Sometimes, specific graphics settings can cause loading issues.
There are no official save editors, but the community has built tools like Tomb Raider Save Manager (available on Nexus Mods). These can extract partial data from a corrupted profile.dat and merge it into a new one.
Be careful: Only download these from trusted sources. Scan for viruses. Use only to extract backup data, never to modify online leaderboard profiles.
If the basic fixes fail, the issue is likely system-deep.
If the Steam client believes a sync is happening when it is not, the download cache must be cleared.
Add these folders to antivirus exclusions:
If you're seeing the "failed to load profile" error in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, it typically indicates that the game cannot access or read your profile.dat file. This error can block you from accessing saves, even if your actual save files (e.g., save1.dat) are still intact.
Below is a comprehensive guide to resolving this error across Steam, Epic Games Store, and console platforms. 1. Delete the Corrupted Profile File (PC Fix)
The most common fix involves deleting the specific file that tracks your profile settings and achievements. This forces the game to generate a fresh one without touching your actual mission progress.
Step 1: Locate your save folder.Navigate to: C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\Shadow of the Tomb Raider\[A Long Number Folder].
Step 2: Create a backup.Copy everything in this folder to a safe location on your desktop.
Step 3: Delete the profile file.Find profile.dat and delete it. You should also delete steam_autocloud.vdf if it exists.
Step 4: Launch the game.The game will act like it's the first time you’ve launched it. Your saves should now be accessible in the "Load Game" menu. 2. Disable Cloud Sync Conflicts
Often, the error is caused by a buggy cloud sync that keeps downloading a "corrupted" version of your profile.
Steam: Right-click the game in your Steam Library > Properties > General > toggle off Steam Cloud. shadow of the tomb raider failed to load profile
Epic Games Store: Since the Epic version has known bugs with cloud saves, players often recommend playing with the launcher in "Offline" mode to bypass profile checks.
Ubisoft/Connect: Ensure Cloud save synchronization is toggled off in settings if you are using an integrated launcher. 3. Check for Permission & Antivirus Blocks
The error "failed to load profile" frequently occurs because your antivirus or Windows security is preventing the game from writing to the Documents folder.
OneDrive Issues: If your Documents folder is backed up by OneDrive, ensure the service is running. If it's paused or disconnected, the game may lose "permission" to read your save path.
Controlled Folder Access: Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection. If Controlled folder access is on, add SOTTR.exe to the allowed apps list. 4. Platform-Specific Troubleshooting
The "Failed to load profile" error in Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a common issue typically caused by a corrupted profile.dat file or synchronization conflicts with cloud saving. Steam Community Recommended Fix: Reset the Profile File
This method forces the game to generate a clean profile while keeping your actual progress (save games) intact. Locate your Save Folder : Navigate to the following directory on your PC:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Shadow of the Tomb Raider\
: Copy the entire folder to your desktop or another safe location before making changes. profile.dat : Delete only the profile.dat file inside that numbered folder. Disable Cloud Sync (Temporarily) Right-click the game in your Steam Library and select Properties tab, toggle off Steam Cloud Synchronization Launch the Game
: Start the game. It should treat you like a new player initially, but your existing save files should still be available to load from the main menu. Re-enable Sync
: Once you verify the game loads correctly, you can exit and re-enable cloud sync. If prompted, choose to use your local save to overwrite the cloud version. Alternative Solutions Check Antivirus/Security
: Windows Security or third-party antivirus may block the game from reading the folder. Ensure the game is added as an exception or check if "Controlled Folder Access" is blocking it. OneDrive Interference
: If OneDrive is syncing your Documents folder, it may move your save files to the cloud and out of the game's local reach. Try pausing OneDrive or setting the SOTTR folder to "Always keep on this device". Verify Game Integrity Steam Verify Tool to ensure no core game files are corrupted. Xbox Console (Save Backups)
: If on Xbox, you can sometimes bypass load errors by pressing on the 'Load Game' menu to access hidden save backups. Steam Community file paths for the Epic Games or Microsoft Store versions of the game? shadow of the tomb raider failed to load profile Add these folders to antivirus exclusions:
The cold mist of the Peruvian jungle clung to Lara’s gear as she stood before the ancient mechanism of the Silver Eagle. She reached for her journal—the culmination of months of research, coordinates, and cryptic riddles—only to find her satchel empty.
