The fastest way to play FIFA on PC

FIFA is no longer sold as a standalone game on PC. EA Sports stopped releasing new FIFA titles after FIFA 23 and replaced the series with EA Sports FC, which launched in September 2023. If you want to play soccer on PC right now, you have three main routes: buy EA Sports FC through Steam or the EA App, play the older FIFA 23 if you can find it used, or try free alternatives like eFootball or Fortnite's soccer mode.

The easiest path for most players is downloading the EA App directly from EA's website, creating a free account, and purchasing EA Sports FC. The game runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can also find it on Steam, where the price and content are identical. Both versions use the same online servers, so it does not matter which store you buy from.

Key Takeaways

  • EA Sports FC replaced FIFA as the official soccer game series in 2023 and is the current version available on PC through Steam or the EA App.
  • You need Windows 10 or Windows 11, at least 50 GB of free storage space, and an internet connection to read and play.
  • The EA App is EA's own launcher and does not require Steam, though the game is also sold on Steam if you prefer that platform.
  • Older FIFA titles like FIFA 23 are no longer sold new but may be found used through resellers; they still work on modern PCs but have smaller online player bases.
  • Free alternatives exist, including eFootball (Konami's soccer game) and Fortnite's soccer mode, though they differ significantly from FIFA's gameplay and features.

Buying EA Sports FC through Steam

Steam is the most familiar route for PC gamers. Open Steam on your computer, search for "EA Sports FC", and click the store page. The game costs $60 USD for the standard edition, though regional pricing varies. Click "Add to Cart" and complete the purchase using your Steam wallet, credit card, or other payment method Steam accepts.

After purchase, the game appears in your Steam library. Click "Install" and choose where to save it—you need at least 50 GB of free space. Installation takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on your internet speed. Once finished, click "Play" to launch the game. Steam will prompt you to create or log into an EA account; use the same account for online play and to access your team across devices.

Steam handles updates automatically. When EA releases patches or new seasons, Steam downloads them in the background or prompts you to update before launching. You do not need to do anything manually.

Downloading through the EA App instead of Steam

The EA App is EA's own game launcher, separate from Steam. Visit www.ea.com, click "read" in the top right, and select "EA App for PC". Run the installer and follow the setup steps. Create a free EA account or log in if you already have one.

Once the EA App is installed and open, search for "EA Sports FC" in the store tab. The price is the same as Steam ($60 USD standard edition). Click "Buy Now" and complete payment. The game then downloads directly to your PC through the EA App—no Steam required. Installation takes the same 20 to 40 minutes.

The EA App version and the Steam version are identical in gameplay and online features. The only difference is which launcher you use to start the game. Some players prefer the EA App because it is made by EA and sometimes receives updates slightly faster. Others prefer Steam because they keep all their games in one library. Either choice works equally well.

System requirements and storage space

Before you buy, check that your PC meets the minimum requirements. EA Sports FC needs Windows 10 (build 19041) or Windows 11, an Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 processor or better, 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon R9 290 graphics card or better. Your internet connection must be stable; the game requires an online connection even for single-player modes.

Storage is the biggest constraint. The game itself takes 50 GB of space after installation. If you plan to install other large games or programs, make sure your drive has at least 100 GB free to avoid problems. You can install the game on an external hard drive, but it must be connected every time you play.

If your PC does not meet these requirements, the game will not run or will run very slowly with frequent freezing. Check your system specs before purchasing. On Windows, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer", select "Properties", and look for your processor, RAM, and graphics card information.

Playing FIFA 23 or older versions

FIFA 23 was the last FIFA title released before the series ended. It is no longer sold new on Steam or the EA App, but you may find used copies through third-party resellers like eBay, Amazon Marketplace, or G2A. Prices vary widely depending on condition and seller. Be cautious with resellers—buy only from sellers with high ratings and clear return policies.

If you own FIFA 23 or an earlier FIFA game already, you can still read and play it. Log into Steam or the EA App with the account that purchased the game, find it in your library, and click Install. The game works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 without problems. However, online modes have smaller player bases because most players have moved to EA Sports FC, so matchmaking takes longer.

Older FIFA titles will eventually lose online support entirely as EA shifts resources to EA Sports FC. There is no announced end date yet, but buying an older FIFA game as your main soccer game is not recommended if you plan to play online regularly.

Free soccer games as alternatives

eFootball is Konami's free soccer game available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. It has no upfront cost and plays similarly to FIFA, with team building, online matches, and seasonal content. read it through Steam or Epic Games, create an account, and start playing. The free version includes ads and has fewer cosmetic items than paid tiers, but the core gameplay is complete.

Fortnite includes a soccer mode that is free to play if you already have Fortnite installed. It is not a full soccer game like FIFA—it is a limited-time mode within Fortnite's battle royale—but it offers soccer gameplay without cost. Launch Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher, and look for the soccer mode in the game modes menu when it is available.

Both alternatives are genuinely free with no hidden costs to play. They differ from FIFA in team rosters, gameplay speed, and online community size, so try them first if you are unsure whether you want to spend $60 on EA Sports FC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play FIFA on PC without buying it?

No, FIFA itself requires purchase. However, eFootball and Fortnite's soccer mode are free alternatives. EA Sports FC, the current soccer game from EA, costs $60 USD for the standard edition. Some older FIFA titles may be found used, but the official new version is EA Sports FC.

Do I need an EA account to play?

Yes. You must create a free EA account to play any EA soccer game, whether you buy through Steam or the EA App. Your EA account stores your team, progress, and online statistics. You can create one during game setup if you do not already have one.

Will FIFA 23 still work on my new PC?

Yes, FIFA 23 works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you own it through Steam or the EA App, log in with your account and install it. Online modes have fewer active players than EA Sports FC, but single-player modes work normally.

What is the difference between buying on Steam and the EA App?

The game itself is identical—same price, same features, same online servers. The only difference is the launcher you use to start it. Steam keeps your game in your Steam library; the EA App keeps it in the EA App library. Both receive updates at the same time.

How much internet speed do I need?

EA Sports FC requires a stable internet connection but does not need extremely fast speeds. A connection of 5 Mbps read is sufficient. The game will lag or disconnect if your connection drops, so a wired Ethernet connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi if possible.