Ever since the announcement of FIFA 21, many soccer fans have been patiently anticipating its release. While the FIFA franchise continues to enjoy the support of its huge fanbase, the series has been under scrutiny in the past with some players encountering issues with online servers, and many feel that the career mode of FIFA 20 has been disappointing.
Luckily for fans, it appears that FIFA 21 is set to make significant changes to the franchise, with its developers looking for ways to introduce innovation from one installment to the next. Now, for those who are eyeing to purchase FIFA 21 when it is released, here is a breakdown of everything players should know about the upcoming game before making a purchase.
Which Platforms Will FIFA 21 Be Released To?
One thing that fans of FIFA would be happy to hear about is that FIFA 21 will be released on multiple platforms which includes PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. However, players on the Switch should know that they will only be getting the Legacy Edition of the game, which means that some features on other platforms won't be available on the Switch. Additionally, the game will release at a later time for the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Google Stadia.
Unfortunately, despite FIFA 21's release on multiple platforms, the developer has confirmed via a Twitter post that players won't be able to play across console generations, nor will players be able to crossplay across platforms even if they are of the same generation. Essentially, this means that players on the PS4 would only be able to play with others who also own a PS4, and so on. However, one good thing that FIFA 21 players will be able to do is to carry over their FUT progression from PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X.
New Features and Improvements
One huge aspect of FIFA 21 that will be receiving some improvements is its Career Mode. According to EA Sports, FIFA 21 will have a Quick Sim option, where players will be able to jump in and out of games and influence how the rest of the season pans out. Moreover, a new Active Training System will allow players to improve their abilities through rigorous training, and group training sessions will also help players identify the team's weak areas. An enhanced AI system will also be implemented in FIFA 21 alongside an easier way to facilitate transfers between players.
In terms of gameplay, FIFA 21 will feature new attacking systems that include Agile Dribbling, Positioning Personality, and Creative Runs, giving fans total control over their players. A new Competitor Mode will also provide the opposing team a better understanding of the player's strategies, in order to encourage a more competitive and challenging experience overall.
Of course, over the years, FIFA has featured new Icons to join each game's roster of players. In FIFA 21, Eric Cantona returns to the game and is also heavily featured in many of FIFA 21's marketing materials with Kylian Mbappé as the game's cover star. Moreover, other stars include Ferenc Puskas, Fernando Tores, Ashley Cole, and Xavi and Nemanja Vidic.
Pricing, Release Date, Pre-Order Details, and Special Editions
The standard edition of FIFA 21 will be available for $59.99 on all platforms, except the Nintendo Switch. Given that the Switch version will not feature any of the new game modes and innovations found in other platforms, the price for Switch fans is only $49.99. Additionally, pre-orders are already available for the game in most retailers, and FIFA 21 is set to release on October 9, 2020.
Moreover, there are three editions of the game available for players to choose from and each of which will contain pre-order bonuses and other goodies. For those interested, here are everything players will get for pre-ordering each edition of FIFA 21:
Standard - $59.99 ($49.99 - Switch)
- Up to 3 FUT 21 Rare Gold Packs (1 per week for 3 weeks)
- 1 Cover Star Loan FUT item (for 5 FUT matches)
- 1 FUT Ambassador Loan Player Pick Item (choose 1 of 3 player items for 3 FUT matches)
- Special Edition FUT kits and stadium items
Champions Edition - $79.99
- 3 Days Early Access (play from October 6)
- Up to 12 FUT 21 Rare Gold Packs (1 per week for 12 weeks)
- 1 Cover Star Loan FUT item (for 5 FUT matches)
- Career Mode Homegrown Talent (local youth prospect with world-class potential)
- 1 FUT Ambassador Loan Player Pick Item (Choose 1 of 3 player items for 3 FUT matches)
- Special Edition FUT kits and stadium items
Ultimate Edition - $99.99
- 3 Days Early Access (play from October 6)
- Career Mode Homegrown Talent (local youth prospect with world-class potential)
- Up to 24 FUT 21 Rare Gold Packs (2 per week for 12 weeks)
- 1 Cover Star Loan FUT Item for 5 matches
- 1 FUT Ambassador Loan Player Pick FUT Item (Choose 1 of 3 player items for 3 FUT matches)
- Special Edition FUT kits and stadium items
FIFA 21 releases on October 9, 2020, for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One and is also in development for PS5, Stadia, and Xbox Series X.