Tomorrow, Electronic Arts will be releasing the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions of FIFA 21, and like many publishers, Electronic Arts will give free updates to those new versions for those who already own the game on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. Electronic Arts today outlined the process of updating to the next-generation versions of FIFA 21, along with instructions for digital and physical owners of the game.
Yes, you will still be able to upgrade to the next-gen version of FIFA 21 through a feature called “Dual Entitlement” by EA even if you own the game on the disk. Of course, you will be limited to upgrading within the same console family, so, for example, those who own the version of PlayStation 4 can only upgrade to the version of PlayStation 5.
In any event, as the next-gen versions of FIFA 21 come bundled with digital current-gen copies of the game, digital upgrades seem to be the easiest route by far. That means that when the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions go live tomorrow to download your copy, all you need to do is head to the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store.
You will still be able to download your next-gen copy of the game from the required digital store if you own a physical copy of FIFA 21, but you will need to have your original FIFA 21 disk on your console to play it. That will be a problem if you decide to upgrade to a discless next-gen console, either the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition or the Xbox Series S, as you may expect, but in that case you should go to the support site of EA to check your order and get on on your purchase for next-gen copy.
Some of the progress you’ve made in the current-gen version of FIFA 21 will transfer over to the next-gen version, but some won’t. EA says in a FAQ published today that all material and progress of FIFA 21 Ultimate Team and VOLTA FOOTBALL progress will move over but progress will not be made online seasons, Co-Op Seasons, Pro Clubs, and Career Mode. Just as well, even after updating your copy of FIFA 21, you are free to switch between current and next-gen consoles, so it may be worth hanging on to that PS4 or Xbox One even after purchasing its successor.
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One important thing to note is that this free update to the next-gen versions of FIFA 21 will only be available until next year’s FIFA 22 release, so you won’t be able to upgrade anymore if you don’t get a PS5 or Xbox Series X until after that game ships. Be sure to hit up the FAQ for more information about moving between generations in FIFA 21, and watch out for the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions of the game to drop next day.
