The transfer window has slammed shut. Squads have been finalised. And the never-ending debate over whether or not to scrap VAR rages on. Football is definitely back – and with the return of the beautiful game, comes well, exactly that. EA Sports FC 25 is nearly ready to make its debut, and we can’t wait.

To get ready for the latest installment in the footy franchise, we’ve put together all the important info you need to know. From the price and release date to the new game modes, teams and more.

What is EA Sports FC 25’s release date?

This season might have kicked off already, but EA Sports FC 25 isn’t far behind. You can take to the pitch on September 27, 2024.

How much will EA Sports FC 25 cost?

Well, it’ll be a whole lot less than the transfer fees your club shelled out last summer. And at least this’ll be a successful investment, unlike that ‘star’ striker…

You can net yourself the Standard Edition on consoles and PC for £59.99, while the Ultimate Edition comes in at £89.99 on every platform. But for that extra bit of cash, you’ll bag a whole load of extra in-game goodies. And they should help your team get off to a winning start!

Can I pre-order EA Sports FC 25?

We’ve consulted with VAR and yes, you can pre-order your copy of EA Sports FC 25 now. And if you do, you’ll be able to dive into the action on launch day. Oh, and we’ll even throw in a discount code too - just use EAFC15 at checkout to score 15% off.

EA Sports FC 25 platforms and crossplay

You’ll be able to get your football fix on a whole squad’s worth of platforms. It’ll launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X / Series S, and PC. While it’ll also make an appearance on Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Those last two are a bit like your club’s veteran centre back – a worthy servant over the years, but slightly past it now. So, if you’re thinking about upgrading, now’s a good time.

In terms of crossplay, that’s back again, letting you play against your mates on different consoles. Here’s how that’s going to work this time around:

• PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X / Series S players can all play together.

• Xbox One and PlayStation 4 gamers can challenge each other.

• The Nintendo Switch isn’t cross-platform compatible.

How to play EA Sports FC 25

When you boot up the game, you’ll be right at home with EA Sports FC 25’s familiar gameplay. Choose a team and play a five-minute match against the computer. Or start a sofa-based rivalry against your housemate and start a local derby that’ll put Celtic vs Rangers to shame.

The biggest change to gameplay this year though comes on the tactics side of things. The new FC IQ feature completely overhauls the way different formations work. By using a clever AI model – powered by actual data collected from professional teams and players – your team will perform and position themselves way more realistically. And that gives you a whole lot more strategic control when it comes to defending that narrow 1-0 lead.

This feeds into player roles too. The roles change up how everyone from your striker to your defensive midfielder move off the ball. So, your pacey right winger should try and find pockets of space to sprint into. While that towering target man should know when to make a last-minute run to the centre of the box. All this will make every match incredibly lifelike, upping the realism in every part of the pitch.

How many hours of gameplay will EA Sports FC 25 have?

Completing an EA Sports FC game is never the end goal, as you literally can’t. With more modes than a journeyman lower league footballer has clubs, there’s pretty much endless replayability here. So, you’ll be playing for far longer than just the standard 90 minutes.

Who are the main clubs, players, and leagues?

EA Sports FC has always been the most authentic football game out there. And FC 25 is no different. With over 700 teams, 19,000 players, 120+ stadiums and 30 official leagues, you’ve got almost every club, star player and competition on the planet represented here. Plus, if you want to lead your team to Champions League glory – or take a trip to South America to lift the legendary Copa Libertadores – FC 25 is the only place you can do it. Sorry Pro Evo fans!

What are the different EA Sports FC 25 game mode options?

There are plenty of unique modes for you to tackle:

• Kick off – The fastest route to the pitch. Pick your team and go up against the computer in a quick match. Or face off against a mate and prove that yes, Arsenal are actually better than Spurs.

• Rush – This year’s headline new mode. Replacing Volta, this 5v5 experience offers a whole other way to play. Create an all-star squad and compete in mini matches just like your post-work 5-aside league. The quality might be a tad higher though…

• Ultimate Team – Build your dream squad of players past and present by collecting Panini style cards. Zidane, Becks, Messi and Haaland in one team? Don’t mind if we do.

• Clubs – Team up with your friends and create your own football club. Once you’ve picked out the kits and made a player that looks just like you, pick your position and take on other teams online.

• Seasons – With three points on the line every single game, rise up the divisions by winning as many matches as possible. But if you end up on a losing streak, you might find yourself kicking about in the lower leagues.

• Career – Become the manager of your favourite club and compete for trophies in the big leagues. Or sign for them as a player, and smash in a hat-trick to save your side from relegation on the final day.

Will EA Sports FC 25 have a multiplayer mode?

It doesn’t just have one – it’s got absolutely loads. Ultimate Team, Clubs, Seasons, Rush and more can all be played online against other managers from around the world. Maybe playing as England, you’ll actually finally be able to win something on the international stage…

What EA Sports FC 25 features are player customisable?

You’ll be able to make your own custom tweaks across pretty much every game mode. In Career, you can mould your chosen club in your own image. Sign new players. Set up specific training drills. And switch up your tactics to dominate the pitch. Prefer Pep’s tiki-taka? Go for a fast build-up with shorter passing. Route one football more your style? You’ll need runs in behind the defence while your defenders launch long balls into the opposition half.

The customisation in Ultimate Team is in a whole league of its own though. By opening packs, you’ll make a team of superstars from scratch. And it won’t be long before you’ve got a squad that even Man City would be jealous of. If you’ve ever fancied seeing how prime Thierry Henry would get on upfront with Harry Kane, now you can.

Want to find out first about all the biggest new releases? Then head on over to our upcoming games page. We’ve got all the latest details on what’s coming soon. Plus, a bunch of handy discount codes, which you can use to save big on some top titles.