed or when there is a conflict between the game’s save files and the Steam Cloud synchronization.When encountering these issues, players may see error messages such as “Error Code 516” or “Can’t save the game” when attempting to save their progress manually or through autosaves. This can lead to lost progress and frustration, especially considering the lengthy nature of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Solution 1: Free Up Disk Space

One of the primary causes of Error Code 516 and the Can’t Save bug is insufficient disk space on the drive where Baldur’s Gate 3 is installed. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Close Baldur’s Gate 3 and any related launchers (e.g., Steam, GOG).
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the drive where the game is installed (usually the C: drive).
3. Delete any unnecessary files and folders to free up disk space. You can also move large files to another drive or external storage device.
4. Ensure that you have at least 10-15 GB of free space on the drive.
5. Launch Baldur’s Gate 3 and attempt to save your game. The issue should now be resolved.

Solution 2: Disable Steam Cloud Synchronization

If freeing up disk space doesn’t solve the problem, the issue may be related to a conflict between the game’s save files and the Steam Cloud synchronization. To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Exit Baldur’s Gate 3 and close the Steam client.
2. Open Steam and navigate to your library.
3. Right-click on Baldur’s Gate 3 and select “Properties.”
4. In the “General” tab, locate the “Steam Cloud” section.
5. Uncheck the box next to “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for Baldur’s Gate 3.”
6. Click “Close” to save the changes.
7. Launch Baldur’s Gate 3 and try saving your game. The issue should now be resolved.

Solution 3: Change the Save File Location

Another effective solution is to change the location where Baldur’s Gate 3 saves your game progress. This can help if the default save location is on a drive with limited space or if there are permission issues. Here’s how to change the save file location:

1. Close Baldur’s Gate 3 and any related launchers.
2. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type “%localappdata%” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open the Local AppData folder.
4. Navigate to the “Larian Studios” folder and locate the “Baldur’s Gate 3” subfolder.
5. Cut (Ctrl+X) the “Baldur’s Gate 3” folder and paste it (Ctrl+V) to a different drive with ample free space (e.g., D: drive).
6. Open a Command Prompt as an administrator.
7. Run the following command, replacing the paths with your specific locations:
   mklink /d "C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3" "D:\Baldur's Gate 3"
8. Launch Baldur’s Gate 3, and your save files will now be stored in the new location.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If the above solutions don’t resolve the Error Code 516 or Can’t Save bug, try the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Verify the integrity of game files through the Steam client or GOG Galaxy.
2. Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that may be interfering with the game.
3. Run the game as an administrator by right-clicking the executable and selecting “Run as administrator.”
4. Ensure that your graphics drivers and operating system are up to date.
5. If you’re using mods, disable them and test if the issue persists. Some mods may cause conflicts with the game’s save system.

Conclusion

Encountering the Error Code 516 or Can’t Save bug in Baldur’s Gate 3 can be frustrating, but with the solutions and troubleshooting tips provided in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and continue your adventure without fear of losing progress.Remember to regularly free up disk space, manage your save files, and keep your game and system updated to minimize the chances of encountering these problems in the future. If the issue persists after trying these solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Larian Studios support team or the Baldur’s Gate 3 community forums for further assistance.