In a move that serves as a stark reminder of one of the biggest downsides of digital game distribution, Ubisoft and Ivory Tower are now exploring the possibility of offline play for The Crew 2. This is important because when the company delisted The Crew, it meant players lost access not just to the game but also to all the purchased content. It predictably led to an uproar, and even triggered an ongoing legal battle.
Unlike the first Crew game, which is now unplayable due to its always-online requirement and deactivated servers, Ubisoft is now working proactively to implement offline capabilities in The Crew 2 and its successor, The Crew Motorfest. The goal is to ensure both titles remain accessible even after server support ends.
After a lengthy wait, the team has finally shared an update on the progress of the offline mode. Beginning next week, the company will start testing the offline mode for The Crew 2. Select community members who have been particularly active and contributed significantly will receive invitations to participate in this closed beta phase. Ubisoft emphasised that its broader ambition is to roll out at least a hybrid offline-online mode before the end of 2025.
Offline testing for The Crew 2, a game that features not just cars but also air and water vehicles, will officially begin on April 30, with the PC version serving as the initial testing platform. Ubisoft reassured players that the test will use a separate save data slot, so participants won’t have to worry about compromising their current in-game progress.
As for The Crew Motorfest, it remains a fully supported live service title and is not currently prioritised for offline implementation. However, Ubisoft has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing offline functionality to this newest entry at a later date.
This move is seen as a significant step toward preserving game accessibility in the long term, and could help restore trust following the backlash over The Crew’s removal. Players now look forward to a future where their favourite games can outlive the servers that once powered them, or at least hope for that to happen.
