Where are Ubisoft Games Stored? A Comprehensive Guide
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Ubisoft games, like most PC games, aren’t stored in just one location. The files are typically scattered across your system, but the primary location depends on where you purchased the game and how you installed it. In most cases, you’ll find the core game files within a dedicated folder inside your Program Files directory. The most common path is: C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launcher. However, this only applies if you installed the game through Ubisoft Connect. Games purchased and installed through platforms like Steam will reside in Steam’s installation directories. Saved game data and configuration files are typically stored in separate locations, often within your user profile, to prevent data loss during re-installs.
Understanding Installation Locations
Let’s break down the typical installation locations and explore why Ubisoft chooses these directories. Knowing where your games reside is crucial for tasks like backing up save files, modding, or troubleshooting installation issues.
Ubisoft Connect Installations
When you download and install a game directly through Ubisoft Connect, the game files are usually placed in the Ubisoft Game Launcher folder. As mentioned earlier, the default path is:
C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launcher
Within this folder, you’ll typically find a subfolder named after the specific game. This subfolder contains the game’s executable files (.exe), data files, and other resources necessary to run the game.
Steam Installations
If you’ve purchased a Ubisoft game on Steam, the installation directory will differ. Steam maintains its own library of games, usually located at:
C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon
You’ll find a folder for each game you’ve installed through Steam within this directory. Navigating to this folder directly may require opening Steam and checking the Local Files through Properties. The game’s files are stored in a self-contained manner.
Save Game Locations
Save game data is almost always kept separate from the main game files. This separation ensures that your progress isn’t lost when you uninstall or reinstall the game. Typically, Ubisoft games store save files in a folder within your user profile. The most common location is:
C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launchersavegames<account_id>
The <account_id> is a unique identifier associated with your Ubisoft account. Inside this folder, you’ll find subfolders for each game, containing the actual save files.
It’s important to note that some games also utilize cloud saves. Cloud saves automatically back up your progress to Ubisoft’s servers, allowing you to seamlessly continue playing on different computers.
Configuration Files
Configuration files, which store game settings and user preferences, are often found in the same location as save games or within the game’s installation directory. These files are typically text-based and can be edited to customize various aspects of the game.
Finding a Game’s Installation Directory Manually
Sometimes, you might need to locate a game’s installation directory manually. Here’s how you can do it:
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Using File Explorer: Open File Explorer (Windows key + E) and navigate to the Program Files directory (usually C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86)). Look for a folder with the game’s name or a folder associated with Ubisoft (if installed through Ubisoft Connect) or Steam (if installed through Steam).
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Through Ubisoft Connect: Open Ubisoft Connect, go to the Games tab, and select the game you want to locate. Underneath the Download button (if not installed) or the Play button (if installed), there should be an option to Locate installed game. Clicking this will open the game’s installation directory in File Explorer.
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Through Steam: In Steam, right-click on the game in your library, select Properties, go to the Local Files tab, and click Browse…. This will open the game’s installation directory in File Explorer.
Why the Separation of Files Matters
The separation of game files, save data, and configuration files is a deliberate design choice. It offers several advantages:
- Protection of Save Data: Separating save data ensures that your progress isn’t accidentally deleted when uninstalling the game.
- Easier Backups: You can easily back up your save data and configuration files without having to back up the entire game installation.
- Modding Support: By keeping game files separate, modders can easily modify the game’s behavior without affecting your save data or configuration.
- Cloud Syncing: Cloud saves allow you to play the game on multiple computers without manually transferring save files. This seamless experience greatly improves accessibility and convenience.
- Clean Uninstall: Removing only game files when uninstalling, without affecting save files or configurations.
FAQs: Ubisoft Game Storage
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the storage of Ubisoft games:
1. Where are my Ubisoft Games saved?
Ubisoft games are typically saved in C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launcher<game_name> if installed through Ubisoft Connect. If installed through Steam, they’ll be in C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon<game_name>. Save game data is often located separately within your user profile.
2. How do I find out where a game is installed?
You can find out where a game is installed by opening Ubisoft Connect or Steam, locating the game in your library, and using the “Locate installed game” option (Ubisoft Connect) or browsing local files (Steam).
3. How do I move Ubisoft Games to another drive?
To move Ubisoft Games to another drive, copy the entire game folder to the new location. Then, in Ubisoft Connect or Steam, use the “Locate installed game” option and point it to the new folder. Do not cut and paste as it is best to back up beforehand.
4. Can you keep the Games from Ubisoft?
Yes, if you purchase any games or additional content included in the Ubisoft+ catalog while subscribed, you will keep these purchases, even if you cancel your membership.
5. Do Ubisoft games transfer to Steam?
No, you can’t directly transfer a game from Steam to Ubisoft Connect or vice versa. However, if you purchased a Ubisoft game on Steam, it will often be activated in Ubisoft Connect as well, requiring both platforms to be active to play.
6. Does Ubisoft Connect backup save games?
Yes, some games available through Ubisoft Connect PC support cloud saving. This means that your saved games are stored online.
7. How do I backup and restore Ubisoft games?
To backup Ubisoft games, copy the game’s installation folder and save game folder to a safe location. To restore, copy the folders back to their original locations and use the “Locate installed game” feature.
8. Does Ubisoft transfer data?
Your progress will transfer automatically for most games through your Ubisoft Connect account. However, you will need to transfer your saved games manually for some games.
9. How do I add games to my Uplay library?
Open Ubisoft Connect PC. Go to the Ubisoft+ tab. Find the game you want to activate and select the arrow icon in the bottom-right corner of the game’s tile. The game will now be activated and added to your library.
10. What is installation directory?
The installation directory contains the core files required to run a program or game, including executable files and data files.
11. Does uninstalling Ubisoft games delete saves?
No, uninstalling Ubisoft games through Ubisoft Connect or Windows typically does not delete your save files. These are usually stored in a separate location.
12. How do I reinstall Ubisoft games?
Open Ubisoft Connect, go to the Games tab, select the game, and click Download.
13. Where is Ubisoft cloud saves?
You can find your save folder by default here:
Ubisoft Connect C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launchersavegames<account_id>
14. Can you transfer Ubisoft saves?
Your progress will transfer automatically for most games through your Ubisoft Connect account. However, you will need to transfer your saved games manually for some games.
15. What happens if I buy a Ubisoft game on Steam?
If you purchased a Ubisoft game on Steam, launching it will typically launch both Steam and Ubisoft Connect. You’ll need to be logged into both platforms to play the game.
Conclusion
Knowing where your Ubisoft games are stored is a fundamental aspect of PC gaming. Whether you’re backing up save files, modding your game, or simply troubleshooting an installation issue, understanding the file structure will save you time and frustration. Don’t forget to consider the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) as you explore the educational benefits that game design can offer. By understanding these concepts, you can take full control of your gaming experience.