Do You Get EA FC for Free with EA Play Pro?
Yes, you effectively get access to EA FC with EA Play Pro – but with an important distinction. You don’t own the game outright, but rather receive a full, premium version as long as your EA Play Pro subscription is active. This includes all the features and benefits of the Ultimate Edition, and any bonuses that come with it. In essence, you’re subscribing to access the complete game experience.
Understanding EA Play Pro and EA FC Access
EA Play Pro is EA’s top-tier subscription service, designed to provide the most comprehensive access to their games. Unlike the standard EA Play subscription, which usually offers trials or a selection of games from a library, EA Play Pro grants you access to the premium versions of new EA titles upon release. For fans of football (soccer) gaming, this means gaining immediate access to EA FC (formerly known as FIFA).
How Does EA Play Pro Access Work?
When you subscribe to EA Play Pro, you can download and play the premium edition of EA FC. This version typically includes:
- The full game: Everything that’s included in the standard edition.
- Ultimate Edition content: This often contains in-game items, player packs, and other bonuses that enhance your Ultimate Team experience.
- Exclusive Challenges: Pro members get access to challenges that will further improve their game experience.
- Early Access: Sometimes, EA Play Pro subscribers can play new games a few days before their official release.
As long as your subscription is active, you can continue to play the game. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll lose access to EA FC until you either renew your EA Play Pro membership or purchase the game separately.
Ownership vs. Access
The key difference is ownership. With a traditional purchase, you own a copy of the game outright (whether digital or physical). With EA Play Pro, you’re paying for the right to access and play the game. Think of it like renting a movie versus buying it. Renting lets you watch it for a limited time, while buying gives you permanent access.
This can be a beneficial option for players who are primarily interested in playing the game for a specific period, such as a season or a year. It also allows you to try the game without committing to a full purchase.
Cost Considerations
Before subscribing to EA Play Pro solely for EA FC, it’s crucial to compare the cost of the subscription against the purchase price of the game. If you plan to play the game for an extended period, purchasing the game outright may be the more economical choice in the long run. However, if you enjoy playing multiple EA titles, the EA Play Pro subscription can offer great value, as it includes access to a wide range of games in addition to EA FC.
Benefits Beyond EA FC
EA Play Pro isn’t just about EA FC. The subscription offers a range of additional benefits:
- Access to a vast library of EA games: You can play other popular titles like Madden NFL, Battlefield, Need for Speed, and The Sims 4.
- Discounts on digital purchases: As an EA Play Pro member, you receive a discount on digital purchases of EA games, DLC, and in-game content.
- Exclusive in-game rewards: Get access to member-only content and challenges in various EA games.
These additional perks make EA Play Pro a compelling option for gamers who frequently play EA titles.
Is EA Play Pro Right for You?
Deciding whether EA Play Pro is the right choice depends on your gaming habits and preferences. Consider these factors:
- How frequently do you play EA games? If you only play EA FC, purchasing the game may be more cost-effective.
- Do you enjoy trying new games? EA Play Pro provides access to a large library, allowing you to explore different titles.
- Are you interested in the premium editions of EA games? The Pro subscription unlocks the Ultimate Editions of new releases, which offer exclusive content.
- Do you like playing multiple EA games? If you play other EA Sports titles like Madden and NHL, the subscription provides excellent value.
- How often do you upgrade your version of EA FC? If you buy the newest version of EA FC every year, then EA Play Pro becomes very economical.
By weighing these factors, you can determine whether EA Play Pro aligns with your gaming needs and budget.
EA Play vs. EA Play Pro: A Comparison
It’s important to distinguish between EA Play and EA Play Pro. While both subscriptions offer access to EA games, they differ significantly in their features and benefits:
| Feature | EA Play | EA Play Pro |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ——————————————————————————— | ————————————————————————— |
| Access to new games | Limited trials (usually 10 hours) | Full access to the premium editions of new releases |
| Game Library | A selection of EA titles | A larger library of EA titles, including premium versions |
| Discounts | 10% discount on digital purchases | 10% discount on digital purchases |
| In-game Rewards | Limited in-game rewards | Enhanced in-game rewards and exclusive content |
| Early Access | May offer early access to some games, but not always to the full game | Often provides early access to new games |
| EA FC Access | Trials of the game when they become available. | Full access to the premium versions of new games like EA FC |
As you can see, EA Play Pro offers a more comprehensive and rewarding experience for dedicated EA gamers.
