Since the announcement, we have learned a lot about FIFA 20 We show you what is changing and which innovations are particularly exciting.
At E3 2019, FIFA 20 was officially introduced, and since then, there have been numerous innovations to marvel at. Among other things, the new FIFA Street mode, VOLTA.
When will FIFA 20 be released? The game will be released on September 27, 2019 for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The release day is a Friday.
1. How you can play FIFA 20 before the release
Here are the options: You can play FIFA 20 8 days before the official release, if you have a membership with EA Access or Origin Access.
If you choose one of the special editions, you can start 3 days before release.
Here are the various start times at a glance:
- Start on September 19 – EA Access or Origin Access (For 10 hours)
- Start on September 19 – Origin Access Premier (full access without time limitations)
- Start on September 24 – FIFA 20 Ultimate Edition
- Start on September 24 – FIFA 20 Champions Edition
- Start on September 27 – FIFA 20 Standard Edition
2. These are the gameplay innovations
EA promises: Big promises have been made regarding the gameplay of FIFA 20. According to EA, a lot of fan feedback regarding FIFA 19 has been collected and analyzed. Based on this feedback, the gameplay of FIFA 20 is said to have been improved and adjusted.
EA summarizes the changes under the term “Football Intelligence.” These include:
- Improved one-on-one situations
- FIFA 20 weakens AI defense. However, it is supposed to act as intelligent support for the player.
- AI-controlled players are more involved in the game, resulting in more types of scoring opportunities. The “Natural Player Motion” is supposed to ensure realistic behavior on the pitch.
- Dribbling still allows for chaining skill moves – although this becomes more difficult and should lead to more realistic outcomes. This means: “La Croqueta” chains will be less likely.
- The new “Strafe Dribbling” allows you to effectively lure the opponent and then leave them standing with dynamic movements.
And the next 4 points represent the pillars of the so-called gameplay changes that were boldly announced by EA Sports:
3. Manual defending should be worthwhile again
This is new: While in FIFA 19 it was smartest to let the defenders defend automatically and manually block passing lanes, it should be more worthwhile in FIFA 20 to take defending into your own hands.
Thus, “Controlled Tackling” should lead even more to the ball being won with well-timed tackles.
4. The goalkeeper finally listens to you
This is new: In FIFA 20, you will have the option to issue commands to the goalkeeper. You can dictate their behavior inside and outside the penalty area.
These instructions for goalkeepers will be available:
Inside the penalty area: There are three different instructions for goalkeepers who are in the penalty area.
- Be cautious with crosses – With this setting, the goalkeeper behaves defensively and stays on the line.
- Balance – Here, the keeper decides their behavior themselves like in FIFA 19 and tries to act balanced
- Catching crosses – The goalkeeper is more offensive and tries to catch crosses
Outside the penalty area: For behavior outside the penalty area, there are 2 instructions that can be selected.
- Sweeper Keeper – With this setting, the keeper will go aggressively for the ball and leave the penalty area in emergencies. He will look for one-on-one situations.
- Balance – As in FIFA 19, the goalkeeper will play self-determined and act balanced
5. The Timed-Finishing will be revised
This is going to change: The Timed-Finishing was a popular innovation in FIFA 19 and is supposed to get even better in FIFA 20. It should now be harder to hit the green area of the Timed-Finish.
Also, Timed-Finish shots are expected to be more realistic and no longer cause unrealistic goals from all angles.
6. New penalty kicks and free kicks
This is new: The standards in FIFA 20 are being completely overhauled. Penalty kicks and especially free kicks are supposed to offer FIFA 20 players significantly more options. EA speaks here of more target options for free kicks and a more skill-based shooting mechanic.
In the first footage, the new targeting mechanic can already be seen, where an overlayed circle makes aiming easier. Additionally, it should be possible to curve the ball with the right analog stick.
7. Ball physics finally at PES level?
This is what EA says: A new ball physics system is supposed to provide more realism. This is called “Football Informed Motion.” The new movement system of the ball is expected to lead to more realistic ball spins and impacts. Additionally, the ball’s trajectories are expected to gain significantly more realism due to the new physics. This also applies to regular shots from the game.
Perhaps FIFA could finally catch up to PES with the new ball physics, as for years the ball physics of the competition has undeniably been the number 1.
8. FIFA Street is back in FIFA 20
This is VOLTA: For many fans, a FIFA Street mode was at the top of their wishlist for FIFA 20. And it is indeed coming!
In FIFA 20, EA introduces the VOLTA mode. This mode brings street football back to FIFA and offers various offline and online game modes.
9. VOLTA-World offers further career
This is VOLTA-World: In this mode, like in career mode, it is about building and managing your own team. You need to recruit new players and then play the matches yourself.
In VOLTA-World, you will either face the computer or real online opponents. Against human opponents, a league system will be used, similar to Division Rivals in FUT 19.
Matches against the computer, on the other hand, will resemble Squad Battles in FUT 19, offering teams from the community.
10. In VOLTA-World, you steal players
This is what it’s about: If you defeat your opponent in VOLTA-World, you can steal one of their players for your own team.
