Do I Need Ubisoft Connect? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: Yes, for most Ubisoft games on PC, you absolutely need Ubisoft Connect. While you may purchase games through platforms like Steam, the majority of Ubisoft’s titles released since 2009 require you to launch them through their proprietary platform, Ubisoft Connect (formerly known as Uplay). This launcher acts as a gateway, managing game access, providing social features, and handling in-game rewards and progress. While a small handful of older or specific Ubisoft titles might bypass it, for the most part, your Ubisoft gaming experience is inextricably linked to this client.
Understanding Ubisoft Connect’s Role
Ubisoft Connect is more than just a launcher; it’s a complete ecosystem designed to connect players across all platforms. It serves as a central hub for your Ubisoft library, allowing you to access games purchased from various stores and manage your account details. It also boasts social features, enabling you to connect with friends, track your progress, and participate in challenges.
The reason Ubisoft enforces the use of Connect boils down to their desire for control over their brand and player experience. By managing their own ecosystem, they can ensure consistent delivery of content, updates, and rewards, regardless of where a game is purchased. This also provides a direct link with their players for engagement, feedback, and future releases.
The Implications of Not Using Ubisoft Connect
While it may feel cumbersome to have another launcher on your PC, attempting to bypass Ubisoft Connect generally leads to complications. Directly launching an executable file without going through the client usually results in the game failing to authenticate, preventing you from playing. Even games purchased through third-party stores typically require Ubisoft Connect to be installed and running for activation and gameplay.
In other words, you don’t just need to have Ubisoft Connect, you need it linked to your Ubisoft account, and running in the background while you play. Trying to bypass it is not really a viable option.
Ubisoft Connect Across Platforms
Ubisoft Connect’s presence extends beyond PC. On Xbox, for instance, it’s necessary to link your Xbox and Ubisoft accounts and download the application if you wish to access Ubisoft games with your Game Pass subscription. This integration demonstrates Ubisoft’s efforts to maintain a unified platform experience across different devices.
Ubisoft Connect on Xbox
To play Ubisoft games on Xbox using Game Pass, your Xbox and Ubisoft accounts must be linked. You also must download and install Ubisoft Connect. Once this is done, you will be able to launch your Ubisoft games through your Xbox console.
Is Ubisoft Connect Bloatware?
The term “bloatware” is often associated with applications that are perceived as unnecessary or resource-intensive. Some users might view Ubisoft Connect as such, especially if they only play a handful of Ubisoft games. The application is indeed another piece of software running in the background. However, it is a necessary component for playing most Ubisoft games, making its classification as bloatware debatable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the specifics around Ubisoft Connect, here are some common questions and their answers:
1. What happens if I uninstall Ubisoft Connect?
Uninstalling the application does not delete your games. You will, however, lose the ability to launch them through it, meaning you cannot play your games without reinstalling it. When uninstalling, you’ll typically get a prompt about keeping or deleting your installed games and save files. Be careful not to delete these by accident if you intend to play your games later.
2. Can I disable the in-game overlay for Ubisoft Connect?
Yes, you can. In the settings menu of Ubisoft Connect, you can find a setting to disable the in-game overlay. This can be beneficial if you experience performance issues or simply prefer not to see the overlay while gaming. Keep in mind that disabling it requires restarting the game for changes to take effect.
3. Why do I keep getting logged out of Ubisoft Connect?
For some older Ubisoft titles, you might be prompted to re-enter your password for security reasons. This typically happens when launching games for the first time on a new device or after extended periods of inactivity.
4. Will uninstalling Ubisoft Connect delete my games or saves?
No, uninstalling the application will not delete the games themselves by default. You are given the choice of whether to delete the games when you uninstall the app. Likewise, your local saves are also preserved but you should ensure that the cloud saves feature is enabled, ensuring that you will have them safe on a different machine as well.
5. How do I turn off cloud sync for Ubisoft Connect?
To disable cloud synchronization, go to the settings menu in Ubisoft Connect and uncheck the “Enable cloud synchronization” box in the General section. After that, your game saves will not sync to the cloud for future play.
6. Will Ubisoft delete my account if I don’t use it?
Ubisoft has stated they will not close accounts with active subscriptions or purchased PC games. So, as long as you possess any of those, your account should remain active.
7. Do I need Ubisoft Connect to play Ubisoft games on Steam?
Yes, for the majority of titles. Even if you purchase a Ubisoft game on Steam, it will likely launch Ubisoft Connect to activate and run the game.
8. Can I play Assassin’s Creed games without Ubisoft Connect?
Most Assassin’s Creed games require Ubisoft Connect. While you might be able to play offline for a limited time (up to 30 days), you will eventually need to log in again to verify your ownership.
9. Is it mandatory to link my Ubisoft account for every game?
While linking is technically optional for some very old games, it’s usually mandatory. If you wish to track your progress, get rewards, and make full use of a games features, you will need to log in with your account. Some games will not even launch without it.
10. How do I uninstall Ubisoft Connect completely?
You will find an uninstaller within the installation folder of the application. The folder is typically found in “C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launcher”. Double-click the uninstaller to start the process. You may also be able to uninstall it through the Windows Apps setting, or “Add or Remove Programs” dialog.
11. How do I unlink my Xbox account from Ubisoft Connect?
You can manage linked accounts within your Ubisoft account settings. Log into your Ubisoft account, and go to the “Linked Accounts” section. From here, you can unlink your Xbox account.
12. Why is my Xbox account already linked to a Ubisoft account?
This might happen if you previously linked your Xbox account to another Ubisoft account. To link to a new one, you will first need to unlink the old account from your Xbox profile.
13. Does Ubisoft Connect save my game progress?
Yes, provided that the cloud save feature is enabled for your game. Your saves will be stored online and synced between your machines. If the game does not offer this feature, the game will only save locally.
14. If I purchase a game on Ubisoft+, do I keep it if I cancel my sub?
Purchasing a game from the Ubisoft+ catalog gives you permanent ownership of the title. If you cancel your subscription, you will still own the game you purchased through that service.
15. What does blocking another player on Ubisoft Connect do?
Blocking a player will prevent them from sending you messages or game invites. It’s a useful feature to manage your social interactions on the platform.
Conclusion
While Ubisoft Connect might add an extra layer of interaction to the gaming experience, it has become a necessary component to play the vast majority of Ubisoft titles. It serves as a centralized hub, managing your games and providing social features. Understanding its role, and the options it offers will help you navigate your way through Ubisoft’s gaming ecosystem. While you may have a preference for other gaming launchers, Ubisoft Connect will be an integral part of your Ubisoft gaming experience going forward.