FIFA 23 is almost here, and players will be eager to get their hands on the new instalment from EA Sports. We have all the info you need on the FIFA 23 release date, the future of the franchise, and the new features we can expect in the game.
We'll be regularly updating this article, as well as bringing you updates on site on player ratings and new features, so you won't miss a beat of FIFA 23 news.
FIFA 23 Release Date: All the info you need
What is the FIFA 23 release date?
The release date for FIFA 23 will be Friday September 30th.
Last year, EA allowed three days of early access to the game for players who pre-ordered the ultimate edition, and they have done the same for this year's game. For this year's game, early access begins on September 27th 2022.
FIFA 23 will release on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia, and Nintendo Switch.
READ HERE: 14 Reasons Why FIFA 98: Road To The World Cup Was The Best Game Ever
How to play FIFA 23 early?
FIFA 23 is available for a 10-hour trial period for EA Play subscribers from September 27th 2022.
The early trial period for EA Play subscribers has come down significantly from the ten days offered for FIFA 22, but it nonetheless will give you a chance to get ahead of your competitors.
When will the first FIFA 23 trailer come out?
The first FIFA 23 trailer dropped in July, and showcases the game's updated HyperMotion technology.
Who will be on the cover of FIFA 23?
EA confirmed the cover stars of the game in July, with PSG frontman Kylian Mbappé and Chelsea star Sam Kerr gracing the box art of the game.
Presenting your #FIFA23 Cover Stars:@samkerr1 and @KMbappe ⭐️⭐️
Two phenomenal forces up front.
One ultimate strike partnership.
See the full reveal on July 20 ➡ https://t.co/yjXnlCteDR pic.twitter.com/oOWyqoqBzB— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) July 18, 2022
Will this be the last ever FIFA game?
FIFA 23 will be the last football game released by EA Sports under the "FIFA" name, but the game series will continue on.
Despite the organisation of FIFA withdrawing from their sponsorship deal with developers EA, the world's biggest leagues and clubs have already pledged their allegiance to the EA brand. This means that the game series will continue under the name "EA Sports FC" from 2023 onwards.
READ HERE: We Simulated The Next Decade On Football Manager 2020 And Irish Football Is Going To Be Okay
FIFA 23 player ratings
The full player ratings for FIFA 23 were revealed earlier this month, with five players tied as the highest ranked in the game..
The player ratings showcase the top players in the game, with the top ten being:
- Kylian Mbappé - 91
- Karim Benzema - 91
- Kevin de Bruyne - 91
- Robert Lewandowski - 91
- Lionel Messi - 91
- Thibaut Courtois - 90
- Cristiano Ronaldo - 90
- Mo Salah - 90
- Manuel Neuer - 90
- Virgil van Dijk - 90
The ratings mark the end of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's monopoly over the top-rated spot, with de Bruyne, Mbappé, Lewandowski, and Benzema joining Messi as the highest-rated players. Ronaldo drops from 93 on FIFA 22 to 90 on FIFA 23.
Other noteworthy ratings include Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane (both 89), and Erling Haaland (88).
In the women's ratings, Irish captain Katie McCabe has been given a seriously strong rating of 84, as she continues to impress with Arsenal. The list of highest ratings on the Irish men's team, however, make for tougher reading.
There have been plenty of other interesting groups noted from the player ratings so far, including the game's fastest players, and those with five-star skills.
What new features can we expect from FIFA 23?
28 May 2018; Kylian Mbappe of France in action against Alan Browne of Republic of Ireland during the International Friendly match between France and Republic of Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
The World Cup mode will make its return. Both the men's 2022 tournament in Qatar, and the women's 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand will be included - fingers crossed the Irish team will be present at the women's tournament.
The major new addition to the game is the inclusion of CrossPlay for the first ever time, allowing Xbox players to play against PlayStation players, and vice versa. This will be a game changer for friends who play on different consoles.
There are also major changes afoot for Ultimate Team. The chemistry system between players has been completely altered, in a game-changing move from EA Sports. Xabi Alonso is among the new players added to Ultimate Team's "Icons". You can read more about the Ultimate Team changes right here.
The developers have also added new features to Career Mode, allowing players to fill the role of real-world managers and play as the likes of Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola.
Some of the new features are sure to cause chaos among friends, none more so than the bizarre new slide tackle technique added to the game, and the "griddy" celebration.
SEE ALSO: FIFA 23: Kylian Mbappe Apparently Highest Rated Player
