How to seperate save file of Steam and HumbleBundle version? [SOLUTION: it's all about keeping track of your .ini files]

[eiriee]

I initially bought Undertale purely on Steam, and then yesterday bought the game+soundtrack on HumbleBundle. I downloaded the .exe from HumbleBundle (and the soundtrack) and didn't use the Steam bit because I already have it on Steam.

I want to compare and contrast different save files as I play and that's why I got the HB version, because I assumed that it wouldn't have the same save file as the Steam version.

And yet, when I opened it just now, it straight away picked up my previous save file from the Steam version (Snowdin - Box Road 52:58). As a test, I closed the game, closed Steam from the toolbox, opened the HB game and reset and just went to the first save point where I saved and closed the game. I then opened the Steam version, and it picked up this new save!

What gives? What's going on? How do I get my two different versions of the game to have different save files?

EDIT

Further information:

I opened both files at once, first the Steam version then the HB version. I left the HB version looping the intro film as I took the Steam file to just before the next save point, where you wait for Toriel. I left that there, and took the HB file to just after the Dummy.

I then took the Steam file to the next save point (crinkly leaves) and closed the game. The HB game was still open. I also had my Windows Task Manager open, and noticed there was still a process labelled "undertale.exe" open. The HB file is called undertale_windows, so I assumed this was my computer being slow and used Windows Task Manager to close it, but this closed the HB version, so I guess it was a process for that. (each version seems to run two processes, one named "undertale.exe" and one named the file name e.g. "undertale_windows.exe"

I just opened the HB version, and it had picked up the save file from the Steam version!

Clearly they're using the same save file location, but I don't know where that is or how to change it.

Any help?

EDIT

More information:

Steam open, I opened the HB version and took it to just before the next save point (Mouse Hole). I closed Steam, and then saved. I then closed the HB version, opened Steam and then opened the Steam Undertale, and it had picked up the save file the HB version that was made when Steam was closed.

This means there must be a location on my computer where the file is saved that both .exe access. I don't know where though; there's no Undertale folder in my %appdata%.

EDIT

Found my %appdata% folder, it was under a different user.

[Crystalitar]

Wait. Humble bundle has undertale now???

[eiriee]

Yes. Go to Undertale.com and buy it through there. Soundtrack, .exe file, and Steam code for $17.99

[Failure incarnate]

Ah man, I should have checked there before buying it on steam, I always like to have a DRM backup of my games. :(

[Kevzy]

Steps for having a DRM free Undertale from the Steam one:
1. Navigate to the game's installation folder. (Steam > steamapps > UNDERTALE)
2. Extract the UNDERTALE.exe in the folder ysing recent versions of WinRAR, preferably on a new folder on your Desktop.
3. Navigate to the new folder, then run the .exe inside.
4. ???
5. Profit.

[eiriee]

I already have a DRM free Undertale - I bought the game+soundtrack bundle from HumbleBundle and that gives you the .exe file as well as a steam code (which I didn't need as I already had it on Steam).

I think I have found what the thing is though!

Both versions of Undertale reference the .ini file in %appdata% for the status of the game. I tested this by, with Undertale closed but Steam opened, I removed the .ini file from the Appdata>Local>Undertale folder. I then opened the HB version of the game and it was completely reset! It did not recognise any prior saves at all.
I went to the first save point in front of the Ruins, saved and quit, and saw a new .ini file had been created. Inside was much less information than was in the prior version (e.g. nothing about Papyrus). I pasted in the information from the old .ini file (the Steam one by chance, the information in both were the same except reversed in order: Steam had {Flowey} on top and HB having {Papyrus} on top, and with the information under each heading reversed in order but numerically identical), opened the HB version of the game and the previous save was there! Name, save point, everything.

So I seem to be able to alter the save file so far, in the HB version, by pasting in one or another .ini file into the %appdata% folder. Now I'll test it in the Steam version (I have Cloud Saves on still).

[Kevzy]

DRM free version uses the same directory as the Steam version.

[eiriee]

Yeah, I've finally realised that now. I didn't know before - the Steam version .exe is on my C: drive and the HB (DRM free) version is on the D:, so I assumed they'd use different directories, but not so.

The Steam version of the game responds the same as the HB version to .ini file changes - no .ini file means a completely clean game, saving creates a .ini file, pasting in an .ini file then starting the game makes it use that one.

Therefore, if I keep track of the different Steam and HB versions' .ini files, I can have two seperate save files!

If, when I save and then quit, I rename the freshest .ini with the relevant version I can choose which one to play by renaming one "undertale.ini" before I open the game.

[Failure incarnate]

Originally posted by KeyToTruth12:

Steps for having a DRM free Undertale from the Steam one:
1. Navigate to the game's installation folder. (Steam > steamapps > UNDERTALE)
2. Extract the UNDERTALE.exe in the folder ysing recent versions of WinRAR, preferably on a new folder on your Desktop.
3. Navigate to the new folder, then run the .exe inside.
4. ???
5. Profit.

Sweet thanks! I'll try that.