How does the new mode “Survival” play in FIFA 19? We were able to try out the game mode that has been speculated about a lot in advance.
Lots of rumors and “leaks”: In July and early August, the FIFA world turned a bit upside down. Several rumors and alleged leaks emerged, suggesting that a mode from FIFA Street would return in FIFA 19. A picture of a 5v5 mode circulated – which, however, turned out to be fake.
Many media outlets still picked up the image, headlined that FIFA Street was back, and there were even mentions of “Battle Royale” in FIFA 19.
On August 4th, EA Sports lifted the curtain and revealed what was behind all the rumors: A survival mode called Survival.
What exactly is Survival now?
Survival is part of the new Kick-Off mode: The new Kick-Off in FIFA 19 includes several fun modes that you can play against the computer or against your friends. In Kick-Off, you will find the category “House Rules“, where you can select the Survival mode alongside other modes such as the “No Rules” mode.
What are the rules of Survival? Two teams of eleven players each compete against each other. With each goal, one player from the team that scored must leave the field. A maximum of four players from each team can leave the field per game. Additionally, no more than two red cards may be received.
Which player is sent off when a goal is scored? This is determined by chance. According to EA Sports, defenders and midfielders must primarily leave the field so you still have the offensive power to score more goals. The goalkeepers always stay in play.
In the top left corner of the screen, it is displayed who must leave the game:
Survival is not FIFA Street, but resembles Last Man Standing a bit: In FIFA Street, there was a mode called “Last Man Standing”. In that mode, four players in two teams played against each other without a goalkeeper (in Survival, there are eleven players each). Each goalscorer had to leave the field, and the first person to have all their players on the sidelines emerged as the winner. Survival is somewhat reminiscent of this.
Who wins in Survival? Unlike Last Man Standing, you do not have to have all your players on the sidelines to win (after all, that’s not possible). Instead, the team that scores the most goals during the match wins.
Neither FIFA Street nor Battle Royale, but still a welcome change
When we at Mein-MMO learned about this mode, we wanted to find out more about it directly. At a preview event for FIFA 19, we then had the opportunity to try it out – and now we can provide you with our first impression.
Neither Battle Royale nor FIFA Street: Right from the start – even though in gaming year 2018 the “Battle Royale” genre seems omnipresent and I immediately had that term in my mind when I heard about Survival – Survival has too few similarities with Battle Royale to call the mode that. You don’t shoot down opponents; in essence, you weaken yourself with goals, nor is it about being the last person remaining.
A comparison with FIFA Street comes closer, but in Survival, there is no classic FIFA Street feeling. You’re not playing with four players on the street, but with eleven on the grass in the stadiums of FIFA 19.
Survival initially feels like a normal FIFA match. Only after the first two or three goals does it change. Because then you suddenly realize: Oops, where have all my players gone?
The match does not make a big fuss when a player is sent off after a goal. Only in the top left corner of the screen is it briefly displayed which player has left the field. If you are deeply involved in an animated conversation with your friends, you can easily overlook this information.
Is Survival for tactical geniuses? When you suddenly have only six outfield players plus a goalkeeper on the field after four goals, this has a significant impact on your game. You might want to avoid scoring many goals in the first half, as otherwise, you might be at a significant disadvantage in the second half and empower your opponent.
However – and here I see the great potential of Survival – these phases can be extremely fun and exciting. Especially when you play the mode with friends on the couch, it can create a lot of atmosphere – with the motto: “See, I can still beat you with only seven players!”
But primarily, Survival is a fun mode designed to bring some variety to the football simulation – and in my opinion, it can fulfill this claim.
