Navigating the vast array of football games can be overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the standout titles in the sport. The abundance of new releases across consoles, mobile, and PC adds to the challenge of pinpointing the best football games around.
To simplify your search, we've put together a list of top-tier football titles, focusing on their standout features and compatibility across major platforms. Whether you're a seasoned player or just diving into the virtual pitch, these recommendations aim to offer an engaging alternative to the real-life sport if you don't fancy slipping on your best football boots and getting out on the field yourself.
However, sifting through opinions and reviews online can be tricky. Misleading information often clouds judgment, with some critiques being based on intentional omissions by game developers rather than genuine shortcomings. Our goal is to sidestep biased viewpoints and present a more open-minded perspective on selecting the finest football games available today.
Best football games
1. EA FC 24
Platforms:
You simply can’t have a roundup of the best football games without the inclusion of EA Sport’s FIFA... sorry EA FC. The iconic “EA Sports It’s in the Game” slogan is firmly etched in the minds of gamers whenever they boot up their console to play this title, with the very first FIFA... I mean EA FC release dating all the way back to 1993! Anyway, let’s get past nostalgia out of the way and focus on the present day.
EA FC has features and game modes which we'd argue are currently unmatched elsewhere if you're interested in actually controlling the players. The first standout is Hypermotion V technology, which delivers ultra-realistic gameplay and movement animations in-game thanks to data derived from more than 180 professional football matches to bring improved realism.
The game also allows you to engineer precise passes for more accurate build-up play. Essentially, you can now attempt even the likes of a swerve pass or lob pass with pin-point precision to ensure you're playing the ball to exactly where you intended.
Beyond the in-game mechanics, EA FC also features Pro Clubs, where you can create your own player and compete with your friends in one team. And, we of course have to mention Ultimate Team. Okay, the game mode has its flaws, but the concept of collecting virtual "football cards/stickers" was great when it launched in 2009, and continues to captivate fans to this day.
Reasons to buy:
- Probably the best graphics in the football realm
- You can actually controller the players and build your "Ultimate Team"
Read More: Best controllers for EA FC
2. Football Manager 2024
Platforms:
Next up with have a game that takes simulated management to the next level. Football Manager puts you in the hot seat as you guide your chosen team to domestic, continental, and even international glory.
The game places a huge emphasis on tactical competence, as it comes with a flexible tactics creator that players can use to design their own formations and preferred playing styles. Within this module, you get to select player roles and duties, which govern how members of your team behave when they’re on the field. For instance, if you have Casemiro set to a “Defensive Midfielder” role, he will primarily hold his position in front of the defence. and look to recycle possession.
Football Manager also relays your team’s performance in an interactive way, with clever match animations that depict what your players are trying to do against opponents on the pitch. This particular iteration features significant improvements to player movement, ball physics, and lighting compared to previous years, and new tactical options such as set-piece management and player roles.
This game also offers quite an immersive matchday experience, particularly due to the inclusion of UEFA Club Competition licenses for Champions League, Super Cup, Europa League, and Conference League fixtures. As a result, you get different matchday graphics on European game nights, from branded official match balls to things like bespoke podiums for trophy presentations and relevant club competition branding for scoreboards and team sheets.
Ultimately, you’ve got a great game here that you can play for hours on end, especially because you can carry your PC or laptop with you wherever you go. In terms of management rather than controlling a team, we firmly believe there is no better option on the market right now than Football Manager.
Reasons to buy:
- One of the most in-depth simulators on the market
- The best game out there to test your tactical skills
Read More: Best laptops for Football Manager
3. eFootball
Platforms:
Up next, we have a game formerly known as Pro Evolution Soccer. Does that name ring a bell? Well, if not, just know that for a number of years, this title has been a fierce rival of FIFA. Nowadays though, it's transitioned to eFootball, and stands out on its own for a number of key reasons.
First and foremost, it's a free-to-play game where you get to purchase season packs that reflect certain football trends that are happening in the real world of the sport.
eFootball also has its own "Ultimate Team-style" game mode known as Dream Team where you can sign and develop high-profile talents as well as legends of the game to create world-beating sides.
