EA Sports FC 27 launches worldwide today with a free "Lite" version and a US$2.5 million FC Pro season

EA Sports FC 27 is out worldwide today, Friday, 25 September. Players who bought the Ultimate Edition have had early access since 18 September, and the standard edition now unlocks for everyone else. EA's launch notes say the exact time depends on the platform, with the rollout running over 24 and 25 September.

There is also a free option this year: FC 27 Lite.

What's in FC 27 Lite

EA's help pages describe FC 27 Lite as "a free-to-download, limited version" of the game. It includes:

• Kick-Off, with a limited choice of teams and variants such as House Rules and Rush 3v3
• Learn to Play
• Online Friendlies and Online Seasons

The first rotation of teams is Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea's women's team and OL Lyonnes. The Grounds, Ultimate Team and Manager Career are not included. FC 27 Lite needs an internet connection at all times. Progress carries over if you upgrade on the same EA account and platform. It is available on PlayStation, Xbox, the EA app, Steam and the Epic Games Store.

The main new features

Kylian Mbappé is on the standard edition cover. The Ultimate Plus edition shows Mbappé with Jude Bellingham. EA Vancouver and EA Romania developed the game. Wikipedia's summary lists more than 21,000 players, 800-plus clubs and 35 leagues.

The biggest addition is The Grounds, an open-world social hub with three districts. Alex Hunter, Mbappé, Chloe Kelly and Paulo Dybala appear there as mentors. It is only available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.

Career Mode has a rebuilt transfer market and ratings that change during the season. EA's 14 September launch update lists these Ultimate Team changes:

• Champions, Rivals and Squad Battles now pay out more coins than the usual 500–600 per match. EA says Champions and Rivals give "several times more Coins."
• More rewards are tradeable, so players get more use out of the Transfer Market.
• Each item can now have up to three PlayStyles+, down from five.
• ICONs now add +1 to nation chemistry instead of +2, and Heroes add +1 to league chemistry instead of +2.
• New ICONs include Kaká, Alessandro Del Piero, Raúl, Robin van Persie and Antonio Di Natale.

Ones to Watch runs until 22 October. The Destined for Glory campaign starts today, and its cards upgrade based on how the players perform in real domestic leagues.

The esports angle

FC Pro 27, EA's official competitive circuit, is already running. The FC Pro Open Ladder started on 21 September and ends on 3 October. From there, 1,376 players move on to Regional Qualifiers, 52 to a Global Qualifier in London, and 16 to the FC Pro Open live event.

The total prize pool is US$2.5 million, with US$1 million for the World Championship. That event has 36 players, who are seeded into six pools. The top 24 go through to the knockout rounds. EA's deep dive says only PlayStation 5 players can advance from the Ladder. Xbox players earn in-game rewards only.

The World Championship trophy has been renamed after Diogo Jota, the late Liverpool and Portugal forward.

Malaysia is part of today's worldwide release. South Korea, Vietnam and China get the game later, in October.

Key takeaways

• FC 27 launches worldwide on 25 September. Ultimate Edition early access started on 18 September.
• FC 27 Lite is a free, online-only version with Kick-Off, Online Seasons and a rotating set of teams.
• Ultimate Team pays more coins, has more tradeable rewards, and caps PlayStyles+ at three per item.
• FC Pro 27 has a US$2.5 million prize pool, and its Open Ladder runs until 3 October.

FAQ

Is FC 27 Lite free? Yes. It is free to download, but it only includes some modes and some teams, and you need to stay online.

Can I carry my FC 27 Lite progress into the full game? Yes, if you upgrade on the same EA account and the same platform.

Can Xbox players qualify through the FC Pro 27 Open Ladder? No. EA says only PS5 players can advance from the Ladder. Xbox players get in-game rewards.

Sources: EA Sports (official site and help centre), EA FC Pro, Wikipedia, Footy Headlines, Operation Sports