Ubisoft makes life easier for PC gamers: Assassin's Creed Shadows on Steam will not require Ubisoft Connect.

The game can also be enjoyed offline, but Steam Deck is left out at launch

With the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows approaching, Ubisoft continues to reveal more details about the game, and the latest news is excellent for PC gamers: the Steam version will not require Ubisoft Connect running in the background. This means that, unlike other titles from the company, the game can be started directly through Steam, without the need to download and open the Ubisoft launcher separately.

During a Questions and Answers session, Ubisoft explained that the Ubisoft Connect account will still be required, but will be integrated into Steam discreetly, ensuring a smoother experience:

"For those who do not have a Ubisoft Connect account, it is possible to easily create one on first launch and link it to your Steam account. This unique setup ensures that you do not need to log in again."

The decision to keep the link to Ubisoft Connect is due to the cross-save and cross-progression features, allowing players to take their progress to other platforms, such as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Confirmed offline mode - but with caveats

Another good news is that Assassin's Creed Shadows can be played completely offline, something that was not always guaranteed in recent releases from Ubisoft. However, there is an important detail: you will need to be online to install the game for the first time.

Despite the confirmation of the offline mode, Ubisoft did not go into detail if all the game content will be accessible without internet or if some features will be limited.

But not all news is good news: Steam Deck is not compatible at launch

While PC players benefit from the removal of Ubisoft Connect, owners of a Steam Deck will not have a reason to celebrate. Assassin's Creed Shadows will not be compatible with Valve's handheld at launch, as it does not meet the minimum specifications defined for the PC version.

So far, there is no indication of when (or if) Ubisoft will optimize the game to run on the Steam Deck, so interested players will have to look for other alternatives.

Release and expectations

Assassin's Creed Shadows officially arrives on March 20, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game promises an open world experience in feudal Japan, with two protagonists and advanced stealth mechanics, evoking comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima.

With all this new information, it is clear that Ubisoft wants to make access to the game easier for the PC community, but there are still some technical limitations. Now, the question is: will Assassin's Creed Shadows be able to exceed expectations and consolidate this new phase of the franchise?