FIFA 21 Won't Have Cross-Play, But You Can Carry Progress Over Between Gens

FIFA 21 is releasing this year as a cross-generation title, coming not only to the PS4 and Xbox One, but also the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The game, which has been largely developed under COVID-19 restrictions, will add new features and tweaks, as is standard--but it won't feature cross-play.

The FIFA Direct Communication Twitter account confirmed that you won't be able to play across consoles or generations, meaning that, for instance, PS5 players can't play against PS4 players. Whichever console you play the game on, your online opponents will be limited to whoever else is playing on that console.

Progression, however, will carry across--at least in the FIFA Ultimate Team mode. Start the game on this current gen and you'll be able to continue your Ultimate Team journey on your new system if you buy one.

If you buy the game for PS4 or Xbox One, you can get a free upgrade to the next-gen version once it releases. You'll need to stick to the same console manufacturer to get that upgrade, though--you can't upgrade from PS4 to Xbox Series X, for example.

The game launches on October 6 for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. The Switch version is a Legacy Edition, so don't expect any major steps forward from FIFA 18, the first Switch FIFA game.

We're still waiting for a full reveal of FIFA 21's modes, with EA Sports focusing on Madden NFL 21 in its marketing so far. In GameSpot's recent gameplay preview of FIFA 21, Richard Wakeling said that the game is shaping up well. "EA is set to reveal additional details about Volta, Ultimate Team, and a revitalized Career Mode as it gears up for FIFA 21's launch, but as far as the on-pitch action is concerned, it doesn't look like we're in for a disappointment," he wrote.