Can You Play EA FC 24 Cross Gen? The Definitive Guide
The short and direct answer is: No, you cannot play EA FC 24 (formerly FIFA) across different console generations. This means that if you are on a PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X/S, or PC, you can only play with other players on those platforms. Similarly, if you are on a PlayStation 4 (PS4) or Xbox One, you are restricted to playing with others on those respective older-generation consoles. There is no cross-play functionality between these two groups. This approach to crossplay is consistent with how the feature was implemented in previous versions like FIFA 23. This article delves deeper into the complexities of cross-platform play for EA FC 24, addressing common questions and providing all the information you need.
Understanding Crossplay in EA FC 24
Same-Generation Crossplay
EA FC 24 does offer crossplay, but only within specific groupings based on console generations. This means players on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC can all play together seamlessly, forming one cohesive crossplay pool. Likewise, players on PS4 and Xbox One can also play together, creating a separate crossplay pool for older-generation consoles. These two groups cannot interact with each other online.
Why No Cross-Generation Play?
The decision to restrict crossplay between console generations primarily stems from differences in gameplay mechanics and performance capabilities. The current-gen versions (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) of the game utilize advanced features, better animations, and more detailed player models, leading to different game experiences compared to their old-gen counterparts (PS4, Xbox One). This means that if players from the different generations were to play together, it could create an unfair advantage. These enhancements impact gameplay fluidity and overall interaction, which would cause inconsistencies if players from both generations played against each other.
Impact on Game Modes
While EA FC 24 doesn’t support cross-generation play, you can enjoy crossplay within same-generation platforms across various game modes. This includes:
- Ultimate Team: Play matches and trade with players within your console generation.
- Online Friendlies: Match up with friends across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, or similarly, PS4 and Xbox One.
- Clubs (formerly Pro Clubs): Team up with players on your own generation of hardware.
- Online Seasons: Compete against other players within your platform group.
EA FC 24: A Rebrand of FIFA
It’s essential to note that EA FC 24 is the first game in the series after EA Sports and FIFA ended their 20-year partnership. However, despite the name change, many aspects of the gameplay remain consistent. The introduction of crossplay in the later FIFA titles was a significant community request, which EA continues to honor by offering cross-platform play within each generation, even after the rebrand. Crossplay is not new to the game, but continues to be implemented with the same limitations.
FAQs About EA FC 24 Crossplay
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help further clarify crossplay in EA FC 24:
1. Can PS4 players play with PS5 players on EA FC 24?
No, PS4 players cannot play with PS5 players in EA FC 24. Crossplay is limited to the same console generation, meaning PS4 players can only play with other PS4 users, and PS5 players can only play with other PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC users.
2. Can Xbox One players play with Xbox Series X/S players?
No, similar to PlayStation, Xbox One players cannot play with Xbox Series X/S players. They must play within their own generation.
3. Can PC players play with PlayStation players?
Yes, PC players can play with PS5 players and Xbox Series X/S players, as they are all grouped into the same current-gen crossplay pool.
4. Can PC players play with Xbox One players?
No, PC players cannot play with Xbox One players. PC players are on the newer-gen crossplay group with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
5. Is crossplay available in all game modes in EA FC 24?
Crossplay is generally available in most online modes including Ultimate Team, Online Friendlies, Clubs, and Online Seasons, within the same console generation pool.
6. Can you trade on the transfer market with players on a different generation?
No, while you can trade within Ultimate Team, this is only available for players on the same-generation of hardware. For example, PS5 users can only trade on the transfer market with other PS5 users, or other users that have access to the “current-gen” version of the game.
7. Does EA FC 24 support cross-progression?
No, unfortunately, EA FC 24 does not support cross-progression across different console generations. Your progress and items are bound to the platform and generation you play on.
8. Is EA FC 24 available on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, EA FC 24 is available on Nintendo Switch. However, crossplay is not available for Nintendo Switch players, and they can only play with other Nintendo Switch users. The Nintendo Switch version has been reported to be a “Legacy Edition” of the game, containing updated kits and roster, and missing any gameplay or engine upgrades.
9. Will the crossplay limitations change in future updates?
While anything is possible, EA has not indicated any immediate plans to implement cross-generation play. It seems that technical and gameplay differences are likely to keep these generation separate.
10. What if I own both PS4 and PS5 versions of EA FC 24?
You will have different save data and be playing in different crossplay pools. If you are playing the PS4 version, you will be playing with PS4 and Xbox One players. If playing the PS5 version, you will play with PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S players.
11. Why is crossplay not available between console generations?
As explained earlier, differences in gameplay, animations, and overall game engine advancements contribute to a different game experience between old-gen and current-gen consoles, which is why cross-generation play is not offered.
12. Does the new name, EA FC, affect crossplay?
No, the name change from FIFA to EA FC does not affect crossplay. It still functions as it did before, with crossplay between devices within the same generation of consoles.
13. If I purchase the PS5 version, can I still play with my friends on PS4?
No, if you purchase the PS5 version, you will only be able to play with other PS5, PC and Xbox Series X/S players, not with your friends playing the game on PS4.
14. Is gameplay better on the current-gen consoles?
Yes, most users find that gameplay is smoother, more responsive, and visually more appealing on the current-gen consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The Old-Gen versions are known to be different and play different to the new versions of the game.
15. Can I play Clubs with players on another console generation?
No, the Clubs (Pro Clubs) mode also follows the same-generation crossplay rule. You can only play clubs with players on your respective generation of consoles.
Conclusion
While EA FC 24 delivers a unified experience within console generations through crossplay, it’s crucial to understand that cross-generation play is not a feature that is currently available. When deciding on your gaming setup, take these limitations into consideration. For the most enhanced experience, current-gen platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC will offer the most features. Hopefully, this article has addressed any questions you might have had regarding cross-generation play in EA FC 24.