FIFA 21 does not support cross-play, even within the same console family

EA has clarified that FIFA 21 won’t support cross-play on any platform.

With the arrival of PS5 and Xbox Series X, many publishers are hoping to keep their players together by allowing cross-play within the same console family, even if traditional cross-play isn’t supported.

Unfortunately, this isn’t what FIFA 21 will be doing. EA has confirmed that the game does not support cross-play with any of its modes, even within the same console family.

The publisher was asked specifically, through its FIFA Direct Twitter account, whether someone who buys the game on PS5 will be able to play with their friends on PS4, or whether Xbox Series X players will be able to join friends’ games on Xbox One. The answer was no.

“You won’t be able to play across console generations or cross-play in FIFA 21,” EA said. “However, you will be able to carry over your [FIFA Ultimate Team] progression from PS4 to PS5 and Xbox [One] to Xbox Series X.”

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This is particularly disappointing news, as the idea of cross-gen cross-play has been practically expected from most games with online or co-op modes. It also makes the decision to get a next-gen console less enticing, if it means leaving behind everyone who hasn’t.

The good news, at least, is that owners of the game on PS4 and Xbox One will get a free upgrade on PS5 and Xbox Series X, provided they make the transition before October 2021.

EA recently revealed the FIFA 21 Ultimate Team Icons list. FIFA 21 is out October 9 on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Switch.