ForgeTax Wiki

ForgeTax Save File Location and Progression Guide

November 15, 2026627 words4 min read

Information on save file locations for ForgeTax, including details on the 21-day contract, permadeath mechanics, and relic progression systems.

The specific directory for the ForgeTax save file location is not independently confirmed in the currently available technical documentation. Because the game is a roguelike centered on a high-stakes "tribute" system, progression is primarily handled through active run states that are subject to permanent deletion upon the player's third failure to meet a gold quota.

Save System and Permadeath Mechanics

ForgeTax utilizes a permadeath structure that dictates how player progress is recorded. Instead of traditional manual save slots, the game tracks a 21-day contract that begins on a set date and concludes on May 5th. Players must survive this duration by meeting escalating gold tributes demanded by an entity referred to as the "Eye of Saurin."

The Three-Failure Rule

Progress is not permanent until the contract is completed. The game allows for a maximum of three failures. If a tribute comes up short for the third time, the run is terminated, and the player experiences a "jump scare" death screen, effectively wiping the current run's progress. Upon death, the game displays a summary of the "Best Weapon" created (such as an Overcharged Blade +15) before resetting.

Gameplay video reference

!(I GAMBLED With My LIFE on One Sword in this INSANE Forging Roguelike! - ForgeTax)(https://img.youtube.com/vi/1lajGQjtc5M/hqdefault.jpg)

Forging and Progression Systems

While the physical save location remains unverified, the game tracks several forms of internal progression that persist during a run.

The Codex and Achievements

The game features a Codex that records specific weapon types once they have been successfully crafted, such as the Refined Sword. Additionally, Steam achievements track long-term milestones across different attempts, including:

  • Butterfingers: Unlocked by breaking 10 swords in a single run.
  • High Roller: Awarded for paying at least three times the required tribute amount.

The 21-Day Contract

Progression is measured by a calendar located within the forge. Key milestones include:

  • Merchant Visits: A merchant arrives every 3 days to provide new swords, relics, and consumables.
  • Tribute Cycles: Players must ring a bell to submit their swords. The value of the swords must meet or exceed the demand displayed on the desk.
  • Rainy Day Stash: Players can hang spare swords on a rack. These act as a "safety net" for future tributes, allowing players to bank value when they have a surplus.

Relic and Inventory Management

A significant portion of a player's "save state" during a run is their relic inventory. Players have a limited number of slots (approximately 8 to 9) to store relics that modify forging stats.

Relic NameEffect
Sealed HeartAdds extra levels to the next "Great" strike based on "Hold" strikes.
Lucky CoalGrants one "Great" ticket for the forging pool.
Inspection StampIncreases the gold value of Success or Great hits by 100.
Cracked SpliceReduces break chance by 15% for each point of damage (up to 60%).
Worn WhetstoneConverts "Hold" tickets into "Success" tickets.

Consumables

Players can also carry items that provide a one-time "mulligan" for mistakes, which are essential for maintaining a long-running save state:

  • Regret Clockwork: Allows the player to undo the last strike before leaving the anvil, even if the sword broke. This is bound to the Q key.
  • Dragon Scale: Prevents the sword from breaking on the next strike, regardless of the result.

Technical Configuration

The game includes a settings menu where players can adjust mouse sensitivity. While the game has "Mixed" reviews on platforms like Steam, it is noted for its dark first-person atmosphere and "big number" roguelike scaling. If you are looking for the save file to back up a successful run, it is likely located within the standard Steam userdata or AppData folders, though the exact subfolder ID for ForgeTax has not been documented.