Lets be clear about this, as people are writing crap and not stating the facts correctly without checking.
This is what occurs.
When you launch the new game it asks you to connect your patreon account, which opens up a browser link.
If you log in with your details, it then asks if you wish to permit KST to view your profile (or words to that effect).
If you allow, the browser states "CONNECTED". The game will not, unless you are a paying member of a Patreon. So just remember you can have a patreon account and connect it to KST, but the game will not allow you to save unless you are a paying member of KST through patreon. You can still play the game with the new content, but not save it.
Agree this is a bit of a ball ache, but lets all be clear about the issue and not write up crap to confuse things.