Where Do I Put Ubisoft Games? A Comprehensive Guide for PC Gamers
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So, you’ve decided to dive into the sprawling worlds offered by Ubisoft, a behemoth in the gaming industry known for titles like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs. Great choice! But the first question that often pops up is: Where should I install these games on my PC?
The answer, in short, is that you have considerable control over this. By default, Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay), the platform required to play most Ubisoft PC games, will install your games to: C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launchergames. However, this is just the default location. You can absolutely choose a different folder, and even a different drive, during the installation process. In fact, there are several good reasons why you might want to.
Understanding Installation Options
Default Location: Pros and Cons
The default location is generally fine for casual gamers who don’t tinker much with their system configuration. It keeps everything organized within the Ubisoft Connect ecosystem. However, there are some potential downsides:
- Limited Space on C: Drive: Many PCs have smaller solid-state drives (SSDs) as their primary drive (C:) for faster boot times and application loading. Filling this drive with large game installations can slow down your system overall.
- Organization: If you like to organize your games by genre or developer, the default location lumps everything Ubisoft together.
Choosing a Custom Installation Location
Selecting a custom installation location offers several advantages:
- Storage Management: Install your games on a larger hard drive (HDD) or a separate SSD dedicated to gaming. This frees up space on your C: drive and can potentially improve loading times, especially if the game is installed on an SSD.
- Organization: Create dedicated folders for your games. For example, you could have a folder called “Games,” and within that, subfolders for each developer (e.g., “Ubisoft,” “EA,” “CD Projekt Red”).
- Backup and Restoration: If you ever need to reinstall your operating system or move your games to a new PC, having them on a separate drive simplifies the process significantly.
How to Change the Installation Location
During the installation process within Ubisoft Connect, you’ll be presented with an option to choose the installation directory. Simply click the “Change” button and select your desired location. It’s a good practice to create a new folder specifically for Ubisoft games at your chosen location.
Important Considerations
- Drive Type: As mentioned, installing games on an SSD generally results in faster loading times and improved performance compared to an HDD. If you have the option, prioritize installing your most frequently played games on an SSD.
- Drive Space: Ensure you have enough free space on your chosen drive before starting the installation. Ubisoft games can be quite large, often exceeding 50GB or even 100GB.
- Folder Structure: Plan your folder structure in advance to maintain organization and make it easier to find your games in the future.
Locating Installed Games
If you’ve forgotten where you installed a Ubisoft game, or if Ubisoft Connect isn’t recognizing an existing installation, you can manually locate it.
- Open Ubisoft Connect PC.
- Go to the Games tab and select the game you want to locate.
- Choose Locate installed game underneath the Download button (if the game isn’t recognized).
- Browse to the installation location and then choose OK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify everything you need to know about managing your Ubisoft game installations.
How do I add Ubisoft Games to my library?
If you’ve purchased a game or have access through Ubisoft+, it should automatically appear in your library. If you have a key, you can activate it within Ubisoft Connect. For Ubisoft+ games:
- 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.
Do I keep Games from Ubisoft if I unsubscribe to Ubisoft+?
No. When your subscription ends, any games available in your library through Ubisoft+ will become unavailable. However, 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. And thankfully, if the game you purchase supports cross-progression, you will be able to carry over your progression and in-game content.
How do I transfer games from my Ubisoft account to another?
In some cases, it is possible to transfer ownership between Ubisoft accounts. Contact Ubisoft Support, but keep in mind that other in-game content, such as rewards, challenges, achievements, or progress, cannot be transferred. In order for us to check if a transfer of the game is possible, please open a support case from the Ubisoft account the game is currently registered on and submit a valid proof of purchase with your case. Please note that for technical reasons we are only able to transfer your game activation.
How do I keep Ubisoft plus games forever?
The only way to keep Ubisoft+ games “forever” is to purchase them outright. When your subscription ends, any games available in your library through Ubisoft+ will become unavailable. Purchasing the game will give you full ownership of it, including continued access if you unsubscribe from Ubisoft+.
How do I link Ubisoft to Epic Games?
To link your Ubisoft account to your Epic Games account:
- Verify the email address you used to create your Epic Games account.
- Launch any Ubisoft game from the Epic Games Launcher.
- From the pop-up, select Link your account.
Why is Ubisoft not putting all new games on Steam?
“It was a business decision to not put new releases on Steam and focus on the Epic Store and Ubisoft Store,” a Ubisoft spokesperson said in the past. “Ubisoft fully supports Epic and their third-party distribution model, which is in the long-term, beneficial for publishers both large and indie and the video games industry.” However, they have started releasing some titles on Steam again.
Can I play Ubisoft games without Ubisoft Connect?
Yes, most Ubisoft PC games do require you to use the Ubisoft Connect desktop app to play them. Every game that required Uplay before can now be accessed via the Ubisoft Connect desktop app.
Where are Ubisoft Games’ save files stored on PC?
The default installation path for game save files is: C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launchersavegames[Account ID]. Note that this is different from the game installation directory. However, some games use cloud saves, which are stored on Ubisoft’s servers.
Where is my game library on 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.
Can Steam and Ubisoft players play together in multiplayer?
Yes! When playing a game through Ubisoft Connect PC, you will be able to join multiplayer games with your Ubisoft Connect friends even if you have purchased the game through another approved retailer, such as Steam or the Epic Games Store.
How do I install Ubisoft Games on Xbox?
Selecting Install will require you to first install the Ubisoft Connect app. This app is required to install and play Ubisoft titles. The experience will guide you to sign in with your Ubisoft account, link your Ubisoft and Xbox accounts, and activate your access to the games if you haven’t already done so.
Is Ubisoft removing purchased games from Steam?
Ubisoft has clarified that players who have purchased the affected titles will not lose access to those games. Some older titles may become unavailable for purchase on Steam, but if you already own them, you can continue to play them.
Why won’t Epic Games connect to Ubisoft?
This can happen occasionally due to browser issues. Ensure that any ad blockers or elements that can prevent the execution of scripts are disabled. Make sure to follow the steps of our browser troubleshooting guide. Try to complete the linking process in different browsers or use the incognito mode.
Can Ubisoft players on PC play with Epic Games players on PC in multiplayer?
Yes! When playing a game through Ubisoft Connect PC, you will be able to join multiplayer games with your Ubisoft Connect friends even if you have purchased the game through another approved retailer, such as Steam or the Epic Games Store. This means that if you and a friend both own the game, you can play together, regardless of whether you bought it on Ubisoft Connect, Steam, or the Epic Games Store.
How do I add games to Ubisoft plus that I own on disc?
Unfortunately, you can’t “add” a physical disc copy of a game to Ubisoft+. Ubisoft+ provides access to a library of games via subscription; it doesn’t validate ownership of physical copies. You’ll still need to install the game from the disc, and it might require Ubisoft Connect to run, but it won’t be part of your Ubisoft+ subscription.
The Broader Context: Gaming and Learning
While we’re discussing game installations and libraries, it’s worth considering the broader impact of video games. Games aren’t just entertainment; they can also be powerful learning tools. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games and using game-based learning to enhance educational experiences. They conduct research, develop innovative curricula, and advocate for the integration of games into education. So, while you’re enjoying your Ubisoft games, remember that games have the potential to be much more than just fun and can contribute positively to learning and development.
By understanding your installation options and managing your game library effectively, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience with Ubisoft titles. Happy gaming!