The new soccer season has officially landed on just about every screen you own. EA Sports FC 27 is out today on consoles and PC, and the FC Mobile 27 season update is already live on Android with in-match tactics changes and a brand-new Gauntlet mode.
What's new on mobile
The headline addition for FC Mobile is Game Plans, which lets you switch your formation and mentality mid-match. There are five mentalities to choose from, ranging from Ultra Attacking to Ultra Defensive, and you can set up multiple plans to swap between as a game unfolds.
Game Plans work in Division Rivals head-to-head and selected PvE modes, though not in VSA or Manager Mode. Alongside it, EA has added the new Gauntlet mode, fresh PlayStyles like Incisive Through Pass, and a redesigned HUD and match presentation.
A month of anniversary events
FC Mobile is celebrating its third anniversary with a month-long event split across ten chapters. It brings back favorites from the past year, including Team of the Year upgrades, Team of the Season tag combos, and the Bernabéu stadium.
There's also a treat for MLS fans on October 10. Whitecaps vs LAFC will stream live inside the game's FCM TV portal, with in-game currency on offer for tuning in.
Why it matters
FC Mobile has always been the lighter sibling, and in-match tactical changes are exactly the kind of depth mobile players have been missing. Being able to shift to a defensive shape when you're protecting a late lead makes matches feel far closer to the console experience.
It also means you don't need a console to join in this season. Between the free FC Mobile and the new free FC 27 Lite, there are two zero-cost ways to get started.
What's new in FC 27
On consoles and PC, the big new addition is The Grounds, a social hub where you can jump into kickabouts, 1v1s, and Clubs matches with friends. EA calls it one of its biggest mode innovations in years.
Career Mode gets a rebuilt transfer market with active club bidding, performance and buy-back clauses, and player ratings that shift with form, morale, and fitness. Ultimate Team adds a new FUT Gallery for collecting past and present player items, while gameplay tweaks include dynamic corners and improved attacking awareness.
FC 27 Lite
FC 27 Lite is a free download that offers a cut-down taste of the full game. You're limited to Kick-Off, Learn to Play, Online Friendlies, and Online Seasons, but you can upgrade to the full game at any time on PlayStation, Xbox, the EA app, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
Platforms and availability
EA Sports FC 27 is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. EA Play members get a 10-hour trial with progress carrying over, plus 10% off digital purchases.
The game features more than 21,000 players across 800-plus clubs and national teams, 140 stadiums, and over 35 leagues. The soundtrack runs to 120 tracks from 36 nations and is already on Spotify.
Takeaway
On paper, this is a strong season for mobile players, with Game Plans adding real tactical depth to FC Mobile for the first time. It'll be interesting to see how well the new controls hold up on a touchscreen in tight matches, and whether The Grounds lives up to EA's big talk on consoles. For Android players, the update is free and live now, so there's very little reason not to jump in.
