PC Companion Restart Guide: How to Reset Your Game

Understanding Restart Options in PC Companion

Starting over in PC Companion is a significant decision. Because each player is assigned a unique, exclusive companion upon their first launch, a full restart means losing that bond. However, the game offers two distinct methods to reset your progress, each with different outcomes. Understanding the difference between a soft reset and a hard reset is crucial before taking any action. This guide will walk you through both processes, what you will retain, and what you will permanently lose.

Soft Reset: Clearing Progress Without Losing Your Companion

A soft reset is the safest way to start fresh while keeping your original companion. This method is ideal if you are unhappy with your skill choices, resource management, or early-game decisions but want to maintain the unique relationship you have built.

To perform a soft reset, navigate to the Settings menu from the main screen. Select the Gameplay tab, then scroll down to the Save Data section. You will find an option labeled "Reset Story Progress." Confirm your choice when prompted. This action will:

• Reset all main story and side quest progress.
• Remove all items, currency, and upgrades.
• Return your companion to her initial state.
• Preserve your companion's identity and core bond level.

After a soft reset, the game will restart from the beginning of the tutorial. Your companion will not remember past events, but she will retain her unique personality traits and appearance. This is the recommended method for most players.

Hard Reset: Complete Game Wipe and Companion Loss

A hard reset is a more drastic measure. This process completely wipes all save data, including your exclusive companion. Only use this method if you are certain you want to start entirely from scratch, perhaps to attempt discovering the game's hidden secret regarding multiple companions.

To perform a hard reset, you must delete the game's local save files. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Close PC Companion completely.
2. Open your file explorer and navigate to the following directory: %userprofile%\AppData\Local\PCCompanion\Saved\SaveGames.
3. Delete all files within the SaveGames folder. You may also delete the entire folder for a cleaner wipe.
4. Launch the game again.

Upon launching after a hard reset, the game will behave as if you are playing for the first time. You will be assigned a brand-new companion. There is no way to recover your previous companion or any of your old progress after this action. Consider backing up the SaveGames folder to an external drive if you are unsure.

What Happens to Your Companion When You Restart

Your companion is the heart of PC Companion. She reacts to your computer activity, learns from your habits, and grows alongside you. A restart fundamentally alters this relationship.

• After a Soft Reset: Your companion's visual design and core personality remain intact. She will begin her journey anew, learning about you from scratch. The bond level resets to zero, but the underlying "soul" of the companion is preserved.
• After a Hard Reset: Your companion is gone forever. The game generates a new companion with a new personality and appearance. This is the only known way to potentially experience a different companion, though the game's lore hints at other, undiscovered methods.

It is important to note that the developers have confirmed that the companion's behavior is influenced by your playstyle. Restarting allows you to shape a different dynamic if you choose to interact with the game in a new way.

Tips Before Performing a Restart

Before you commit to any restart method, consider these practical tips to avoid regret.

• Backup Your Saves: For both soft and hard resets, it is wise to manually copy your save folder. This gives you a safety net in case you change your mind.
• Check for Cloud Saves: PC Companion uses Steam Cloud. A soft reset will sync across devices. A hard reset via file deletion may conflict with cloud saves if you do not disable the cloud feature first. To be safe, disable Steam Cloud for PC Companion in your Steam library properties before performing a hard reset.
• Revisit Your Goals: Ask yourself why you want to restart. If it is due to a minor mistake, consult the beginner guide or tips and tricks guide for solutions that do not require a full wipe.
• Understand the Secret: The game's tagline mentions a hidden secret that can change the rule of having only one companion. If your goal is to find this secret, a hard reset is not the only path. Check our secrets guide for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restarting

Can I have more than one companion without restarting? The default rule is one companion per player. There is a hidden secret in the game that may allow you to bypass this. Performing a restart is not the intended method to unlock this feature.

Will my achievements be reset? No. Achievements are tied to your Steam account, not your save file. You will keep all achievements you have earned, even after a hard reset.

Does restarting fix bugs or glitches? A soft reset can sometimes resolve progression-blocking bugs. A hard reset will always fix any save-related corruption issues, as it creates a completely new save file.

How long does a restart take? A soft reset takes about one minute. A hard reset, including the file deletion and subsequent initial setup, takes approximately five minutes.