Conclusion
In summary, while EA Play Pro doesn’t give you free EA FC in the sense of outright ownership, it does provide full access to the game, including all the bells and whistles of the Ultimate Edition, for as long as your subscription is active. It’s a cost-effective way to experience EA FC and other EA games, especially if you’re a frequent player. Weigh the benefits and costs against your gaming habits to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding EA Play Pro and access to EA FC:
1. What exactly is EA Play Pro?
EA Play Pro is a premium subscription service offered by Electronic Arts (EA). It provides subscribers with full access to the premium versions of new EA games upon release, along with a library of other EA titles, discounts on digital purchases, and exclusive in-game rewards.
2. How is EA Play Pro different from regular EA Play?
EA Play offers limited trials of new games and access to a smaller library of titles. EA Play Pro provides full access to the premium editions of new games, a larger library, and more exclusive benefits. With EA Play Pro, you get the Ultimate Edition of EA FC.
3. Can I play EA FC as soon as it’s released with EA Play Pro?
Yes, EA Play Pro subscribers typically get access to the full premium edition of EA FC on or even before its official release date.
4. Do I keep EA FC if I cancel my EA Play Pro subscription?
No, if you cancel your EA Play Pro subscription, you will lose access to EA FC and any other games you downloaded through the service. You will need to either renew your subscription or purchase the game separately to continue playing.
5. What happens to my Ultimate Team progress if I cancel my subscription and resubscribe later?
Your Ultimate Team progress is generally tied to your EA account, so it should be retained if you resubscribe to EA Play Pro later. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your data if possible, just to be safe.
6. Does EA Play Pro include all DLC for EA FC?
The premium edition of EA FC included with EA Play Pro often includes some DLC content, such as player packs and in-game items. However, it may not include all future DLC releases. You may need to purchase additional DLC separately.
7. How much does EA Play Pro cost?
The cost of EA Play Pro varies depending on your region and subscription length (monthly or annual). Check the EA website or your platform’s store for current pricing.
8. Can I subscribe to EA Play Pro on all platforms?
EA Play Pro is currently available on PC only. EA Play, the standard subscription, is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
9. Is it cheaper to buy EA FC or subscribe to EA Play Pro?
This depends on how long you plan to play the game and whether you play other EA titles. If you only play EA FC for a short time, EA Play Pro may be more cost-effective. If you play for an extended period or enjoy multiple EA games, purchasing the game outright or getting a standard EA Play membership may be better. It may be more cost effective to subscribe to EA Play Pro and get the newest version every year without having to repurchase the game.
10. Do I get a discount on EA FC if I’m an EA Play Pro subscriber?
Yes, EA Play Pro subscribers receive a 10% discount on digital purchases, including EA FC, as well as other DLC or in-game purchases.
11. Can I share my EA Play Pro subscription with family members?
No, EA Play Pro subscriptions are typically tied to a single EA account and cannot be shared with family members.
12. What other games are included in EA Play Pro besides EA FC?
EA Play Pro includes a wide range of EA games, such as Madden NFL, Battlefield, Need for Speed, The Sims 4, and many more. The library is constantly updated with new additions.
13. How often does the EA Play Pro game library change?
EA regularly updates the EA Play Pro game library, adding and sometimes removing titles. Check the EA website or EA Play app for the most up-to-date list of available games.
14. Can I try EA Play Pro before committing to a subscription?
EA may occasionally offer free trial periods or promotions for EA Play Pro. Keep an eye on their website or social media channels for announcements.
15. Does EA Play Pro offer early access to other EA Sports games besides EA FC?
Yes, EA Play Pro subscribers often receive early access to other EA Sports titles, such as Madden NFL and NHL. The exact timing and duration of early access may vary.