PSA: Changing the game's install location will render any save files containing DLC items unloadable.

Game was stuttering a fair bit on my HDD despite running very smoothly otherwise so I decided to move it to my SSD. After doing that, I loaded the game and tried to load my latest save. It told me it couldn't load the save because I didn't have the Tactical Pack DLC installed, despite the fact that it was a straight copy/paste of the game files with a cache validation thrown in. Any other save after I'd redeemed the elite sedative rifle (or whatever it's called) was also colored red and was impossible to load.



Steam says all DLC is installed, but I'm guessing changing the install location for the game triggers some kind of save-based DRM to prevent people exchanging saves containing the DLC extras. It's incredibly hamfisted how it can lock people out of content they rightfully own just by changing the game's install location, though.



So I got burned for using the DLC I bought and have to revert to an earlier save and replay a good part of the game again - Lucky I'm a compulsive hard-saver. For the time being, leave your install where it is, unless you're not using any DLC items.



Now I either have to rebuy the Tactical Pack or wait for a Square support ticket. I don't think I can be bothere with either. Pretty disappointed by this.