Table of Contents

Is FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition Worth the Extra Cost? A Deep Dive

The FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition offers a suite of advantages over the Standard Edition that cater specifically to dedicated players, particularly those invested in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) and those who want the flexibility of accessing the game across console generations. The core benefit boils down to a jumpstart in FUT, early access, and cross-gen compatibility, justifying the higher price tag for many hardcore FIFA enthusiasts. It gives you a significant head start building your dream team and lets you experience the game before the masses.

Decoding the Ultimate Edition Advantage

Let’s break down exactly what makes the Ultimate Edition the better choice for a specific type of player:

Dual Entitlement: This is huge for those planning a console upgrade. Buy the game once, and you can play it on both the previous and current generation consoles within the same family (e.g., PS4 and PS5, or Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S). This eliminates the need to purchase the game twice, saving you money in the long run if you are upgrading.
Early Access: The most appealing feature for die-hard fans! Getting your hands on the game three days early (typically) allows you to jump into FUT, start trading, and build your squad before the market is flooded. This early advantage can translate to significant in-game currency and a better team composition early on.
FUT Goodies: This is where the Ultimate Edition truly shines for FUT players. The included benefits can give you a massive head start in building your dream squad:
- 4600 FIFA Points (Now FC Points): These points are used to purchase packs in FUT, giving you a chance to pack high-rated players and valuable items. While pack luck is never guaranteed, these points provide a substantial resource injection early on.
- Team of the Week 1 Player Item: A guaranteed in-form player from the first Team of the Week. This is a valuable asset, especially early in the game cycle.
- FUT Hero Item: A unique item featuring a legendary player with boosted stats. These cards are often highly sought after and can significantly improve your squad.
- Other cosmetic bonuses: Typically includes kits, stadium items, and loan players to enhance the overall FUT experience
Career Mode Bonus: While FUT is the primary focus, the Ultimate Edition typically includes a Homegrown Talent with world-class potential in Career Mode. This gives you an instant star to develop and build your team around.

Who Should Buy the Ultimate Edition?

The Ultimate Edition isn’t for everyone. Here’s a quick guide:

Definitely Buy: If you’re a hardcore FUT player who spends a significant amount of time playing the game, aims to build a competitive team, and enjoys trading and pack openings. Also, buy if you plan to upgrade consoles during the year. The early access and FUT bonuses make it a worthwhile investment.
Consider Buying: If you enjoy FUT but play casually, the Standard Edition might suffice. However, if you’re tempted by the early access and extra FUT resources, the Ultimate Edition can still be a good option, especially if you find it on sale.
Don’t Buy: If you primarily play Career Mode or other offline modes, the Standard Edition is the better choice. The FUT bonuses won’t be relevant to your gameplay.

FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide more detail and clarity on the benefits, features, and implications of purchasing the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition:

1. What is Dual Entitlement in FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition?

Dual Entitlement allows you to play FIFA 23 on both PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 or Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S with a single purchase. This means you won’t have to buy the game twice if you upgrade your console.

2. How much earlier can I play FIFA 23 with the Ultimate Edition?

You typically get three days early access to the game with the Ultimate Edition compared to the standard release date. This grants you access to FIFA 23 from Tuesday, September 27, 2022 based on previous releases.

3. What are FC Points, and how many do I get with the Ultimate Edition?

FC Points (formerly known as FIFA Points) are the in-game currency used to purchase packs and other items in FIFA Ultimate Team. The Ultimate Edition typically includes 4600 FC Points.

4. What is a Team of the Week (TOTW) Player Item?

A Team of the Week Player Item features players who performed exceptionally well in real-world football matches. These players receive boosted stats in-game, making them valuable assets in FUT.

5. What is a FUT Hero Item?

FUT Hero Items celebrate legendary footballers from the past with special cards that often have unique chemistry links within FUT. These cards are highly sought after for their performance and nostalgia.

6. Can I upgrade from the Standard Edition to the Ultimate Edition after purchasing the Standard Edition?

No, there isn’t a direct upgrade path from the Standard Edition to the Ultimate Edition. If you want the Ultimate Edition benefits, you have to purchase that version separately.

7. Does the Ultimate Edition include both the men’s and women’s World Cup modes?

Yes, the Ultimate Edition includes the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments as post-release content updates. These updates feature authentic presentation, teams, and gameplay elements from the real-world tournaments.

8. What is a Homegrown Talent in Career Mode?

The Homegrown Talent is a young player with high potential that is automatically added to your youth academy in Career Mode when you start a new save with the Ultimate Edition. This player has the potential to become a world-class star.

9. Are there any exclusive game modes only available in the Ultimate Edition?

No, the Ultimate Edition does not unlock exclusive game modes. Its value lies in the extra content provided for FIFA Ultimate Team and Dual Entitlement.

10. Where can I buy the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition?

The FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition is available on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and through select retailers like Amazon. The price is typically higher than the Standard Edition.

11. Does the Ultimate Edition guarantee I’ll pack good players in FUT?

No, the Ultimate Edition does not guarantee packing high-rated players. Pack luck is random, and the contents of packs are based on probability. However, the extra FC Points increase your chances of getting valuable players.

12. What happens to the FC Points from the Ultimate Edition if I don’t use them immediately?

The FC Points from the Ultimate Edition remain in your account and can be used whenever you choose to purchase packs or items in FUT.

13. What is HyperMotion2 Technology, and does it affect the Ultimate Edition differently?

HyperMotion2 Technology is a gameplay enhancement that uses advanced motion capture data to create more realistic player movements and animations. This feature is available in both the Standard and Ultimate Editions on next-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC). The Ultimate Edition doesn’t offer any special HyperMotion2 enhancements over the Standard Edition.

14. Will my FIFA Ultimate Team progress transfer if I use Dual Entitlement to switch between console generations?

Yes, your FIFA Ultimate Team progress, including your team, coins, and items, is linked to your EA account and will transfer seamlessly between console generations when using Dual Entitlement.

15. Are there any educational benefits to playing FIFA 23, and how can I learn more about them?

While FIFA 23 is primarily a sports simulation game, there are elements that can contribute to learning and skill development. For example, understanding team management, strategy, and resource allocation in FIFA Ultimate Team can be transferable to real-world situations. For more information on the educational aspects of gaming, you can visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition provides significant advantages for avid FIFA Ultimate Team players, particularly those who want to get a head start in building their dream squad and have plans to play across different console generations. For casual players or those primarily interested in offline modes, the Standard Edition remains a more cost-effective option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual play style and goals within the game.

What is better about FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition?