How to get Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck

As a seasoned researcher and tech enthusiast with a soft spot for gaming handhelds, I’ve found myself in a peculiar situation lately – the Steam Deck. This little powerhouse has been a game-changer, but the limited availability of certain titles on platforms other than Steam has been a bit of a stumbling block.

Instead of being found on Steam, the most recent Ubisoft PC games have exclusively been offered through Ubisoft Connect, Ubisoft’s own digital platform for game distribution and launching. Consequently, some Ubisoft games are not immediately playable on a Steam Deck.

Thankfully, a helpful open-source plugin launcher known as Decky Loader makes it easy to access Ubisoft Connect and, therefore, any Ubisoft PC game on Steam Deck. I’ll go over how to install Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck using Decky Loader so you can start playing your library of games on your Linux-based gaming handheld.

How to install Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck using Decky Loader

How to get Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck

Arguably, the easiest way to get Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck is via Decky Loader. If you haven’t downloaded this program yet, you’ll need to do that first. For assistance, go to our guide on how to get Decky Loader on Steam Deck then come back here.

Press your Steam Deck’s QAM button (Quick Access Menu — the three-dot button on the right) and select the newly added NonSteamLaunchers app (If it isn’t there, then Decky Loader wasn’t installed properly. Look at our Decky Loader on Steam Deck guide to check your steps).
Select Game Launchers.
Toggle on Ubisoft Connect.
Scroll down and toggle on Separate Launcher Folders if it hasn’t been toggled yet.
Next, select Install then wait while installation completes.
When done, press the Steam button.
Go to Library.
Use R1 to switch to the Non-Steam apps and select Ubisoft Connect.
Select Play to open the app.
Login to your Ubisoft Connect account.
Navigate to your library of games.
Download/install the game you want to play. Star Wars Outlaws or Assassin’s Creed Shadows, for instance. Then, wait while the game installs.
When the game is ready, select it to start playing on Steam Deck.

It isn’t the most intuitive set of steps, but there’s no denying that Decky Loader is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to access Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck.

Ubisoft Connect via Decky Loader FAQ

You might have some more questions about Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck or Decky Loader. This area should hopefully catch any additional inquiries you might have.

What is Decky Loader?

Decky Loader is a free tool that serves as a plugin launcher specifically for the Steam Deck. It not only functions as a game starter for platforms other than Steam, but also assists in tailoring Steam Deck settings beyond their default options. This software allows you to monitor battery consumption, record videos, save screenshots directly to your device’s Pictures folder, link Discord with the Steam Deck, and perform various other tasks as well.

Is Decky Loader safe to use on Steam Deck?

Adding any homebrew software to a device always has some risks. However, Decky Loader is designed in such a way that it shouldn’t tamper with Steam files. This plugin will stay installed between system updates and reboots, too, so it should work properly as updates are released for Steam Deck.

Is Ubisoft Connect part of Steam?

Indeed, the two platforms – Steam and Ubisoft Connect – are independent entities. Steam is a digital platform operated by Valve for distributing games and launching them, while Ubisoft Connect serves the same purpose for Ubisoft. However, certain older Ubisoft games can be found on Steam and may necessitate logging into your Ubisoft Connect account to play them. Looking ahead, it appears that Ubisoft might choose to minimize its involvement with Steam, aiming to maintain more control over their own games instead.

Do all Ubisoft Connect games work well on Steam Deck?

As a fan, I’ve found that the performance of Ubisoft Connect games on Steam Deck can vary from one title to another. For an optimal gaming experience, I recommend diving into a game’s settings and considering reducing the graphics settings to their lowest. However, it’s important to note that not every game may run smoothly on the Steam Deck or other handheld gaming devices, even with these adjustments.

Does controller support work on Ubisoft Connect via Decky Loader?

Unfortunately, the controls on Steam Deck aren’t compatible with Ubisoft Connect when used through Decky Loader. This means you may have to create a custom controller layout for each game or find and use an existing one that someone else has made to make the Steam Deck controls work with games from Ubisoft Connect.

Start playing your Ubisoft Connect games on Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is similar to a laptop designed for gaming, equipped with controllers, but it has fewer features when compared to the ROG Ally or Legion Go, both Windows 11 handhelds for gaming. Fortunately, you can play games beyond those on the Steam platform by installing Decky Loader and using it to download alternative game launchers such as Ubisoft Connect.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Ubisoft releasing their future games on Steam, it might be prudent to make sure you can enjoy their adventures on your preferred gaming platform. This would ensure you don’t miss out on any PC games that aren’t distributed through Steam. Be ready to either play these games using a keyboard and mouse on the Steam Deck, or else design your own custom controller layout.

2024-08-31 14:09