FC 25 Early Access and Release Dates
For fans eagerly awaiting EA Sports FC 25, the official release date is set for September 27, 2024. However, for those looking to jump into the game early, there are a couple of exciting ways to gain access ahead of the global release date. Whether you're itching to start your Career Mode journey or want a head start on building your Ultimate Team using FIFA 25 Coins, early access is available via EA Play or the FC 25 Ultimate Edition. Here's a breakdown of how you can start playing the game as early as September 20, 2024.
FC 25 Early Access and Release Dates
If you want to start playing FC 25 up to a week before its official release, there are two primary ways to do so:
Subscribe to EA Play
Pre-order the Ultimate Edition
Both options allow you to start playing on September 20, 2024, giving you a full seven days of early access before the standard edition becomes available. This can be a significant advantage, particularly for FC 25 players who want to start amassing FIFA 25 Coins early and begin building their dream teams in Ultimate Team. Let's dive deeper into how each method works.
FC 25 Ultimate Edition Early Access
The FC 25 Ultimate Edition is the premium version of the game, offering a variety of exclusive bonuses alongside early access. By pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition through your console's digital store, you can begin playing FC 25 from September 20, 2024, a full week before the general release.
Bonuses for Pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition:
Access to both PS5 and PS4 versions
4,600 FC Points (to spend on Ultimate Team packs or in-game items)
A Player Evolution Slot for improving Ultimate Team players
Early access to Rush rewards
A cover star loan player for Ultimate Team (10 matches)
1 Ambassador loan player pick for Ultimate Team (10 matches)
An unlocked PlayStyles slot for use in Clubs
250,000 Clubs Coins (to boost your progress in Clubs mode)
Extra Player Personality points in Player Career Mode
3 Icons to play as in Player Career Mode: David Beckham, Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane
A 5-star coach available to hire in Manager Career Mode
A 5-star youth coach to hire in Manager Career Mode
The Ultimate Edition costs £99.99 / $99.99. While this may seem steep, the inclusion of 4,600 FC Points means that FC 25 players can jumpstart their Ultimate Team by purchasing packs and getting a head start on building a competitive squad. If you plan to play FC 25 extensively throughout the year, the Ultimate Edition is a solid investment.
How to Play Early
Once you've pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition, you'll be able to pre-load the game in the days leading up to September 20, 2024. On that date, you can begin playing at midnight in your local time zone. From there, you can dive straight into Ultimate Team, start your Career Mode journey, or explore Clubs with friends.
FC 25 EA Play Trial
If you're not ready to commit to the Ultimate Edition, another option for early access is through EA Play, EA's subscription service. With an EA Play membership, you can play FC 25 for 10 hours starting from September 20, 2024. This trial gives you a taste of the full game across all modes, from Ultimate Team to Career Mode, letting you decide if you want to purchase the full version or upgrade to the Ultimate Edition.
EA Play Membership Details:
Cost: £5.99 / $5.99 per month or £35.99 / $39.99 annually.
Play FC 25 for 10 hours from September 20, 2024.
Access a 10% discount on FIFA 25 Coins and FC Points purchases.
Receive monthly Ultimate Team Draft tokens and seasonal Clubs rewards.
For console players, a basic EA Play subscription is sufficient to gain early access, but PC players can opt for EA Play Pro, which gives them full access to the game starting September 20, without the 10-hour limitation.
Why Choose EA Play
While the 10-hour trial may seem short, it's an excellent way to experience the game before committing to a purchase. Additionally, any progress you make in the trial, whether in Career Mode or Ultimate Team, carries over once you buy the full version. This means that all the FIFA 25 Coins and player cards you earn in the trial will be waiting for you when the game officially launches.
Additional EA Play Benefits
Aside from early access, an EA Play membership offers other benefits for FC 25 players:
10% discount on FC Points purchases, allowing you to stretch your in-game currency further when buying player packs or other items.
Seasonal rewards and monthly Draft tokens for Ultimate Team.
Additional in-game bonuses across other EA Sports titles, such as Madden NFL or NHL.
By maintaining an EA Play subscription, you'll continue to receive these rewards and discounts throughout the year, adding extra value to your FIFA 25 Coins purchases and ensuring you stay ahead in Ultimate Team.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to pre-order the Ultimate Edition or subscribe to EA Play, playing FC 25 early offers an exciting head start. Not only can you begin your Ultimate Team journey by spending FIFA 25 Coins and earning player packs, but you'll also have early access to exclusive content in Career Mode and Clubs. If you plan on playing FC 25 throughout the year, these early access options provide a valuable advantage, setting you up for success in the latest installment of EA Sports' beloved football franchise.