Can I Play Ubisoft Games Without Steam?

To answer the question directly, Ubisoft games can be played without having the Steam client open in the foreground, but Steam must be running in the background if you purchased the game through Steam. However, if you have purchased a Ubisoft game through the Ubisoft Connect platform or another digital distribution platform, you do not need Steam to play the game.

Introduction to Ubisoft and Steam

Ubisoft is a well-known video game publisher that has developed many popular games, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six Siege. In the past, Ubisoft has released its games on various platforms, including Steam, but in recent years, the company has shifted its focus to its own digital distribution platform, Ubisoft Connect.

Understanding the Relationship Between Ubisoft and Steam

In 2019, Ubisoft announced that it would no longer release its new games on Steam, instead opting to publish them on the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect. This move was seen as a significant shift in the company’s strategy, as Steam had previously been a major platform for Ubisoft game releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs provide additional information on playing Ubisoft games without Steam:

1. Q: Can I launch a Ubisoft game without Steam? A: You can launch a Ubisoft game without having the Steam client open in the foreground, but Steam must be running in the background if you purchased the game through Steam.
2. Q: Is Ubisoft connected to Steam? A: Ubisoft games can be connected to Steam if you link your Ubisoft account to your Steam account.
3. Q: Is Ubisoft no longer on Steam? A: While Ubisoft has shifted its focus to Ubisoft Connect, some of its games are still available on Steam, and the company has announced plans to release new games on the platform in the future.
4. Q: What Ubisoft games are not on Steam? A: Games like Ghost Recon Breakpoint, The Division 2, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla were initially released on the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect, but some of these titles may become available on Steam in the future.
5. Q: How do I link my Ubisoft account to Steam? A: You can link your Ubisoft account to your Steam account by following the on-screen instructions when launching a Ubisoft game on Steam.
6. Q: Why is Ubisoft going back to Steam? A: Ubisoft has announced plans to release new games on Steam in the future, citing a desire to bring its games to different audiences and provide a consistent player ecosystem through Ubisoft Connect.
7. Q: What happens if I buy a Ubisoft game on Steam? A: If you purchase a Ubisoft game on Steam, it will be automatically activated in Ubisoft Connect, but you will still need to have Steam running in the background to play the game.
8. Q: What happened between Steam and Ubisoft? A: Ubisoft and Steam have had a complex relationship, with Ubisoft shifting its focus to Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store in 2019, but the company has since announced plans to release new games on Steam.
9. Q: Why did Ubisoft cancel some games? A: Ubisoft has canceled several games due to a variety of factors, including a lack of interest in the game’s concept and a desire to focus on other projects.
10. Q: Is Ubisoft removing games from Steam? A: Ubisoft has not announced plans to remove its games from Steam, and players who have purchased Ubisoft games on the platform will still be able to access them.
11. Q: How do I unlink my Ubisoft account from Steam? A: You can unlink your Ubisoft account from Steam by visiting the Account Information webpage and selecting the Unlink option.
12. Q: Can I activate Ubisoft games on Steam? A: If you have a Ubisoft game with a product key, you can activate it on Steam by following the on-screen instructions.
13. Q: Do I need Steam to play Ubisoft games? A: You need Steam to play Ubisoft games that you have purchased on the Steam platform, but you do not need Steam to play Ubisoft games that you have purchased on other platforms.
14. Q: How do I run a non-Steam game? A: You can run a non-Steam game by adding it to your Steam library as a non-Steam game, or by launching it directly from its installation directory.
15. Q: Is there a monthly fee for Steam? A: There is no monthly fee for Steam, and you can use the platform for free to play games, connect with friends, and access community features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Ubisoft has shifted its focus to Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store, the company has announced plans to release new games on Steam in the future. If you have purchased a Ubisoft game on Steam, you will still need to have Steam running in the background to play the game, but you can launch the game without having the Steam client open in the foreground. By understanding the relationship between Ubisoft and Steam, you can enjoy your favorite Ubisoft games on the platform of your choice.