UFL: first impressions on the rival of EA Sports FC

On Friday, December 6, UFL, a new free-to-play title, was launched, aiming to challenge EA Sports FC with a markedly different formula. However, it would not be accurate to call it a direct competitor to the full game, as the comparison concerns only the Ultimate Team mode. Essentially, UFL presents itself as the free version of the EA Sports FC mode that has significantly shaped the game's status in recent years. Unlike Ultimate Team, UFL does not offer managerial modes, team or player careers, nor does it (at least within the first 72 hours of its debut) include additional gameplay variants. The developers at Strikerz Inc. have sought to overcome some traditional limitations: eliminating the annual cost of a new title and, most notably, removing the reset of player progress with each new edition. UFL's debut represents just an initial, small step. To understand the challenge of establishing itself as a competitive title in the gaming world, especially in the football niche, one only needs to consider the numerous difficulties in attempting to counter EA Sports FC's monopoly.

First Impressions

@krasififaofficial Playing UFL! #ufl #uflgame #uflfootball original sound - KrasiFIFA

While waiting for the PC version, scheduled for the first half of 2025, feedback from content creators, YouTubers, streamers, and other testers already allows an evaluation of the game's state, particularly regarding fluidity. Some have reported significant loading delays, an understandable issue given that this is an initial version. However, considering the numerous bugs typical of each new EA Sports FC chapter - often resolved only after months - this aspect seems less severe. What has stood out the most in these first hours of testing is the rather smooth gameplay and, above all, the extensive and varied club customization options. This feature marks a significant advantage over EA Sports, which continues to lag surprisingly behind despite community demands dating back to when the title still held the FIFA license.

Another significant novelty that has excited early players - although already anticipated by beta versions and leaks over the past year - is the merit-based progression system. Essentially, skilled players advance in rank and improve their teams, while less experienced ones remain at the same level, needing to work on their skills to progress. It should be noted that the game does not allow shortcuts through pay-to-win purchases, a defining feature of EA Sports FC, which is completely absent here. If maintained, this element could be a crucial strength for UFL in differentiating itself from competitors and capturing a segment of enthusiasts seeking a fairer and more authentic experience.

adidas capsule collection

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There is a lot of curiosity about the innovations this title could bring, and it is certainly justified. Support for the future of UFL will also come from other partners, particularly those who could play a key role in one of the game's main focuses: customization. It is no surprise, then, that adidas wasted no time releasing an exclusive capsule collection for the game, available through the Team Pass. A collection that focuses on the most iconic and trendy models from the Three Stripes: from the Predator to the F50, which are dominating the football boot market, to the Samba, which, along with the Gazelle and Spezial, has revitalized the German brand's footwear lineup. These models have not only reignited interest in low-top silhouettes in the sneaker scene. In this special virtual collection, the adidas Samba is reimagined as a unique version designed for gaming—an idea that might seem utopian but is perfectly aligned with the ever-growing trend of football-inspired shoes, poised to become key players in lifestyle fashion by 2025. It’s a “race” in which adidas must respond to Nike, which is set to release the Total 90 III in March 2025.

It will also be interesting to observe the impact of the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place in the US, Mexico, and Canada in 2026 (yes, just over a year and a half away), on the title. Questions arise as to which brands will choose to invest by leveraging placement within the game, which ones will not, and what the most effective and innovative methods of integrating these collaborations will be.