What’s the best way to play FIFA 22? Clearly a next-gen console is desirable, but is it possible to avoid paying ‘full price’ for the new game and use a subscription to EA Play or Xbox Game Pass? Here’s everything you need to know.
Is FIFA 22 on EA Play at launch?
The short answer? No. The longer answer? It’s complicated.
Subscribers to EA Play can get ‘early access’ to the game from now until the game’s official launch on October 1st, but you can only play for 10 hours. After that, the game is locked and you’ll have to pay full price.
People who buy the Ultimate Edition of the game can start playing without limitations from September 27th, while anyone who buys the Standard Edition can get involved from October 1st onwards.
So, if you don’t fancy shelling out for the Ultimate Edition, EA Play is a good way to get a taste of the new game, but you’ll still have to pay eventually.
All that said, the game will eventually come to EA Play for real, you’ll just have to wait a while.
FIFA 22 EA Play Release Date
While there’s no official FIFA 22 release date for EA Play, previous versions of the game have generally come to the service in the May after the release of the game, so we can assume FIFA 22 will come to EA Play in May 2022.
Interestingly, notable FIFA leakers have suggested that this might be the last game in the series that is a ‘paid for’ game, suggesting it could go free-to-play for FIFA 23.
Will FIFA 22 launch on Xbox Game Pass?
EA Play games are available on some tiers of Xbox Game Pass, so the same mostly applies to Game Pass: if you want to play FIFA 22 on Game Pass, you’ll probably have to wait until May 2022 for its release.
However, EA Play games are only available on Game Pass Ultimate (£10.99 per month) and Game Pass for PC (£7.99 per month). The standard tier of Game Pass on consoles (£7.99 per month) doesn’t include EA Play.
EA Play Member Benefits in FIFA 22
Finally, while you can’t play FIFA 22 on EA Play after the 10-hour early access expires, there are a smattering of benefits you get from being a member.
- Early access to Ultimate Team objectives
- XP Boosts during the Ultimate Team season
- Exclusive kits and stadium items
- 10% discount on FIFA Points
- VOLTA Apparel Set
We’ll let you decide if these are worth the £19.99 annual subscription.
