UFL release date, platforms & licenses

Franco Diaz
UFL logo on a ball

After a series of delays, UFL finally has a release date. The game was initially announced back in 2016 as a new football game set to challenge the likes of EA FC and eFootball.

Backed by Cristiano Ronaldo, UFL promises to bring a fresh approach to the genre and some players have even experienced what it has to offer through two Open Beta test periods.

If you’re interested in learning more about the game, including platforms, its licenses, and more, here’s everything we know about Ultimate Football League

Ultimate Football League release date

UFL will arrive on Thursday, September 12, 2024, with an early access period starting on Wednesday, September 5, 2024, for those who purchase a pre-order bundle.

After two Open Beta periods, the devs are ready to plan the full launch of the new football title.

The highly anticipated title was initially scheduled to be released in 2022, it was then delayed to December 2023, before being postponed even further into 2024.

How to play UFL early

You must pre-order UFL on PlayStation or Xbox to play the game early on September 5, 2024. This offer allows players to gain seven days of early access to the football sim title, before its full launch on September 12.

While the game is free to play, the pre-order for the Starter Pack costs $14.99/£11.99 and comes with the following benefits:

  • 7-day early access
  • Exclusive customization items: Lovorika shirt, Zlato boots, and Lavalampe Gloves
  • Stadium “Estádio do Redentor”
  • СP 20.000.000 in-game currency

Football fans eager to get their hands on FC 25 on September 27 will have plenty of time to find out if Ultimate Football League has what it takes to compete with the most popular Sports game on the planet.

Platforms

UFL will be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The tests for the title have been conducted on the next-gen machines, and there’s no official information regarding a Nintendo Switch, PS4, or Xbox One version.

PC players need not be discouraged because, although the game won’t be available at launch, the devs have mentioned that they are working to bring the game to PC, but console development remains their priority.

Will UFL be free-to-play?

Yes, Ultimate Football League will be free-to-play. This was one of the initial announcements made by the developers when they started the project in 2016. This means football fans can play the game without spending a single penny.

While the game is free to play, you can pre-order the UFL Starter Pack which comes with numerous benefits like early access.

UFL licenses

Ultimate Football League is partnered with FIFPro, granting them access to the names and likenesses of players. The devs confirmed that over 4,500 licensed players are in the game.

Additionally, several teams such as West Ham United, Sporting CP, Borussia Monchengladbach, and many more have announced their presence in the game on their social media platforms.

Some players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Roberto Firmino have become UFL ambassadors. The developers have also revealed the in-game models of these players.

Will there be another Open Beta?

Strikerz Inc. carried out two Open Beta periods that took place in June and August 2024. With a release date now confirmed, a third testing period is not expected to occur.

During these testing periods, Xbox Series X/S and PS5 players from around the world were able to try out the game. Players got a look at the gameplay mechanics, the in-game models of their favorite stars, and started setting up their teams.

UFL gameplay details

UFL aims to be a “fair-to-play, and a fresh experience in the football gaming space.” Being free-to-play, the game is primarily an online experience and features a global online league with a division-based ranking system. For players, this means that they can put together their own teams by collecting high-rated players, akin to Ultimate Team from EA FC.

The title also allows players to set up their teams tactically by tweaking settings such as formations, player duties, and defensive and attacking styles. Moreover, the game also lets players modify their sides’ depth and width during both offensive and defensive phases.

If you’re fond of football titles, make sure you’re up to scratch with the new features coming to Ultimate Team and Career Mode in FC 25.