Football Manager 2022 has arrived, which means it's time to get stuck into a brand new managerial adventure.
We've got you covered for everything you need to know about this year's game, including all the latest changes included in the final content update.
BUY NOW: Football Manager 2022 at Amazon
Final Update Available NOW
The Football Manager 2022 Final content Update has arrived, with major changes made to any aspects of the game.
As ever, Football Manager has made changes to reflect the real world, with alternations made due to the current geopolitical landscape.
READ - Latest FM Update addresses war in Ukraine
FM 22 Available NOW
SI has surprised everyone with an early launch of Football Manager 2022 - as the game is now officially live on PC and Mac!
For those playing the FM 22 beta, it's worth logging out then opening the game back up to get the day one update.
The day one update is 475MB large - and while we don't have any official patch notes, we expect it tackles bugs and performance problems expanding on the previous FM 22 Beta update.
New Features Breakdown
Sports Interactive has announced some brand new features coming to this year's game, and we've got you covered for everything you need to know about the new additions.
Data Hub
The arrival of XG and other in-depth statistics in FM21 has led to further development in this year's release.
The Data Hub will include key guides on the flow of a match, a more in-depth look at pass maps, as well as giving you the ability to request specific statistics from your club's analysts.
All of this information will serve to improve your team, allowing you to adjust your tactics accordingly.
Match Engine Improvements
As with every year, the match engine has once again seen a vast improvement for FM22.
FM22 will see the arrival of a brand new animation engine, making player movements appear more natural and refined.
With improved graphics comes improved AI, and FM22 will see your players make more intelligent decisions with the ball at their feet.
The days of relentless pressing are also over, with the game also introducing a system that will see your players lose significant stamina over the course of a match, if they don't suit the system.
Wide Centre-Backs
FM22 gives you even more tactical options, and the introduction of the wide CB is only the start.
Replicating real-life trends, FM22 gives you the option of using a more offensive CB, assisting your full-backs and midfield.
With a totally new role being added to the game, FM players will have even more choice when it comes to picking their squads on a match day.
FM22 Revealed
We didn't expect an announcement just yet - but Sports Interactive has announced the arrival of FM22!
Football Manager 2022 Wonderkids
Wonderkids are the heart and soul of any good save in Football Manager, and we've got you covered for the latest hotshot prospects revealed in this year's game.
From current superstars to hidden gems, you'll reap major rewards if you manage to get hold of any of these future world-beaters.
READ - Football Manager 2022 Wonderkids
Football Manager 2022 Release Date
FM22 is planned to arrive on 9 November - but you may be able to get a headstart on the rest.
Beta
Those in the know that the FM Beta can be accessed if you pre-order the game.
This tends to be two weeks before the game's full release - therefore you may be able to get playing from 4 November.
Platforms
Last year, FM was playable on more consoles than ever before.
PC is what most of you will play on, with the title available on Windows and macOS via Steam.
In December we saw the arrival of the handheld version for iOS, Android and Nintendo Switch - as well as the full game returning to Xbox consoles for the first time since 2007.
We saw FM20 available on Google Stadia, but that did not continue for FM21.
Price
FM22 costs £39.99 / $54.99 from the Epic Games or Steam stores, with 10% off for those who pre-purchase (taking it to £36.00 / $49.50).
You can pre-order the game here.
We expect that to be the same for Xbox consoles and Nintendo Switch, but the game will be on Xbox Game Pass on Day One!
We expect the Mobile version to cost £8.99 / $8.99.
Licences
The Football Manager franchise does languish behind other football games when it comes to licences.
FM22 Licensed Leagues
On FM21 the following leagues were fully licensed:
- Australian A-League
- Canadian Premier League
- Danish Superliga
- English Football League (EFL)
- English National League
- French Ligue 1
- French Ligue 2
- German Bundesliga
- German 2. Bundesliga
- German 3. Liga
- Gibraltar National League
- Dutch Eredivisie
- Dutch Eerste Divisie
- North Ireland Football League
- Polish Ekstraklasa
- Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL)
- South Korea K League 1
- South Korea K League 2
- MLS
- Welsh Cymru Premier, North & South
FM22 Licensed Teams
As well as these licenced teams:
- Dinamo Zagreb
- Watford
- Chievo
- Empoli
- Lecce
- SPAL
- All Serie A clubs excluding Juventus
- Dutch National Team
- Gibraltar National Team
The above licences will be difficult to add to given many clubs have licensing deals with EA Sports' FIFA franchise and Konami's PES - but for first-time players it can be a huge turn-off.
We may not see the Bundesliga licences appear on the game this year, with the German top-flight appearing on rival title We Are Football.
Women's Football ambitions
Women's football is coming to the FM series, but it won't be in Football Manager 2022, and even 2023 looks unlikely.
Integrating women's football into the database will take some time, with discussions with women's leagues around the world commencing.
Check out our interview with two of the team at Football Manager here.