Okay, upon release the graphics may not have been up to standard, but nowadays this is more than just a decent FIFA alternative, and is actually a pretty solid football title, especially as it doesn’t cost a penny to boot up.
Reasons to buy:
- Free-to-play
- Pretty great graphics too
Read More: Best TVs for sports games
4. Dream League Soccer 2024
Platforms:
Dream League Soccer differs from our entries so far as it's a mobile game that allows you to sculpt a team of players who you believe can challenge for the greatest honours that the game has to offer.
From over 4,000 FIFPRO licensed players, you get to choose your playing squad to rise through eight different divisions in the pursuit of ultimate sporting glory. You also get to enjoy 3D-captured player animations that accentuate the athletic movement of these professionals, as well as in-game commentary that will keep you up to date with proceedings as matches take place.
It also comes with an impressive range of gamification options, as Dream League Soccer includes a module where you can upgrade the stadium of your chosen team by improving the infrastructural facilities. More so, managers can customise their hairstyles and outfits from a whole host of different clothing options and accessories, making your game personal to you.
All in all, this is a really detailed game for people looking to have some leisure time with their mobile devices. Just make sure you have one of the best phones and the best phone controllers to get the most out of this excellent mobile football game.
Reasons to buy:
- Unrivalled when it comes to playing football on your mobile
- You can build up your team from scratch and improve your club's infrastructure too
Read more: Best gaming monitors for sports games
5. Rocket League
Platforms:
Finally, we arrive at Rocket League, a game that stands out as a captivating fusion of soccer and vehicular chaos. Picture this: you're in control of a high-speed car, racing across circular arenas, aiming to slam a giant football into your opponent's goal.
Rocket League's gameplay sets it apart from traditional sports titles. As soon as the match kicks off, players race to make the first contact with the ball. From there, the clock ticks down until a goal is scored, prompting a reset for another exhilarating round. The team with the most goals when time expires claims victory.
But Rocket League offers more than just fast-paced action. With a variety of pitches and extensive vehicle customisation options, the game invites players to tailor their experience. Its thriving competitive scene, culminating in the prestigious rank of Supersonic Legend, provides ample opportunities for players to test their skills too.
In essence, Rocket League delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that appeals to both football enthusiasts and racing aficionados. While it may not adhere to the realism of traditional sports simulations, its unique blend of arcade-style gameplay is undeniably worth exploring for any football fan.
Reasons to buy:
- A great alternative to realistic football gameplay
- Insanely competitive at the top level
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Don't worry if you've thought of any questions along the way as we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.
Can these football games be played offline?
All of the aforementioned football games have modes that allow users to play without a connection to the internet. For console games like FIFA and eFootball, you can test your skills against real-life friends by selecting offline game modes like Kick Off, or you play solo and even dive into your own player career or managerial career in the case of FIFA.
Football Manager also offers solo football management, although far more in-depth than the likes of FIFA. You do, however, have the option to play online with friends in your own network save, and you can complete challenges and play a unique draft mode as well.
The only game where you're probably going to want to play online is Rocket League, unless you have friends to play against locally on a regular basis.
Which football game sells the most?
Without a doubt, FIFA (now EA FC) is the best-selling video game when it comes to football. The hit EA Sports franchise has sold a staggering number of copies, not just this year, but every year it's released.
While EA hasn't explicitly shared its official sales figures, there are a ton of reports online suggesting it sells millions and millions of copies.
However, FIFA's dominance doesn't mean it's the only game worth checking out. Football Manager, for example, dominates the football management scene in its own right thanks to its hugely detailed and in-depth database of players, teams, and competitions. Wayne Rooney has even come out and said he uses Football Manager to scout players - that's how good the database is.
eFootball is another great game that's free to play, Dream League Soccer is an extremely fun mobile title, and Rocket League offers an arcade-style football experience that EA FC/FIFA doesn't. Therefore, make sure you check out all of these great football titles, not just the most sold game.
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