How to fix save bug Error 516 for Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

Have you recently played Baldur’s Gate 3 and noticed a bug where you either got Error 516 or a “Save Failed” message pop-up? Luckily, we know some possible solutions.

I have had this very issue, and it seems like everyone else I know playing BG3 has run into this strange bug. Not being able to save your game is terrible, so here are some ways you can fix this issue.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Save bug and Error 516 solutions

Players online have luckily found solutions to this problem that have proven to work. It seems like the root of the problem is a bug where all traders in BG3 default to Trade instead of Barter, which somehow triggers the bug. Here are a few different methods to fix this Error 516 and save bug in Baldur’s Gate 3.

“Save Failed” bug

This is the specific bug I’ve found myself facing, and any time after I speak with a trader, I’m unable to save. Here’s a fix that someone discovered online:

1. Speak with a trader and see their wares.
2. Toggle to Barter mode.
3. Give them one of anything.
4. Close window and speak with a different trader.
5. Trade with them and it should default to Barter.
6. Give them one of anything.
7. Closer the Barter window.

Another good method is apparently to press the Trade icon in the bottom left corner of your screen instead of choosing the dialogue option to see their wares. This should apparently fix the issue for anyone with the “Save Failed” bug message.

Related: How to fix Baldur’s Gate 3 data mismatch error

Error 516

I personally know someone who recently experienced Error 516, even though this Error is a few months old. This is essentially the same bug, but if you’re receiving this Error message, there may be slightly different solutions. Here is the main method I’ve discovered:

1. Plug in a controller and wait until it switches to controller mode.
2. Speak to a trader and press the Trade button (“Y” on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation).
3. Exit the trade and test if you can save your game.

I would even recommend trying this method for the “Save Failed” bug, as it also asks you to press the actual trade button instead of the trade dialogue option.

If none of these solutions are working for you, I would advise you to uninstall and reinstall Baldur’s Gate 3. I know it’s a hassle, as it’s a very large game, but I know someone who found success in fixing this bug once they did so.

With this issue now fixed, have you ever run into the Script Extender Error in Baldur’s Gate 3? We have a guide on how to fix that issue as well.