Baldur's Gate 3 Error Code 516: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
516
Brand
Popular Games
Product Type
game
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
Error code 516 in Baldur's Gate 3 indicates that the game's cross-save synchronization has failed, meaning your save data could not be uploaded to or downloaded from Larian's servers. This typically happens due to a network hiccup, a server outage, a corrupted local save file, or a conflict between multiple platforms trying to sync the same data. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable without losing your progress, and the steps below will walk you through every solution from easiest to most advanced.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 516

  1. Check Larian Studios Server Status

  2. Restart the Game and Your Platform

  3. Check and Reset Your Internet Connection

  4. Sign Out and Back Into Your Larian Account

  5. Verify Game File Integrity (PC Only)

  6. Manually Back Up and Clear the Local Cross-Save Cache

    Always back up your entire save folder before deleting any files. Deleting the wrong files could result in lost progress. If you are unsure, copy everything to a backup location first.

  7. Disable and Re-enable Cross-Save in Settings

  8. Resolve Platform-Specific Save Conflicts

    Choosing the wrong save during a conflict resolution prompt may overwrite more recent progress. Confirm which platform has your latest save before selecting.

  9. Update the Game to the Latest Version

  10. Reinstall Baldur's Gate 3 as a Last Resort

    Back up all save data before uninstalling. On PC, save files are stored locally and will not automatically return after reinstallation unless cloud sync was working. Keep a manual backup copy.
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When to Call a Professional

Error code 516 is entirely a software and network issue, so there is no hardware repair involved. If you have worked through every step above and cross-save still fails consistently, contact Larian Studios Support directly at support.larian.com and submit a ticket with your platform, account email, and a description of the error. Include any screenshot of the error if possible. Larian's support team can manually inspect your account's sync status and escalate server-side issues that cannot be resolved from your end. There is no third-party repair technician needed for this error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will error code 516 delete my Baldur's Gate 3 save files?
No, error code 516 only means the sync between your device and Larian's servers failed — your local save files remain intact on your device. You can continue playing from local saves while the cross-save issue is resolved. Always keep a manual backup of your saves in a separate location as an extra precaution.
Why does BG3 error 516 keep coming back after I fix it?
Recurring error 516 is usually caused by an unstable internet connection, playing on multiple platforms without allowing full syncs to complete, or an ongoing issue with Larian's servers. Make sure to use a wired connection when possible, always wait for the sync spinner to finish before closing the game, and check Larian's server status during recurring episodes.
Does error code 516 affect all platforms or just PC?
Error 516 can affect all platforms that support BG3 cross-save, including PC (Steam and GOG), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The cross-save feature requires a Larian account and a network connection on every platform, so a sync failure can occur on any of them.
Can I play Baldur's Gate 3 offline if error 516 appears?
Yes. If error 516 appears, you can dismiss the error and continue playing from your local save files stored on your device. Cross-save will attempt to sync again the next time you launch the game with a working connection. Your offline progress will be uploaded once connectivity is restored.
How do I stop BG3 save conflicts when switching between PC and PS5?
To avoid cross-save conflicts, always wait for the sync animation to fully complete before closing BG3 on one platform, and never have the game running on two platforms simultaneously. When starting a new session, give the game 10–15 seconds after the main menu loads to finish downloading the latest cloud save before you click 'Continue'.

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