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How to Integrate Your Ubisoft Library with Steam: A Comprehensive Guide

The direct answer is this: You can’t directly “link” your entire Ubisoft library to Steam in the way you might envision. Steam doesn’t offer a feature to import your Ubisoft Connect games and have them appear natively in your Steam library as if you purchased them through Steam. However, there are ways to integrate your Ubisoft games with Steam for launching and social features. This involves either adding games one by one with product keys or using Steam as a launcher. The process isn’t seamless, but it can improve your gaming experience by centralizing your games in one place. Here’s how it all works:

Activating Individual Ubisoft Games on Steam Using Product Keys

If you purchased a Ubisoft game key from a third-party retailer, you can activate it on Steam, adding the game to your Steam library. This is the closest you’ll get to a full integration.

Steps to Activate a Product Key:

Open Steam and log in to your account. Ensure you’re using the correct account where you want the game to appear.
Go to the “Games” menu. This is located at the top of the Steam client window.
Select “Activate a Product on Steam”. A new window will open, guiding you through the activation process.
Enter the product key. This is the unique code provided when you purchased the game.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Steam will verify the key and add the game to your library.
Download and install the game. Once added, you can download and install the game directly through Steam.
Launch the game from your Steam library.

Keep in mind, not all Ubisoft games have Steam keys available for purchase. Additionally, some older games might not be available on Steam anymore.

Using Steam to Launch Ubisoft Games: Adding a Non-Steam Game

Another option is to add Ubisoft games to your Steam library as “non-Steam games”. This allows you to launch the game through Steam, use the Steam overlay (for features like screenshots and chat), and display the game in your Steam activity. However, it doesn’t fully integrate the game like an activated Steam key would.

Steps to Add a Non-Steam Game:

Open Steam and log in to your account.
Click “Add a Game” in the bottom-left corner of the Steam window.
Select “Add a Non-Steam Game”. A list of applications installed on your computer will appear.
Browse for the game’s executable file (.exe). If the game isn’t listed, you’ll need to manually browse to the installation folder (typically found in “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)”) within the Ubisoft folder.
Select the game’s .exe file and click “Open”.
The game will now be added to your Steam library. You might need to rename the shortcut to accurately reflect the game’s title.

Understanding the Limitations

It’s crucial to understand the limitations of both methods:

Activation via Key: Requires a valid Steam key for the specific game. Not all Ubisoft games sold outside of Steam come with a Steam key.
Adding a Non-Steam Game: Doesn’t provide full Steam integration (achievements, trading cards, etc.). It’s essentially a shortcut to launch the game through Steam. You still need Ubisoft Connect installed and running in the background.

Why Ubisoft Games Aren’t Directly Linked to Steam

In recent years, Ubisoft has strategically shifted its PC game releases between different platforms, including its own Ubisoft Connect, the Epic Games Store, and Steam. This decision is based on business considerations and aimed at reaching different audiences while maintaining a consistent player ecosystem through Ubisoft Connect. Although some Ubisoft games are available on Steam, the company hasn’t implemented a complete library linking feature because of these strategic distribution decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address common concerns:

1. Can I transfer my Ubisoft games purchased on Ubisoft Connect to Steam?

No, you cannot directly transfer games purchased on Ubisoft Connect to your Steam library. The purchases are tied to your Ubisoft account and cannot be moved to a different platform.

2. Do I need Ubisoft Connect to play Ubisoft games purchased on Steam?

Yes, for most Ubisoft games purchased on Steam, you will still need Ubisoft Connect installed and running in the background. This is because Steam primarily acts as the distribution platform, but the game itself often relies on Ubisoft Connect for features like authentication, online multiplayer, and cloud saves.

3. If I buy a Ubisoft game on Steam, will it appear in my Ubisoft Connect library?

Yes, when you launch a Ubisoft game purchased on Steam for the first time, it will typically link your Steam account to your Ubisoft account and add the game to your Ubisoft Connect library. This allows you to track your progress and access Ubisoft Connect services within the game.

4. Can Steam players play multiplayer with Ubisoft Connect players?

Yes, when playing a game through Ubisoft Connect PC, you can join multiplayer games with your Ubisoft Connect friends even if you purchased the game through Steam or another retailer like the Epic Games Store. This cross-platform multiplayer functionality is facilitated through Ubisoft Connect.

5. How do I find my Ubisoft activation code on Steam?

To find a game key on Steam:

Choose the game from your Steam Library.
Select the cogwheel icon on the right.
Choose Manage and then CD Keys.

This option is only available for games that provide a CD key.

6. What happens when I link my Ubisoft account to Steam?

When you link a platform account to your Ubisoft account, a permanent link is created between both accounts. Platform accounts can be unlinked at any time via the Ubisoft account management page.

7. Can I merge two Ubisoft accounts to consolidate my game library?

We currently do not support the ability to merge Ubisoft accounts. However, under certain circumstances, Ubisoft support might be able to transfer your game to your other Ubisoft account. Contact Ubisoft support for assistance.

8. How do I unlink my Steam account from my Ubisoft account?

To unlink your accounts:

Log in to the Account Information webpage on the Ubisoft website.
Scroll down to the Linked accounts section.
Select Unlink under the Steam logo.
Follow the on-screen instructions.

9. Why are some Ubisoft games not available on Steam?

As mentioned earlier, Ubisoft makes strategic decisions about where to release its games. It aims to reach diverse audiences, leveraging its own Ubisoft Connect platform, the Epic Games Store, and Steam for different releases. Some titles might be exclusive to one platform for a period or indefinitely.

10. Is it better to buy Ubisoft games on Steam or Ubisoft Connect?

This depends on your preference. Buying on Steam offers the convenience of having the game in your Steam library. Buying on Ubisoft Connect directly supports Ubisoft and provides access to Ubisoft Connect rewards and features. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on your priorities.

11. How do I troubleshoot issues with linking my accounts?

Common issues include incorrect login credentials, server problems, or conflicting account information. Verify your login details, check the Ubisoft and Steam server status, and ensure your account information is consistent across both platforms. If problems persist, contact Ubisoft or Steam support.

12. Can I use a VPN to bypass regional restrictions and activate a game on Steam?

Using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions is generally not recommended and may violate the terms of service of both Steam and Ubisoft. It could potentially lead to account suspension or other penalties.

13. How do I access my Ubisoft game library through Ubisoft Connect?

Open Ubisoft Connect PC.
Log in using the same Ubisoft account you used when purchasing the game.
Select the Games tab.
Find your purchase in the list of games.

14. Is Ubisoft removing games from Steam?

Ubisoft has clarified that players who have purchased the affected titles will not lose access to those games.

15. I’m having trouble launching a Ubisoft game through Steam. What should I do?

First, verify that Ubisoft Connect is installed and running. Second, try verifying the game files through Steam. Third, ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. If the problem persists, contact Ubisoft support for further assistance.

Conclusion

While a complete, seamless integration of your Ubisoft library with Steam isn’t currently possible, the methods described above can provide a degree of centralization and convenience. By understanding the limitations and following the outlined steps, you can effectively manage and launch your Ubisoft games through the Steam platform. Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual needs and preferences. Always remember to game responsibly, and consider the educational aspects of gaming too – learn more about how games can be used for learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

How do I link my Ubisoft library to steam?