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Can Origin and Steam Players Play FIFA 22 Together? The Definitive Guide

Yes, Origin and Steam players can play FIFA 22 together! While it might seem complex with different platforms and accounts involved, Electronic Arts (EA) designed FIFA 22 to allow cross-platform play between these two PC platforms. This article will dive into the intricacies of connecting your accounts, setting up the game, and addressing some common questions to ensure you can enjoy FIFA 22 with your friends, regardless of whether they purchased the game on Steam or Origin.

Linking Your Accounts for Seamless Gameplay

The key to playing FIFA 22 together across Steam and Origin lies in linking your accounts. This process essentially tells EA that you are the same person on both platforms, granting you access to the same online services and enabling cross-platform gameplay. Here’s how to connect them:

Sign in to Steam: Launch the Steam application and log in to your account.
Launch FIFA 22 from Steam: Find FIFA 22 in your Steam library and click “Play”.
Install Origin (if needed): If you don’t already have Origin (now the EA app) installed, Steam will prompt you to download and install it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Origin/EA App Launch and Account Linking: Once Origin/the EA app is installed, it will launch automatically. You’ll be prompted to link your Steam account to your EA Account.
Log in to Your EA Account: Enter your EA Account email address and password. If you don’t have an EA Account, you can create one directly through the Origin/EA app interface.
Confirmation: After logging in, you’ll receive a confirmation message indicating that your Steam account has been successfully linked to your EA Account.

Once this process is complete, FIFA 22 will recognize your linked accounts, allowing you to play online with friends regardless of whether they purchased the game on Steam or Origin.

Understanding Cross-Play Limitations in FIFA 22

While Origin and Steam players can play together on PC, it’s crucial to understand FIFA 22’s cross-play limitations compared to later iterations of the game. FIFA 22 only allows cross-play within the same platform generation. This means:

PC (Steam & Origin) players can play together.
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One players can play together.
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players can play together.

However, there is no cross-play between different console generations (e.g., PS4 players cannot play with PS5 players) or between PC and consoles. This is an important distinction, as the full-scale cross-play seen in later FIFA titles (and now EA Sports FC) was not yet implemented in FIFA 22.

Verifying Your Connection and Troubleshooting

After linking your accounts, it’s always good practice to verify the connection and troubleshoot any potential issues. Here are a few things you can check:

EA Account Settings: Log in to your EA Account on the EA website and verify that your Steam account is listed under your “Connected Accounts” section.
Firewall and Antivirus: Ensure that your firewall and antivirus software aren’t blocking FIFA 22 or Origin/EA app. Add exceptions for both programs to ensure smooth connectivity.
Game Updates: Make sure both FIFA 22 and the Origin/EA app are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
Network Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for online gameplay. Test your connection speed and ensure you have a reliable connection.

If you’re still experiencing problems, consult EA’s support website or community forums for further assistance. They often have detailed troubleshooting guides and solutions to common issues.

FIFA 22 and the Broader Context of Cross-Play

The introduction of cross-play in FIFA marked a significant step forward for the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole. It reflects a growing trend towards breaking down platform barriers and fostering more inclusive gaming communities. Learning more about game design and the evolution of cross-play features can be fascinating, and resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can provide valuable insights into the intersection of games, learning, and social interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing FIFA 22 across Origin and Steam:

Do I need an Origin account if I buy FIFA 22 on Steam?
- Yes, you need an Origin (now EA app) account. Even if you purchase FIFA 22 on Steam, the game still requires the Origin/EA app platform to launch and connect to EA’s servers for online play.
Is FIFA 22 cross-platform between PC and consoles?
- No, FIFA 22 does not offer cross-platform play between PC and consoles. PC players (whether on Steam or Origin) can only play with other PC players.
How do I invite a friend to play FIFA 22 if they’re on Origin and I’m on Steam?
- After linking your accounts, you can add your friend as an EA friend through the Origin/EA app. Once you’re friends, you can invite them to a match within the FIFA 22 game.
Can I transfer my FIFA 22 progress between Steam and Origin?
- Yes, since your game progress is tied to your EA Account, you can access your progress on either Steam or Origin as long as your accounts are linked.
What if I have trouble linking my Steam and Origin accounts?
- First, double-check that you are using the correct login credentials for both accounts. If you’re still having issues, contact EA Support for assistance.
Does FIFA 22 have cross-progression?
- FIFA 22 will not support any cross-progression across platforms.
Is FIFA 22 free with EA Play on Steam or Origin?
- Yes, FIFA 22 is available to play for free with an EA Play subscription on both Steam and Origin.
Why can’t I find my friend in FIFA 22 even though we’re both on PC?
- Make sure you’ve both added each other as EA friends through the Origin/EA app. Also, verify that your privacy settings allow friends to find you.
Can I disable cross-play in FIFA 22?
- Since FIFA 22 only allows cross-play between PC players, disabling cross-play wouldn’t affect your ability to play with friends on either Steam or Origin.
Do I need to purchase FIFA 22 separately on Steam and Origin?
- No, you only need to purchase FIFA 22 on one platform (either Steam or Origin). Once your accounts are linked, you can launch the game from either platform.
If I buy FIFA 22 on Steam, will it automatically install Origin/EA app?
- Yes, Steam will prompt you to install Origin/the EA app if it’s not already installed on your computer. This is a necessary step to play FIFA 22.
Are there any regional restrictions for cross-play between Steam and Origin?
- Generally, there are no regional restrictions for cross-play within PC platforms. However, ensure that both you and your friend are in a region where FIFA 22 is available.
What happens if I unlink my Steam and Origin accounts?
- If you unlink your accounts, you will lose the ability to play FIFA 22 online with friends on the other platform. You’ll need to relink the accounts to restore cross-play functionality.
Is FIFA 22 still accessible?
- While some players opt for a hard-copy of the game, many choose to download the refreshed edition through a digital store.
If I am an EA play Pro subscriber, will I have access to the game without purchasing it?
- As long as you are a member of EA Play Pro subscription, you will have access to the game via the subscription without having to buy the game separately.

Conclusion

Playing FIFA 22 with friends across Steam and Origin is entirely possible with the proper account linking and a basic understanding of the game’s cross-play limitations. By following the steps outlined in this guide and addressing any potential issues, you can enjoy countless hours of online matches with your friends, regardless of which platform they use. Remember to keep your game and platform clients updated and check your firewall settings if you encounter any connectivity problems. Enjoy your FIFA 22 experience!

Can Origin and Steam play together FIFA 22?