The host owns the save
Big Walk saves progress automatically for the session host. That makes the host the anchor for a long-form group run: when the host leaves, everyone else disconnects, and when the group wants to continue, the same host must start that save again.
The official FAQ frames the player-count choice as a minimum participation setting. Pick the lowest setting that matches the group you reliably have, because some world elements adapt to the 2-player, 3-player or 4+ player version.
Starting and loading a run
To create a run, the host starts from Host Game, names the save, chooses the player-count version and shares the join code. The join code is generated each time the host starts a session, so do not treat yesterday's code as permanent.
To continue a run, the same host returns to Host Game and selects the named save. The group can then join from the platform friends list or by entering the current join code.
What friends can join later
Players can join after the session is underway if they have the current join code and the selected world size allows room for them. The practical warning is puzzle access: if you choose a higher minimum and start short-handed, your smaller group may hit challenges that expect more bodies or more simultaneous inputs.
Recovering inventory after loading
ScreenHype notes that carryable items from the previous session can be recovered at Lost & Found after loading back in. Their route describes leaving the spawn platform, passing the circle of chairs around the lanterns, and looking ahead for a beige platform marked Lost & Found.
Items to check there include backpacks, radios, map, compass and other carryable objects your group had when the session ended. This detail is still marked for this wiki's own in-game verification.
Quick save rules
Use this as the short version when onboarding a new group.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I manually save? | No manual save step is described in the official FAQ; the host saves automatically. |
| Can the host change? | For the same progress, plan around the same host returning. A different host means a different save unless the game later adds migration. |
| Does the join code stay the same? | No. It is generated when the host starts a session. |
| Can Mac App Store players use a friends list? | The official FAQ says the Mac App Store version uses join codes because it does not support Game Center friend sessions. |
| What happens when the host stops? | The session ends for everyone else. |