EA Sports FIFA 23 stands as the final entry in the long-running football simulation series before the shift to a new branding era. This sports game captures the essence of professional football with detailed mechanics that emphasize realism on the pitch, available on PC for those seeking an authentic experience of managing teams or competing in matches.
Gameplay
In FIFA 23, the core experience revolves around controlling players during matches, where decisions on passing, shooting, and defending shape the outcome. HyperMotion2 technology enhances this by incorporating machine learning from real matches to generate over 6,000 animations, making movements feel lifelike on PC. Technical dribbling refines ball control through an active touch system, allowing for sharper turns and more responsive handling. The game also integrates women's club football, with leagues like the FA Women's Super League and Division 1 Féminine, bringing parity to team selections. Cross-play supports multiplayer across platforms in specific setups, though limited to same-generation consoles, adding a layer of connectivity for competitive play.
Mechanics extend to team management, where building squads involves over 19,000 licensed players from more than 700 teams and 30 leagues. Stadiums number over 100, each with unique atmospheres, while features like custom commentary and presentations heighten immersion during key events.
Game Modes
FIFA 23 offers a range of ways to engage with football, from solo campaigns to online competitions. Career Mode lets you take charge of a club or player, handling transfers, training, and season progression over multiple years.
Ultimate Team, or FUT, focuses on assembling dream squads through card packs and challenges, with sub-modes like Division Rivals for ranked matches and FUT Champions for high-stakes tournaments. Pro Clubs allows creating and customizing a virtual pro to join online teams, emphasizing teamwork. VOLTA mode shifts to street football in smaller arenas, with its own soundtrack and casual vibe.
World Cup modes cover both men's 2022 event and women's 2023 tournament, featuring qualified nations, authentic stadiums, and trophy ceremonies. Online Seasons and Friendlies provide straightforward multiplayer options, while Virtual Bundesliga caters to league-specific rivalries.
Current Updates and State
Post-launch updates added the men's World Cup in November 2022 and the women's version in June 2023, along with expansions like the UEFA Women's Champions League and National Women's Soccer League in March 2023. However, online servers were shut down on October 30, 2025, limiting play to offline modes on PC.
Is It Worth Playing?
With mixed reception on platforms like Steam, where 60% of 35,594 English reviews are positive and recent feedback sits at 62%, FIFA 23 holds appeal for football enthusiasts drawn to its realistic simulations. Critics gave it generally favorable marks, such as a 7/10 from IGN, praising the on-pitch feel but noting familiar issues in modes. In 2026, the lack of online support means it's best for single-player sessions or local co-op, making it a solid choice if you prefer offline career building or quick matches without needing active servers. For those who value historical rosters and World Cup recreations, it remains a worthwhile pick, though newer titles might offer ongoing support.
