Can You Play FIFA 23 Before Release Date? Unlocking Early Access

Yes, you could play FIFA 23 before its official release date, but this required specific actions prior to launch. The primary ways to gain early access involved pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition of the game or subscribing to EA Play. Let’s dive into the details of how this worked.

Understanding FIFA 23 Early Access Options

Pre-Ordering the Ultimate Edition

One surefire method to jump into the virtual pitch early was by pre-ordering the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition. Those who opted for this version gained access to the game up to three days before the standard edition’s release on September 30, 2022. This early access typically went live at midnight local time on each respective platform’s store (Xbox, PlayStation, and PC). The Ultimate Edition also came packed with other perks, making it an attractive option for dedicated FIFA players.

Leveraging EA Play

Another avenue to explore FIFA 23 early was through an EA Play subscription. Members of EA Play could access a 10-hour trial of the game a few days before the official launch. This trial provided a significant head start, allowing players to explore various game modes like Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs, and VOLTA FOOTBALL. The great thing about this option was that any progress made during the trial carried over to the full game if you decided to purchase it. If you wanted to explore how gaming can contribute to learning and education, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

The New Zealand Trick (Sometimes!)

In the past, a trick involving changing your console’s region to New Zealand was rumored to grant early access due to time zone differences. However, this method’s effectiveness often varied and wasn’t a guaranteed way to play before the official release in your region.

What About EA Play Pro?

For PC gamers, there was also the EA Play Pro subscription. Unlike standard EA Play, EA Play Pro offered unlimited access to the full version of FIFA 23 from the early access date. This meant no 10-hour limit, allowing for unrestricted gameplay.

Preparing for Early Access

To make the most of your early access, pre-loading the game was essential. This allowed you to start playing the moment the early access period began, without wasting time on downloads. Whether you pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition or planned to use EA Play, ensure you had the game pre-loaded onto your console or PC.

FIFA 23 Early Access: A Summary

In summary, securing early access to FIFA 23 involved either purchasing the Ultimate Edition or subscribing to EA Play (or EA Play Pro for PC). Each option offered unique benefits, catering to different player preferences. Now, let’s tackle some common questions about FIFA 23 and early access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About FIFA 23 Early Access

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about FIFA 23 early access:

1. How early could you play FIFA 23 with the Ultimate Edition?

   Pre-ordering the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition granted you up to three days of early access before the standard edition release.

2. What was the FIFA 23 early access release date?

   The FIFA 23 early access release date was September 27, 2022, for Ultimate Edition pre-orders and EA Play Pro subscribers. The EA Play 10-hour trial sometimes started on September 26.

3. What time did FIFA 23 early access go live?

   Early access typically went live at midnight local time on the respective platform’s store (Xbox, PlayStation, PC).

4. Did the standard edition of FIFA 23 get early access?

   No, early access was not available for the standard edition of FIFA 23. It was exclusive to the Ultimate Edition and EA Play/EA Play Pro members.

5. How long was the FIFA 23 EA Play trial?

   The FIFA 23 EA Play trial offered 10 hours of gameplay.

6. Did progress from the EA Play trial carry over to the full game?

   Yes, any progress you made during the EA Play trial carried over to the full game if you purchased it.

7. Could you play the full version of FIFA 23 with EA Play?

   No, standard EA Play only provided a 10-hour trial. To access the full game, you needed to upgrade to EA Play Pro (on PC).

8. What did the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition include besides early access?

   The Ultimate Edition typically included various in-game bonuses, such as FIFA Points, Team of the Week players, and other Ultimate Team enhancements.

9. Did the New Zealand trick work for FIFA 23 early access?

   The effectiveness of the New Zealand trick was often inconsistent and not guaranteed.

10. Was FIFA 23 worth buying?

    Whether FIFA 23 was “worth it” depended on individual preferences. For dedicated FIFA players, the new gameplay approaches and features might have justified the purchase. However, casual players might have found the differences from FIFA 22 insignificant.

11. How did you preload FIFA 23 for early access?

    You preloaded FIFA 23 through the Xbox Store, PlayStation Store, or Origin/EA app on PC, depending on your platform.

12. Can you still play FIFA 23 now?

    Yes, you can still play FIFA 23, but it’s no longer the latest installment in the series. EA Sports FC 24 is now available.

13. What is EA Sports FC 24?

    EA Sports FC 24 is the latest football game from EA, formerly known as FIFA. The name changed after EA and FIFA ended their licensing agreement.

14. How can you get early access to EA Sports FC 24?

    Similar to FIFA 23, you could get early access to EA Sports FC 24 by pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition or subscribing to EA Play.

15. Is FIFA 23 the same as EA Sports FC 24?

    No, FIFA 23 and EA Sports FC 24 are different games. EA Sports FC 24 represents the beginning of a new era for EA’s football franchise after their partnership with FIFA ended. Consider exploring the educational side of gaming through organizations like GamesLearningSociety.org.