EA Sports FC 25 release time, launch date, pre-load and how to get early access
EA Sports FC 25 may officially have a September 27 release date, but some fans can start playing a week early. Here's how.
EA Sports FC 25 is about to make its debut on PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. EA FC 25 comes with a host of new features and improvements, not to mention all of the latest players, leagues and squads. While the game isn't officially scheduled to launch until September 27, you can start playing a week early by purchasing the EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Edition. The Ultimate Edition provides early access to the game, beginning on September 20. On console, the Ultimate Edition has a midnight BST release time for fans living in the UK, while the PC version will be available from 5am BST. Pre-order customers can even pre-load the game ahead of launch, which means you can jump into the action the moment the clock strikes midnight (or 5am on PC).
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The EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Edition also comes with one or two additional bonuses, including 4600 FC Points and a Player Evolution Slot.
That's on top of Doubled Bonus Points in Rush, a head start on Season 1, and Rush Rewards in Ultimate Team and Clubs.
The Ultimate Edition also comes with all of the bonuses found in the Standard Edition, such as various loan items, 250,000 Club Coins and more.
The bad news, however, is that the Ultimate Edition costs a whopping £99.99 on PlayStation and Xbox, compared to £69.99 for the Standard Edition. (The Ultimate Edition is £89.99 on PC.)
On the plus side, CD Keys customers can actually save more than £10 on the PlayStation version of the Ultimate Edition by purchasing a PSN top-up card.
The online retailer is selling a £100 PlayStation Store top-up card for just £87.99. You can take advantage of the deal through this link.
After purchasing a top-up card from CD Keys, the retailer will send you a link with the code that can redeemed on the PlayStation Store.
EA Sports FC 25's big new feature is 5v5 Rush, which is described as "a new way to play with friends in Football Ultimate Team, Clubs, and Kick-Off with small-sided gameplay".
"In Football Ultimate Team Rush, build your dream 5-a-side squad with up to three friends, each controlling your favourite Player Item."
Other new features include FC IQ, which is said to provide greater strategic control over teams, leading to more realistic collective movement.
Manager and Player Careers will also reportedly benefit from the ability to live out real-world storylines.
In the run up to launch, EA revealed the top 25 players based on their in-game stats. Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe tops the list with an overall rating of 91, followed by the Manchester City duo of Rodri and Erling Haaland, also with scores of 91.