She patted her pockets, her heart quickening. The memory of the path, the hidden triggers, and the lore of the Maya were gone, replaced by a chilling, hollow silence. It was as if the jungle itself had reached into her mind and wiped away her progress. "Jonah?" she called out, her voice echoing against the damp stone. But there was no response, only the digital static of a world that no longer recognized her.
She was the Tomb Raider, but without her history, she was just a ghost in the ruins. The path forward was barred by a door that required a key she had already found, yet no longer possessed. She stood at the edge of the abyss, staring into the flickering darkness of a "Failed to Load" screen, waiting for the world to remember who she was before the shadows swallowed her whole.
The "Failed to load profile" error in Shadow of the Tomb Raider typically occurs due to a corrupted configuration file ( profile.dat
) or synchronization issues with cloud services. This error can prevent you from launching the game or accessing your existing save files. Primary Fix: Reset the Profile Data
Deleting the corrupted profile file is the most successful solution reported by the community. This resets your game settings to default but usually keeps your actual save progress intact. Backup Your Files : Navigate to
Documents\Shadow of the Tomb Raider\[Long String of Numbers]
. Copy the entire folder to a safe location before making changes. Delete Profile File : Delete the file named profile.dat from that folder. Disable Cloud Sync , right-click the game in your library, select Properties , and toggle off Steam Cloud
This prevents the corrupted file from being automatically redownloaded. Restart the Game
: Launch the game. It will act as if it is the first time you are playing, but your save files should still be available in the Additional Troubleshooting Steps
If resetting the profile does not work, consider these alternative methods:
This guide details methods to resolve the "Failed to Load Profile" error in Shadow of the Tomb Raider
, a common issue often caused by synchronization bugs between local files and cloud storage. 1. Re-sync Local Profile with Cloud (Steam)
The most effective fix for Steam users involves forcing the client to recognize a new profile while retaining existing save data. If you're seeing the " failed to load
Backup Save Data: Navigate to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Shadow of the Tomb Raider\[Your Steam ID]\ and copy all files to a safe backup folder on your desktop.
Delete Local Profile: In the original save folder, delete the profile.dat and steam_autocloud.vdf files.
Disable Steam Cloud: Right-click the game in your Steam Library > Properties > General and toggle off Steam Cloud Synchronization.
Create New Profile: Launch the game. It should treat you as a new player. Start a new game and play until it auto-saves, which generates a fresh, uncorrupted profile.dat.
Restore Save Files: Close the game. Copy your original save*.dat files (but not the old profile.dat) from your desktop backup back into the Documents save folder.
Re-enable Cloud: Turn Steam Cloud back on. When prompted about a sync conflict, choose to Upload Local Files to the Cloud. 2. Epic Games Launcher Cache Fix
For players on the Epic Games Store, the error is often tied to corrupted web cache files within the launcher.
Close the Launcher: Ensure the Epic Games Launcher is completely shut down.
Access AppData: Press Win + R, type %localappdata%, and hit Enter.
Clear Web Cache: Open the EpicGamesLauncher folder > Saved. Delete the webcache and webcache_4147 folders. Restart: Relaunch Epic Games and start the game. 3. Alternative Troubleshooting Steps
If profile manipulation does not work, the issue may be related to system-level permissions or corrupted installation files.
Windows Defender Ransomware Protection often blocks game saves.
Similarly, add exclusions in any third-party antivirus for:
The following protocols are ordered from least invasive (preserving save data) to most invasive (data reset).