HELP WITH TECHNICAL ISSUE 'This save data was created with a newer version of the game'

[rubyr203]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me with an issue I am having with loading my Dragon Age game. I'm sure there are some answers similar to my issue but as I've tried most things I wanted to be super specific.

I purchased Dragon Age: Inquisition through Steam in April. After playing for a while, I decided to install some mods into it thinking that it would be no more difficult to manage than The Sims 4. Oh how wrong I was. I was having issues with being able to load the DLCs The Descent and The Jaws of Hakkon (Hadn't tried Trespasser). Every time I tried to travel there I was met with a black screen, the logo frozen in the corner but still able to move my mouse.

After spending time scouring Reddit forums and google questions, I linked the issue to having mods installed that were not supported in the DLCs. I assumed it would be easy enough to remove the mods and continue to play without them now I had finished the main storyline. I had followed instructions for the installation of DAI Mods and had created some back up patch folders before I began to change anything in the game.

I carefully uninstalled them however now, when I go to load my save, I get the error 'This save data was created with a newer version of the game' (Image attached).

I have tried repairing the game through Steam using the verify files integrity option, as well as uninstalling and redownloading the game several times. There is no option on the EA app to repair it as many suggestions say, as I purchased it through Steam. I have altered the version number in the notes. My patch folder from the mods is not working and neither are the clean patch back ups I had made before.

I spoke with EA technical support and to be honest they were incredibly unhelpful.

EA - I will surely check if I can help you in fixing your Dragon Age: Inquisition issue.

EA - May I know if you have deleted any files while removing mods from Dragon Age: Inquisition?

ME - I may have accidentally but no, I do not believe so

EA - I want to inform you that progress in Dragon Age: Inquisition saves offline so we are unable to help you with Dragon Age: Inquisition progress issue.

ME - Ok, thank you. But can you help fix the patch issue?

EA - I can note-down your feedback regarding this issue. If our team will release any such patch then I will let you know via suitable channels.

EA - Is there anything else for me at this moment?

ME - Could you let me know what the current patch number is for Dragon Age Inquisition?

EA - Its in game information that I am unable to share with you. You will get update via in game notification once new patch will get out.

I am feeling very lost and frustrated as what to do now. I have almost 122 hours in it so desperately do not want to lose my save. Obviously I've messed with things beyond my technical expertise and would greatly appreciate any advice if someone has encountered this issue before. Is there a chance of being able to play with my saves or will I have to start all over again?

[Nix]

Originally posted by rubyr203:

I carefully uninstalled them however now, when I go to load my save, I get the error 'This save data was created with a newer version of the game' (Image attached).

What happened here is when you modded the game it treated it like an offical patch, and eliminating the mods lowered the patch number, your game wants the patch number to be X (or higher), and it isn't. All you have to do is change the number in "package.mft" in your update folder to be greater than or equal than what it was modded. Mind you pulling the mods out and then loading that save could result in jank.

IIRC 13 is usually modded, 12 is standard.