But don’t worry, only a copy of the selected player is made. The player is not actually “stolen” in case of a loss.
11. In VOLTA-World, you set the rules
This is what it’s about: Once you have created your character, you set your venue, field size, and preferred play style (3v3, 4v4, 5v5). When you meet an online opponent, the match will first be played on your field with your rules.
Subsequently, the opponent will have the same advantage in the return match, and you must adapt to their rules and field size.
Learn more about the online mode here:
12. The VOLTA story mode offers a new story
This is VOLTA Story: Since The Journey was concluded in FIFA 19, FIFA 20 now offers a new story-based campaign with VOLTA Story. However, this is said to be quite short with 6 hours and mainly aims to introduce FIFA players to the street mode of FIFA 20.
Find more information and a trailer for FIFA 20’s VOLTA Story here.
13. VOLTA: Player versus player in the kick-off mode
This is the kick-off mode: Just like in the classic kick-off mode of the FIFA series, there will also be a VOLTA kick-off mode. Here, it is possible to play new street football matches offline with friends. Real licensed teams in street football size will be available for selection.
14. VOLTA character is fully customizable
This is possible: EA has announced that players can completely customize their VOLTA character. This includes clothing, face, hair, and tattoos. There will also be a VOLTA store where hoodies, jackets, pants, t-shirts, and much more can be purchased.
15. VOLTA launches without microtransactions
This is what EA Sports says: EA confirms that at the launch of VOLTA, no items can be purchased with real money. Everything should be earned with the in-game currency “VOLTA-Coins.”
However, microtransactions are not completely ruled out, as one never knows what happens in the future, says Matt Prio, FIFA 20’s Creative Director. EA Sports keeps a backdoor open.
16. VOLTA requires an almost constant internet connection
This is what it’s about: Almost all VOLTA modes in FIFA 20 require a permanent internet connection. Only the VOLTA kick-off can be started offline.
This is because in the various VOLTA modes you are always playing against other players, both offline and online. In kick-off mode, on the other hand, you can play with normal, licensed teams.
17. Mixed teams in VOLTA
This is what it’s about: In VOLTA, it will be normal to play in mixed teams consisting of men and women. You can choose either a female or male character.
18. EA Sports assures: No momentum
This is what it’s about: EA has assured that the controversial patent, which is supposed to ensure dynamic difficulty adjustment in online games, will not be used in FIFA 19.
Since this has just been confirmed, we can expect that FIFA 20 will also forego such a mechanic.
19. The Switch version is only a legacy edition
This is a legacy edition: While FIFA 19 last year on the Nintendo Switch only had to do without The Journey and slightly better graphics, FIFA 20 only comes in a legacy edition this year.
This means that only the teams will be updated to the status of the 2019/2020 season. Gameplay innovations or new modes like VOLTA will probably not be available in FIFA 20 for the Switch.
20. Innovations in Pro Clubs, FUT, and career mode are coming
This is known: By now, EA Sports has extensively discussed the innovations in Pro Clubs, Ultimate Team, and career mode.
Here you can learn all about it:
- Here are the innovations in Pro Clubs
- These are the innovations in FUT 20
- You can read all new information about the career mode in FIFA 20 here.
21. There are new “house rules”
What is new? The house rules introduced in FIFA 19 are returning for FIFA 20 and bring several new game modes. Unlike in FIFA 19, you can also play these online with friends.
These house rules are new:
- Mystery Ball (new) – Strong boosts that alternate and provide advantages
- King of the Hill (new) – Claim the ball in random zones to increase the goal multiplier
- Maximum chemistry (only in FUT) – The team plays at maximum chemistry
- Swaps (only in FUT) – 3 random players are swapped with the opponent. If you score with an opponent player, it counts double.
This is what “Mystery Ball” looks like: At the Gamescom various EA Gamechangers were able to play the mode. Here you see a match of “Mystery Ball” between Eintracht Frankfurt and Dynamo Dresden.
22. This is shown in a gameplay trailer for FIFA 20
This is shown in the trailer: A new gameplay trailer for FIFA 20 has revealed many interesting innovations. Among other things, you could discover the BayArena, the home of Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, new game faces are shown. Players like Axel Witsel can finally rejoice in FIFA 20 for a more realistic appearance.
Gameplay-wise, the focus in the trailer was on the revised dribbling and the new free kick and penalty mechanisms.
23. Info regarding the demo
Then the demo will be released: The demo for FIFA 20 was released on September 10 for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
You can find our demo article about FIFA 20 with all the information here:
These teams are playable in the demo:
- Borussia Dortmund
- FC Chelsea
- FC Liverpool
- PSG
- Real Madrid
- Tottenham
24. Changes you might have overlooked so far
This was shown in the beta: Several players have already had the opportunity to test FIFA 20 in beta. Some changes from FIFA 19 stood out, which we have summarized here for you:
We will update the article with new information and keep you posted.
Which innovations do you find most exciting? Let us know on our Facebook page!
You can find the leagues and teams in FIFA 20 here:
You can find the stadiums, including the new ones, here:
