Do You Have To Be Online To Play Ubisoft Games? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is: it depends. While many Ubisoft games can be enjoyed offline, it’s not a universal rule. The need for an internet connection hinges on the specific game, the platform you’re playing on, and the features you wish to access. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you navigate the online/offline landscape of Ubisoft’s vast gaming universe.
Understanding Ubisoft Connect and Online Requirements
The Role of Ubisoft Connect
Ubisoft Connect is the central hub for all things Ubisoft on PC. Think of it as your digital gateway to their games. While it offers many benefits, including social features, rewards, and cross-progression, it also introduces the requirement of at least an initial online connection for many titles. Even if a game itself is playable offline, you’ll likely need to launch it through Ubisoft Connect, which typically necessitates an online authentication at least once.
Initial Activation and Authentication
The first time you launch a Ubisoft game, especially on PC, Ubisoft Connect usually requires you to be online to activate and authenticate the game license. This is a one-time check to verify that you own the game and to link it to your Ubisoft account. Once the game is activated, you may be able to play it offline, but this is not guaranteed for all titles.
Online Services and Features
Many modern Ubisoft games integrate online services for multiplayer modes, co-op gameplay, updates, and access to additional content like DLCs or in-game events. These features invariably require an active internet connection. Additionally, some games might use online services for anti-piracy measures or to track player progress.
Offline Play: What Games and How To
Identifying Offline-Capable Games
The best way to determine if a Ubisoft game can be played offline is to check the “System requirements” section on the product page on the Ubisoft Store. This section often specifies whether an internet connection is required for gameplay or only for installation and updates.
Ubisoft Connect’s Offline Mode
Ubisoft Connect PC offers an offline mode that allows you to launch and play certain games without an active internet connection. However, this mode has limitations:
- Initial Online Login Required: You must have logged into Ubisoft Connect while online at least once before attempting to use it in offline mode. This allows the application to cache your login credentials and game ownership information.
- Limited Functionality: When running in offline mode, some games, services, and functions may not be available. Multiplayer modes, online rewards, and cloud saves are typically inaccessible.
- Game-Specific Restrictions: Even with Ubisoft Connect in offline mode, some games may still require an internet connection due to their design or online service integration.
Assassin’s Creed: A Case Study
The Assassin’s Creed franchise offers a mixed bag when it comes to offline play. Older titles like Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations are generally playable offline after initial activation. Newer installments like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla also support offline play for the main campaigns, but online access is needed for updates, DLCs, and certain in-game content or features.
Games Taken Offline: Server Shutdowns
It’s important to remember that Ubisoft occasionally shuts down multiplayer and online services for older games. This means that even if a game was previously playable online, certain features may become unavailable after the server shutdown. For example, in September 2022, Ubisoft shut down online services for several titles, including:
- Assassin’s Creed II
- Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood
- Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD
- Far Cry 3 (2012 Release)
- Driver: San Francisco
This doesn’t necessarily mean the entire game becomes unplayable, but features requiring online servers will cease to function.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I always need to be online to play Ubisoft games on PC?
No, not always. Many Ubisoft PC games can be played offline after initial activation and authentication through Ubisoft Connect. Check the game’s system requirements on the Ubisoft Store to confirm.
2. How do I activate offline mode in Ubisoft Connect?
Ubisoft Connect will launch in offline mode automatically if it detects no internet connection and you have previously logged in while online. You can also manually switch to offline mode from the application’s settings.
3. What features are unavailable in Ubisoft Connect offline mode?
In offline mode, you typically lose access to multiplayer modes, online rewards, cloud saves, and other features that rely on an internet connection.
4. Can I play Assassin’s Creed Valhalla completely offline?
Yes, the main campaign of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is playable offline. However, you will need to be online to download updates, access DLC content, and participate in certain online events.
5. Does Ubisoft+ require a persistent internet connection?
Yes, Ubisoft+ requires a persistent internet connection for both online and offline play to verify your subscription status.
6. If I buy a Ubisoft game, do I keep it even if I cancel my Ubisoft+ subscription?
Yes, any games or additional content you purchase while subscribed to Ubisoft+ are yours to keep, even if you cancel your membership.
7. Do I need Ubisoft Connect on my Xbox to play Ubisoft games?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass members need to link their Xbox and Ubisoft accounts and download Ubisoft Connect to play Ubisoft games with their Game Pass subscription.
8. Why won’t Ubisoft Connect let me play my games?
Ensure that Ubisoft Connect is updated to the latest version and that you are not in offline mode. Connectivity issues can also prevent you from launching games.
9. Can I transfer my progress between online and offline play?
This depends on the game. Some games support cloud saves, which allow you to synchronize your progress between online and offline play. However, this feature is not available in offline mode.
10. Are there any Ubisoft games that always require an internet connection?
Yes, some Ubisoft games, particularly those heavily reliant on online multiplayer or live services, may require a persistent internet connection regardless of offline mode. Always check the specific game’s requirements.
11. What happens when Ubisoft shuts down the online services for a game I own?
When Ubisoft shuts down online services, features like multiplayer, online rewards, and leaderboards will no longer be available. However, the single-player campaign may still be playable offline if the game supports it.
12. How do I link my Ubisoft account to other platforms like Xbox or PlayStation?
You can link your platform accounts to your Ubisoft account through the Ubisoft Connect website or by logging in to Ubisoft Connect when you launch a Ubisoft game on that platform for the first time.
13. Can I play Ubisoft games on multiple platforms with a single purchase?
No, game purchases are typically tied to the specific platform on which they were made. However, Ubisoft+ offers a Multi Access plan that allows you to play select games on multiple platforms.
14. What are the benefits of using Ubisoft Connect?
Ubisoft Connect offers several benefits, including cross-progression, rewards, social features, and a centralized library for your Ubisoft games. Playing also stimulates the brain and can help to develop memory, concentration skills, and attention to detail. As the Games Learning Society advocates, games can be powerful tools for education and cognitive development. Discover more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. How do I troubleshoot Ubisoft Connect connectivity issues?
Check your internet connection, ensure that Ubisoft Connect is not in offline mode, and try restarting your router and computer. You can also consult Ubisoft’s support website for detailed troubleshooting steps.
By understanding the intricacies of Ubisoft Connect and the specific requirements of each game, you can effectively navigate the online/offline landscape and enjoy your favorite Ubisoft titles in the way that best suits your needs. Remember to always check the game’s system requirements and be aware of any potential server shutdowns that may affect online functionality.