About EA SPORTS FC™ 27
EA Sports FC 27 is a football/soccer game that can be played solo or with others, both locally and online. The biggest new feature in this version is the inclusion of a brand-new mode called The Grounds. For the first time, it allows players to explore a semi-open world in the form of a city made up of three neighborhoods. The idea behind this social feature is to let the community come together (up to 100 people per online session) to interact, start matches, participate in activities, visit shops to customize their avatars, and much more.
But that’s not all—EA Sports FC 27 also introduces another new feature: the player is more involved. Whereas previous versions often let the AI take over, this installment takes a less controlling approach in this regard. From now on, the defense is no longer controlled by the AI but requires the player to anticipate the opposing team’s moves. This is especially true since the forwards take advantage of overlapping runs (to avoid offside) that can prove devastating. Simply put, whereas EA Sports FC 26 allowed some leeway for a hard tackle or a slightly too-aggressive challenge, EA Sports FC 27 is more punishing.
Fans of the series need not despair: EA Sports FC 27 stays true to the philosophy of previous installments. It’s not about learning everything from scratch, but simply adapting to some welcome changes to the gameplay. Once again, this installment is one of evolution, not revolution. It’s nonetheless very effective, with a new mode (The Grounds) that truly enhances the experience once known as FIFA—even if it’s still in its early stages. In a nod to the veterans, Alex Hunter, the hero of The Journey mode who first appeared in FIFA 17, is also making a comeback, supported by mentors such as Kylian Mbappé, Paulo Dybala, and Chloe Kelly.
Why Should I Play EA Sports FC 27?
As kids, we’ve all turned a vacant lot into a soccer field by using sweaters placed on the ground as goalposts. Everyone has experienced that kind of soccer—the kind played with whatever’s at hand—a far cry from the immaculate fields of the professional leagues. It’s no coincidence, in fact, that the greatest players learned to play on the streets. Yet it was precisely this style of soccer that Electronic Arts had pushed to the sidelines, much to the community’s regret. We all remember the excellent FIFA Street games and the Volta mode, which was eventually discontinued. With EA Sports FC 27, the asphalt is making a comeback on the green fields for a surprising pairing.
The Grounds is the big new feature in this edition. It’s a semi-open, online world divided into three neighborhoods inspired by major soccer nations: France (Montclair), Argentina (Zeiza), and England (Parkside). After creating your avatar, you choose the player archetype you want to embody and find yourself in the heart of this urban environment. You can interact with the characters you encounter, take part in various types of matches, or even play fun mini-games, where the soccer goal gives way to a basketball hoop or a game of dodgeball. The Clubs mode is also integrated, allowing you to recruit teammates right on the spot. In essence, it’s a bit like the Volta mode making a comeback, but in a more ambitious form.
In terms of gameplay, Electronic Arts has decided to reduce the AI’s assistance. Specifically, defensive automation has been scaled back so that the player retains control of their team. Now, you have to select the right defender, anticipate the opponent’s run (especially since overlapping runs have been introduced), and make the tackle yourself. One misstep, and it’s a guaranteed penalty kick. On offense, runs and off-the-ball movements have also been revamped so that wingers finally cut behind the defense instead of standing rooted to the spot. Also worth noting are more dynamic corner kicks, set pieces with greater depth, and brand-new dribbling moves. As in EA Sports FC 26, two gameplay modes are available: Authentic and Competitive. It’s up to you to choose between pure realism or a high-octane, fast-paced spectacle.
Finally, Career Mode now uses TransferRoom, a platform used by real professional clubs for their transfers. Transfers are much more realistic, and you no longer have to wait for a contract to expire to sign top stars. You must now sound out a player and his club before entering into actual negotiations, which take place in several stages. Lastly, matches have a real impact on players’ fitness, morale, and playing time—with the resulting risk of injury. Without setting out to revolutionize the formula, EA Sports FC 27 aims to modernize it, and the semi-open world of The Grounds is the perfect example of this.
With more than 21,000 officially licensed players (men and women) and a massive amount of content, this edition is every bit as good as EA Sports FC 26.
Is EA Sports FC 27 Free-to-play?
No, EA Sports FC 27 is a paid soccer game. It’s priced like a major release and includes microtransactions in the FUT mode (Football Ultimate Team, no longer FIFA Ultimate Team), which require you to spend money. You can download the game on various platforms or find it in physical format at specialty stores. It is available as a Standard and Ultimate editions.
Where Can I Download EA Sports FC 27?
EA Sports FC 27 is available on a wide range of devices, from the modern Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch 2 to the more ancient PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
However, there’s one important thing to note: The Grounds mode (and the associated Clubs mode) is only available on PCs and current-generation consoles. As a result, you can play it on modern PCs, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 only. The game is still available for download on the other devices, but only with its other features.
What Games Should I Play If I Enjoy EA Sports FC 27?
With Pro Evolution Soccer, Konami has long been EA’s main rival. After a complete overhaul using the Unreal Engine and a disastrous launch in 2021, the series became eFootball and adopted a free-to-play model. While there are no longer FIFA/PES “schools” like there were in the 2000s, it’s clear that Konami’s series is much more simulation-oriented. Ball physics are one of its greatest strengths, and the series continues to improve with each update. It’s a great way to enjoy a quality soccer game without having to pay.
Sloclap, the studio behind Sifu and Absolver, surprised everyone with Rematch. The game’s spirit is as close to Rocket League as it is to Mario Strikers in terms of its spectacular action and breakneck pace. Just like in Libero Grande on PlayStation, players take on the role of a single athlete in 5-on-5 matches on a small field. Focusing exclusively on online matches (you can also play 1-on-1, 3-on-3, or 4-on-4), Rematch is an excellent alternative for anyone looking for a different kind of soccer experience.
A different approach, a different philosophy. While EA Sports FC 27 puts the controller in your hands, Football Manager 26 puts you in the coach’s three-piece suit. Tactics, training, recruitment, financial management, choosing which young players to develop, and managing egos in the locker room… You have to manage it all to lead your team to victory. Developed by Sports Interactive, this behemoth of a management simulation embraces the Unity engine this year for more visually appealing graphics, featuring volumetric animations based on real matches. Another addition: the arrival of licensed women’s soccer and the official Premier League.
