Actually, the Early Access for FIFA 21 should start now, but the EA servers are apparently collapsing under the pressure. Can one still access the game?
Update, 19:24: EA Sports has now commented on the situation via Twitter. They are aware of the problems that some players are not getting access to EA Play on PS4 and Xbox One:
As a workaround, it is suggested that EA members can download the trial version through the console stores. We have described these ways further down. However, this doesn’t seem to work for all players, especially for the Xbox One version there are issues.
This is the problem: At 5 PM, the countdown for the FIFA 21 Early Access expired. From now on, EA Play members should be able to play the 10-hour trial.
Yet many players report that they cannot access the game at all. On one hand, the EA Play servers seem overloaded, and one can’t even get into the hub to load the game. Other players, however, report (e.g. via Twitter) that they cannot find the game at EA Play.
FIFA 21 Early Access: Solution for PS4
What does the solution look like? A solution has already been found for the PS4. It works like this:
- Visit the PlayStation Store if you are an EA Play member
- Search for FIFA 21
- Select the Standard version
- There you will find a button that says “Download Trial Version”.
- If you activate the button, you can select the option “Download and play for up to 10 hours”.
After that, the game should start to load on your console. We have tested this method in the editorial office – it worked.
Xbox One with more severe issues
What about the Xbox One? Some players report a method that is comparable to the PS4 solution (e.g. via Twitter). However, downloading the trial version via the Microsoft Store doesn’t work for all players, or the corresponding button is missing.
For some players, it works to load the Xbox One edition through the browser version of the Microsoft Store onto their Xbox. However, problems can still occur. Players report receiving an error message stating that it is still too early. A real solution doesn’t seem to exist here yet.
What does the trial version offer? In the trial version, you can play all contents of FIFA 21. This applies to the regular kick-off mode, but also to Ultimate Team, Volta, or the career mode.
However, the playtime is limited to 10 hours. Once this time has expired, you will have to wait until the release next week to continue playing.
Since there is no demo this year, the EA Play trial is the only way to get a preview of the game. That’s why we asked two pros who have already been allowed to test FIFA 21. In the interview, they talk about what makes FIFA 21 different.
