How to play FIFA 22 early: EA Play trial release date

Nathan Warby
Mbappe controlling a ball in FIFA 22

There are a number of ways to take to the pitch early in FIFA 22, including through EA Play. Here’s how you can get a headstart.

FIFA 22 is edging ever closer, and fans are eager to dive into another year of Ultimate Team and Career Mode on October 1. But as they have in previous years, EA have offered a couple of ways of diving into the game early.

How exactly can players lace up their boots before the rest this year? Here’s our quick and easy guide.

How to get FIFA 22 before October 1st

Trailer screenshot from EA's FIFA 22

As has been the case in previous years, EA is offering two editions of this year’s installment – the Standard Edition and the Ultimate Edition. The latter, which is priced at around £90 depending on the retailer, has a release date of September 27th, four days ahead of the Standard Edition.

But it doesn’t stop there. Fans who are particularly eager can jump in a full week early by signing up for EA Play (formerly EA Access). Anyone with an EA Play account will have the option to download the game over a week before the rest of the world and play a trial.

When does the FIFA 22 EA Play trial go live?

Trailer screenshot from EA's FIFA 22

The EA Play trial is available on September 22, 2021, and goes live at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST.

It does, however, come with a small caveat. The EA Play membership only grants access to 10 hours of play across the week. Once you hit the 10-hour mark, the game will remain locked until September 27th.

EA Play is available across all platforms, including PC, for $4.99 per month. As well as FIFA, it grants early access to all of EA’s releases, exclusive in-game rewards, and discounts on the publisher’s products.

How to sign up for EA Play

Trailer screenshot from EA's FIFA 22

Signing up to EA Play is quick and easy if you follow our simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Head over to the EA Play website
  2. Select “Join Now” in the top right-hand corner
  3. Choose which platform you will be playing on (NOTE: Your membership will only apply to a single platform)
  4. Select your payment method – monthly or annually
  5. You will then be taken to your platforms store to complete the purchase

It’s also worth noting that anyone who already owns a copy of FIFA 21 can quickly sign up from the in-game main menu. Simply select the EA Play tile in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, and you will be directed straight to the store to make the purchase.

Mason Mount in FIFA 22

Ultimately, there is no pressure to get FIFA 22 early if it isn’t possible for you. But for those more serious players looking to get a head start on their Ultimate Team or adapt to the new gameplay tweaks, it can be a great way to gain that competitive edge over your rivals.

For more on FIFA 22, check out this year’s top-rated players, and our guide on how to make the most of the Web App.

Image credits: EA

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About The Author

Nathan is a Senior Writer at CharlieIntel. He’s an expert in EA Sports FC, Call of Duty, and Overwatch, as well as superhero games, including Marvel’s Spider-Man. With a master's degree in Magazine Journalism from Nottingham Trent University, he worked as a Trainee Reporter for Derbyshire Live before moving into games media, with bylines at Dexerto, Cultured Vultures, and more. You can contact Nathan by email at [email protected].