6 things you should know before buying FIFA 21

FIFA 21 is the latest installment of the classic soccer series. The official release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC is just around the corner. Here are some things you should know before buying.

When is the release? The official release of FIFA 21 is on October 9, but there is also the possibility of starting earlier. The exact dates are outlined below. Additionally, this article answers the following questions:

• What does FIFA 21 include?
• What multiplayer options are there?
• How do the different editions differ?
• What happens after the release of FIFA 21?

1. What does FIFA 21 include?

This is FIFA 21: For years, the FIFA series has delivered exciting soccer matches on the pitch. Whether alone or with friends at home, online or offline: the various modes of the game offer many opportunities to unleash your soccer skills. There have also been adjustments to the gameplay, which introduces some new features.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

Show YouTube content

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.

Link to the YouTube content

This year, there isn’t a new mode per se, but old modes have been partially revamped. There are plenty of innovations in FIFA 21. Here is an overview of the most important modes:

• Kick-off mode: The simplest game mode. Here you can jump directly into matches with a team of your choice, against the AI or locally against friends. Fun modes like “Surprise Ball” or “No Rules” are also available here.
• Ultimate Team: Here you can build your dream team and compete online against other players. Ultimate Team is the most important competitive mode in FIFA 21, with Division Rivals and Weekend League. This year, some innovations in FUT are present. This includes the ability to play online in co-op and build your own stadium.
• Career mode: The career mode is arguably the most important offline mode. Here, you take over a club of your choice and lead it to the top of the soccer world over several in-game years. This involves developing talents, completing transfers, and planning the club’s daily operations. The career also has some innovations to offer: Here is our test of the career mode on MeinMMO.
• VOLTA: Volta was newly introduced with FIFA 20 and shifts soccer back to the streets. Here you play on small fields, in backyards, or in special Volta stadiums with small teams. Last year, the mode struggled, but thanks to some innovations like the co-op feature Volta could be more exciting this year.
• Pro Clubs: In Pro Clubs, you can team up online with your friends and create a club. You fill it with your own Virtual Pros – matches of up to 11 vs. 11 players are possible here. However, you can also start with fewer players, with the rest being controlled by the AI. Pro Clubs also received some innovations, which are supposed to improve the mode in FIFA 21.

2. When is the release of FIFA 21 and is there a demo?

Differences by version: The official release of FIFA 21 is on October 9, 2020. However, this only applies to the Standard edition. Depending on the edition, there are different start dates that will let you play FIFA 21 earlier.

• The Champions Edition starts on October 6 with 3 days of early access.
• The Ultimate Edition also starts on October 6.
• For EA Play members, early access began on October 1, but is limited to 10 hours. Exception: EA Play Pro members can play unlimited from this date.

What about the demo? This year there is no demo for FIFA 21. The EA Play early access is thus the only way to get a glimpse of the game before October 6. Previously, there was a closed beta phase, which however led to changes in the game.

3. What about FIFA 21 for Xbox Series X and PS5?

This is how it looks on next-gen: FIFA 21 will also be released on next-gen consoles, but there is no official date for that yet. So far, EA Sports has always spoken of a release “sometime this year”.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

Show YouTube content

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.

Link to the YouTube content

The next-gen versions will get an upgrade over the old versions. Among other things, they offer:

• The haptic feedback of the PS5 DualSense controller  
• Faster loading times 
• Improved lighting, rendering, and animation technology 
• Humanization off the ball 
• Enhanced audio effects 

Those who buy the versions for Xbox One or PS4 can upgrade to the new generation. We’ve summarized how the update to next-gen works here.

4. What multiplayer options are there?

This is how playing with friends looks: Overall, FIFA is a series that puts a lot of emphasis on playing with friends. The classic couch match is still possible, and you can continue to duel online.

However, there are a few improvements that primarily affect Ultimate Team and Volta.

• In Ultimate Team you can now also play Division Rivals and Squad Battles online in co-op. This was previously only possible offline. There should be bonuses for both players, along with special tasks for duos.
• In Volta, you can work together in the new co-op mode “Volta Teams”. There you can play a total of three players and take control of teams in 5v5 team play. This is somewhat similar to the Pro Clubs concept and was requested last year. Overall, Volta is supposed to provide more content.

5. How do the editions differ?

What editions are there? This year, there are three versions of FIFA 21. Here you can find the link with a detailed overview of the FIFA 21 editions with all bonuses. Below we briefly introduce the editions again:

FIFA 21 Standard Edition

What does the Standard Edition offer? The Standard Edition simply includes the complete game and gives you a few bonuses for FUT in case of a pre-order. Release is on October 9, and the edition costs €59.99 (on PC) or €69.99 (on Xbox One & PS4).

*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!

FIFA 21 Champions Edition

What does the Champions Edition offer? The Champions Edition starts on October 6 and therefore offers 3 days of early access. It costs €79.99 (for PC) or €89.99 (for PS4 / Xbox One).

The Champions Edition also includes 12 rare gold packs and some bonuses for FUT with pre-order, as well as a world-class career mode talent. It is worthwhile if you want to start earlier and secure some packs.

*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!

FIFA 21 Ultimate Edition

What does the Ultimate Edition offer? The Ultimate Edition also offers 3 days of early access and starts on October 6. It costs €89.99 (for PC) or €99.99 (PS4/Xbox One).

Additionally, the pre-order comes with a total of 24 rare gold packs for FUT (2 per week for 12 weeks), and further FUT bonuses. Pre-ordering by August 14 also included a special OTW card with the Ultimate Edition, though that period has passed.

*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!

6. What happens after the release of FIFA 21?

This is how the FIFA season works: FIFA 21 will be constantly updated after release, which may change the game. There is no fixed schedule, but there have been various changes over the past few years.

These can affect gameplay and fix bugs. Especially in Ultimate Team and Volta, you can expect regular events that will introduce new player cards or cosmetics. There will be something new to see throughout the year.

To what extent new modes will be introduced into the game is still uncertain. In the past, a special World Cup mode or the Copa Libertadores update has been delivered. However, there is no official information about such updates yet.

If you want a glimpse of the game beforehand, you should check out our interview with two FIFA pros. The two have already explained what changes in gameplay in FIFA 21.