Error 028 in Ubisoft Connect when launching via Dolphin: Fix

Error 028 in Dolphin when launching Ubisoft games via Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay) is a failure code indicating the emulator cannot properly initiate an external process. In practice, the game fails to launch, and Dolphin logs display an error 028 message. The issue is typical for Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six Siege, and other series that require mandatory Ubisoft Connect login.

Causes

Error 028 occurs due to barriers preventing Dolphin from handing off control to Ubisoft Connect. Main causes:

1. File corruption. Incomplete downloads, update failures, or malware can damage game executable (.exe) or library (.dll) files, or those of the Ubisoft client.
2. Antivirus/firewall blocking. Security software often mistakenly blocks the game launcher from starting through the emulator, flagging it as suspicious activity.
3. Insufficient access permissions. Windows may prohibit Dolphin from accessing the game folder or Ubisoft Connect due to UAC settings or NTFS permissions.
4. Incorrect Dolphin configuration. An invalid path to the Ubisoft Connect executable specified in the game's settings within the emulator.
5. Missing or corrupted system components. Ubisoft Connect depends on up-to-date versions of .NET Framework and Visual C++ Redistributable.

Solutions

To fix error 028, perform the steps sequentially, starting with the simplest. Most issues are resolved within the first two or three steps.

Method 1: Basic Reinstall and Integrity Check

This method addresses file corruption and resets conflicting processes.

1. Completely close Dolphin and Ubisoft Connect via Task Manager.
2. Reboot your computer.
3. Launch Ubisoft Connect directly (not through Dolphin).
4. In your library, locate the problematic game. Click the down arrow ▼ next to the "Play" button and select "Verify files".
5. Wait for verification to complete. The client will redownload any corrupted files.
6. Try launching the game directly from Ubisoft Connect. If it works, the issue lies in Dolphin integration. If not, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Security Settings and Permissions

Here, you address blockages from the system and antivirus.

⚠️ Important: After adding exceptions, remember to restart your antivirus for changes to take effect.

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus and Windows Firewall. Try launching the game through Dolphin. If the error disappears, the problem is a block.
2. Add exceptions:
   • In your antivirus settings, add the Dolphin folder (e.g., C:\Emulators\Dolphin) and your Ubisoft game installation folder (e.g., C:\Games\Ubisoft\Assassins Creed Valhalla) to exclusions.
   • In Windows Firewall, create rules to allow inbound and outbound connections for Dolphin.exe and UbisoftConnect.exe.
3. Configure folder permissions for the game:
   • Right-click the game folder → Properties → Security tab.
   • Click "Edit" → "Add". Enter Everyone or your username, click "Check Names" → OK.
   • Select the added user and check "Full control". Click "Apply".
4. Run Dolphin as Administrator: Locate Dolphin.exe, right-click → "Run as administrator".

Adding full access permission to the game folder in Windows

Method 3: Clean Reinstall of Ubisoft Connect and Component Updates

If the issue is a corrupted client or outdated libraries.

1. Uninstall Ubisoft Connect:
   • Via Control Panel → Programs and Features, uninstall Ubisoft Connect.
   • Manually delete residual folders: C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher and C:\ProgramData\Ubisoft.
   • Clear the cache: Press Win+R, type %localappdata%\Ubisoft Game Launcher, and delete all contents.
2. Download the latest version of Ubisoft Connect from the official website and install it.
3. Install system components:
   • Download and install the latest .NET Framework from the Microsoft website.
   • Install Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015–2022 (select both x86 and x64 versions).
4. After reinstalling, verify the game file integrity (as in Method 1).

Method 4: Deep Dolphin Configuration and Clean Launch

For cases where the emulator's configuration is at fault.

1. Remove and re-add the game in Dolphin:
   • In Dolphin, go to Config → Paths. Remove the problematic game from the list.
   • Click "Add" and re-specify the path to the game folder. Dolphin will re-index the files.
2. Check the Ubisoft Connect executable path:
   • In the game list, right-click the game → Settings → Other (or Config) tab.
   • In the "Executable" field, ensure the correct path to UbisoftConnect.exe is set (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\). If the field is empty or the path is incorrect, specify it manually.
3. Move the Dolphin folder to another drive: Sometimes moving the entire Dolphin folder (settings, games) from the system drive (e.g., C:) to another (e.g., D:) helps. This avoids permission conflicts in Program Files.

Prevention

• Install Ubisoft games outside system folders. Create a separate directory (e.g., D:\Games\Ubisoft) and specify it during installation. This simplifies permission management.
• Add your emulator and game folders to antivirus exclusions immediately after installation.
• Regularly update Dolphin Emulator, Ubisoft Connect, and Windows components.
• Create a system restore point before installing major game updates or client changes.