How to install Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck

You need Ubisoft Connect to play all Ubisoft games on Steam, which can make playing their games on Steam Deck pretty complicated since there’s no official method for getting the launcher on Valve’s handheld. So, here’s everything you need to know about Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck.

While Ubisoft games are often bound to find their way onto Steam, that mostly happens a year or two after their official release. Their latest titles like The Crew Motorfest, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and even Star Wars Outlaws are yet to be released for Valve’s storefront. 

This can often make playing the latest Ubisoft games a little tricky on Steam Deck, and it also stands true for every game that isn’t officially available on Steam and is exclusive to the Epic Games Store or any other store that is not Steam. 

Thankfully, the Steam Deck is versatile and lets you install a variety of launchers. So, here’s how you can install Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck.

Steps to install Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck

To install Ubisoft Connect on Steam Deck, follow these steps: 

1. Switch your Steam Deck to “Desktop Mode” (Click and hold the Power Button and Select Desktop Mode, or Click on Steam Button → Power → Desktop Mode).
2. Now your Steam Deck will work like a regular desktop, so just hop onto any browser.
3. Download Ubisoft Connect Launcher. Do not install it yet.
4. Head over to Steam → Library → Add a Game → Add a Non-Steam Game.
5. Now browse through files, locate Download, and select UbisoftConnectInstaller.exe.
6. Ubisoft Connect should now be added as a “Game” in your library.
7. Next, look for Ubisoft Connect in your Game Library and Click on the cog icon to open up Settings.
8. From there, navigate to Properties → Compatibility → Tick the box near “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool” → Proton Experimental
9. Click Play but remember to uncheck the “Run Ubisoft Connect” box.

After this, you’ll need to get back to your Library and perform one final stretch of steps.

1. Head to UbisoftConnectInstaller.ex and select Settings → Properties.
2. In the Shortcut Tab click on Browse.
3. Then, follow this path: /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/numerical_identifier/pfx/drive_c/users/streamuser/Desktop/Ubisoft Connect.lnk (the “numerical_identifier” are random numbers, pick the one that is latest when sorted by Date Modified, or matches the date of your installation).
4. Again, head to Properties → Compatibility → Tick the box near “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool” → Latest version of Proton.
5. Yet again head to Properties → Program Files (x86) → Ubisoft → Ubisoft Game Launcher → Ubisoft Connect.lnk → Open.

After all that, you’re set and can play the latest Ubisoft games on Steam Deck.

For more on games on Steam Deck, check out:

Baldur’s Gate on Steam Deck | Starfield on Steam Deck | Mortal Kombat 1 on Steam Deck | Diablo 4 on Steam Deck | Final Fantasy 16 on Steam Deck