FC 26 is here, and so is the FC Showcase, a free-to-download version of the game that offers players, in a few selected regions, a taste of the action without having to buy the full release.
This has been a feature in previous editions of the franchise, and EA decided to bring it back. But what exactly is FC Showcase, and how does it work? We have the answers to those questions below.
What is FC Showcase?
The best way to describe FC Showcase is that it's a limited-edition trial of FC 26, available for free. Both new and returning players can try the game's most popular modes without spending a dime. However, FC Showcase has significant restrictions compared to the full FC 26 version.
Currently, Showcase is only available in Colombia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. It can be downloaded on:
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox One
- PC (via Steam, EA App, or Epic Games Store)
To play, all you need is an EA account and a stable internet connection. Unlike the full release, the FC Showcase can't be played offline.
What Modes Are Included?
While the specific modes could vary depending on your region, gamers can expect the following at launch:
- Colombia: Kick Off, Clubs Rush (5v5 matches), and Learn to Play tutorials.
- Mexico: Kick Off, Clubs Live Events, Learn to Play, and access to parts of Ultimate Team, including Rivals, Champions, and Live Events.
- United Arab Emirates: Kick Off, Clubs Live Events, Learn to Play, and Ultimate Team modes are similar to Mexico.
While there are restrictions, Showcase Play advances on the Season Pass's Standard tracks, completing specific objectives in every location.
What You Can’t Do in Showcase
While Showcase offers a free entry point, many of FC 26's flagship experiences remain locked behind the full game. Players won't be able to:
- Play Career Mode.
- Create or join full club leagues or playoffs.
- Progress Clubs Archetypes beyond a certain cap.
- Access the complete Ultimate Team features like Draft Tournaments.
This means Showcase is more of an appetizer than a full meal, offering you just enough to get hooked, not the full experience.
Cross-Play and Progression
One major positive is that cross-play is supported. Showcase players match up with friends who own the full version of FC 26. They will just be taken to the main game's store page if they are invited into a mode that Showcase doesn't support.
Another smart teacher is that progression carries over. If you decide to upgrade to the full game later, your Showcase progress will transfer as long as you're using the same EA account on the same platform.
The Bigger Picture
Showcase is being referred to as a "Limited Market Test" by EA. That means the content can rotate, change, or even be retired with just 30 days' notice. It's an experiment to observe how new players react to a simplified version of FC rather than a permanent free-to-play alternative.
For now, FC Showcase is a small-scale test, but if EA decides to expand it to more regions, it could become a strong gateway for players who usually skip the annual football release.
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