EA SPORTS FC 27 launches 25 September 2026, with early access from 18 September for Ultimate editions. Every platform, what The Grounds and FC 27 Lite are, and how to top up your store balance before kick-off.
EA FC 27 Is Here: Release Date, Platforms, Early Access and What’s New
EA FC 27 Is Here: Release Date, Platforms, Early Access and What’s New
EA SPORTS FC 27 is here. Ultimate and Ultimate Plus players have been on the pitch since 18 September 2026, and the worldwide launch lands on Friday 25 September 2026 — on more platforms than any FC before it, including Nintendo Switch 2 and the Epic Games Store.
This page is the short version: when you can play, what you can play it on, what is actually new this year, and how to get your store balance ready. If you are still choosing between editions, we compare all three in detail separately.
When can you play FC 27?
Worldwide launch: Friday 25 September 2026. Standard Edition players start here, and so does everyone on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 and the Epic Games Store.
Early access: from 18 September 2026 — up to seven days before launch. Early access comes with the Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Plus Edition only. The Standard Edition does not include it.
If you bought an Ultimate edition, you are already playing. If you did not, 25 September 2026 is your day.
Every platform FC 27 is on
FC 27 is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Two things worth knowing before you buy. The Ultimate Plus Edition is not available on Nintendo platforms or the Epic Games Store. And if you own the game on last-gen, you can upgrade your copy from PS4 to PS5, or from Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S, at no extra cost.
One mode is not on every machine: The Grounds is available only on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
FC 27 Lite: play some of it for free
EA is also releasing EA SPORTS FC 27 Lite — a free-to-download preview of the game, available at launch. It gives you select game modes, such as Kick-Off, and you can upgrade to the full game at any time.
If you are undecided, or you want to try the new gameplay before paying, Lite is the no-risk way in.
What’s actually new this year
The headline changes we have covered in detail elsewhere:
- A two-stage Icon system — the Class of ’27 arrives as Debut cards rated 85–86 and upgrades to Champion cards rated 89–91. Those 89–91 headlines are not what you get on day one, which trips up a lot of buyers.
- A rebuilt PC version with a four-tier official spec table, a VRAM indicator, Performance and Balanced presets, and roughly 50% faster Steam launch.
- Gameplay changes made after the closed beta, based on what players fed back.
- 20,689 players in the ratings database, which you can search, sort and compare with our free tools.
Getting your balance ready
FC Points, Ultimate Team content and the game itself are all bought through your platform’s own store, and those stores run on store credit. A gift card is the straightforward way to load it — no card details on the console, no subscription, and it works if the account is not yours to put a bank card on.
Codes are region-locked, so buy the card for the same country as the account you are topping up. Pick your platform:
FC 27 launch: your questions answered
Is EA FC 27 out now?
The worldwide launch is Friday 25 September 2026. Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Plus Edition players have had early access since 18 September 2026, up to seven days before launch.
Is FIFA 27 the same game as EA FC 27?
Yes. EA ended its FIFA branding after FIFA 23, and the series is now called EA SPORTS FC. Many people still search for “FIFA 27”, but the game is EA SPORTS FC 27.
How do I get early access to FC 27?
Early access comes with the Ultimate Edition or Ultimate Plus Edition. The Standard Edition does not include it, and early access cannot be bought separately after launch.
Can I play FC 27 on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. FC 27 is on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Note that the Ultimate Plus Edition is not sold on Nintendo platforms, and The Grounds mode is on Switch 2 but not the original Switch.
Do I have to buy the game twice to upgrade from PS4 to PS5?
No. You can upgrade your copy from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, or from Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S, at no additional cost.
What is FC 27 Lite?
A free-to-download preview of FC 27, available at launch. It includes select game modes such as Kick-Off, and you can upgrade to the full game at any time.
Keep reading
- FC 27 editions compared: Standard vs Ultimate vs Ultimate Plus
- FC 27 Icons: the Class of ’27, Debut and Champion ratings
- FC 27 PC requirements: can your PC run it?
- FC 27 player ratings database
- FC 27 wonderkids: the best young players
Written by
Conor Byrne
