The upgrade to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X of FIFA 21 is just a few days away. However, there is now information about what to expect in the next-gen version.
When does the upgrade come out? The upgrade for PS5 and Xbox Series X will be available on December 4th. Those who already own the game on PS4 or Xbox One will receive the upgrade at no additional cost. You can find out how the upgrade works here.
If you perform the upgrade, you can carry over your progress from Ultimate Team and VOLTA, while content like the Career Mode needs to be restarted on the new console. On PC, the game will remain in its old version.
But what can we expect in the new upgrade? In a press event, Sam Rivera (Lead Gameplay Producer) and Aaron McHardy (Executive Producer) from EA Sports presented the improvements that FIFA 21 offers on PS5 and Xbox Series X. We at MeinMMO were there.
1. Better graphics on the new consoles
Graphically, FIFA 21 aims to advance on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Among other things, it will offer a 4K resolution at 60 FPS. But the new version will also deliver more detail than before.
There are now more detailed animations that contribute to realism. When a player shoots the ball, you can see how individual muscle groups move. The ball itself is no longer just a perfectly round sphere, but will now get squished and dented when your top players kick it with full force. These are small things that should make a noticeable difference: Previously, there was only one frame for each contact with the ball; on the new consoles, there will be multiple frames.
Additionally, there is the new Deferred Lighting System, which is intended to provide better lighting, as well as a new camera setting called “Gamecam” that should allow you to see more of the pitch. It aims to improve your tactical options on the field.
Another detail is the new “Strand Based Hair” system. This improves the representation of hair or beards for a more realistic appearance. Here, the comparisons can already be quite noticeable:
Not all players will be equipped with the new hair technology right away, but players like Alexander-Arnold, Messi, or even Liverpool’s Allison will be represented in a more realistic manner. Especially in cutscenes, this feature will be noticeable in conjunction with the new lighting.
2. Improved atmosphere, more drama
While the Deferred Lighting System is expected to contribute to the atmosphere, there are several more changes that address emotions. Do you know the animation where all your players fall frustrated to the ground when you concede a crucial goal in the last minute?
In this regard, there will be much more on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Players who are off the ball will receive more animations, such as frustrated movements when you miss the target by shooting over the crossbar instead of into the corner. Additionally, off-ball players will behave more like real people, occasionally running their fingers through their hair or similar actions.
An improved crowd will be part of the upgrade. They should now also look more human and interact more with your team during crucial moments. Important moments in matches should feel significantly more dramatic in the next-gen version than before.
3. What changes with gameplay?
As is now standard with Xbox Series X and PS5, the loading times have also been highlighted here. Within seconds, you should be able to navigate through the menus from the start of the game until you start your first match. Skill games, which previously bridged the loading times, will still exist – but they are basically no longer necessary.
On the PS5, you can also look forward to the haptic feedback of the controller. It sounds exciting in the presentation: the R2 button, which is the sprint trigger, will get progressively harder to press as your players get tired. So, you’d better choose players with high stamina if you want to avoid finger cramps.
What can the upgrade not do?
During the Q&A session, the developers also touched on things that should not be expected right away. This includes content-related matters, such as a fourth substitution or some form of implementation of video referees.
But major issues were also discussed. There will be no crossplay between generations: The PS5 version cannot compete against the PS4 version, as they are too far apart, according to the developers.
Those who want to compete with friends on PS5 against those on PS4 (or Xbox Series X against Xbox One) will have to revert to the old version. However, you can seamlessly switch between the versions, especially in FUT and VOLTA, where progress is carried over in both directions.
Are you looking for tips on how to get more wins in FIFA 21? Then you’ll find them here.
