Save files non existent after Dec 2 2025 update

Hello,

Prior to the most recent update I had 3 save files. After the update the game only saw 1 game file, my oldest and a version of it from 2018. My two saves that I was actively using were not there. I went into File Explorer saves folder and sure enough, there was just 1 save file in there from 2018. I started a new save to see if my sims and buildings would be recognized in a new file and they were not (as a result, I now have 2 save files and their .ver backups in the saves folder).

I checked my Recycle Bin, and there's nothing there. I checked to see if OneDrive had reactivated itself and either deleted or backed up the files. It was not active and there were no files in OneDrive folders nor its own recycle bin. I have no other cloud backup systems installed on this computer. I even ran a file restore software to see if I could recover the lost .save files, but I had no luck there, either.

My last resort was to do a full PC system restore, but it turns out I never turned the feature on and there are no restore points to choose from.

I'm truly at a loss here. I feel like I need Benoit Blanc to solve the case of the missing .save files. Any ideas or insight is welcome and appreciated,