Early access has just been launched for FC Empires, EA Sports’ latest 4X Strategy football game, blending elements from Football Manager and Clash of Clans. While currently available in select regions like Australia, Hong Kong, and a few others, fans worldwide can look forward to a broader release soon.
What sets FC Empires apart is its dual focus on the sports and business aspects of modern football. Players are challenged to transform their clubs into global powerhouses through savvy merchandising strategies, top-notch medical and scouting facilities, and first-rate coaching staff.
We got our hands on a closed alpha version before this release, and it was a mix of strangeness and irresistible attraction. The game mechanics will feel familiar to fans of EA Sports FC 25’s Ultimate Team or those who’ve dived into mobile strategy games like Clash of Clans or The Simpsons: Tapped Out.
In essence, you pour your in-game earnings into building infrastructure that requires real-time construction, though you can speed things up with premium items. These build-ups have in-game benefits — for instance, a hospital reduces recovery time for injured players. It’s a classic mobile strategy move.
Building your squad mirrors EA’s Ultimate Team approach. You’re given “transfers,” reminiscent of card packs in EA Sports FC 25, allowing you to craft your team. Combining players based on nationality, real-life teams, and leagues enhances team chemistry, boosting stats.
The match engine is where Football Manager’s essence becomes evident. While you don’t control individual players, you do set formations and tactics, watching your strategies unfold from the sidelines.
Though not as detailed as Football Manager’s tactical depth, FC Empires is crafted for football fans who appreciate squad-building and tactical planning but prefer a slower pace than the high-speed frenzy of EA Sports FC.
A standout feature is the world map, where lines dart from your home stadium to those of other teams. With your chosen squad, you can either host AI-controlled opponents or venture out to compete against fellow players. Victory garners more global fan support, enhancing your club’s value.
This concept might seem a far cry from what die-hard football fans consider ‘real football.’ The idea of backing a team just because they’re winning is quite foreign to dedicated supporters. Take it from someone who supports Leeds United — it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, yet I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Despite this, FC Empires cleverly combines two mechanics that have captivated gamers globally—both are celebrated and, for some, dangerously addictive.
For more insights and updates, head over to FC Empires’ official website or follow them on Facebook and Discord to stay in the loop for release announcements.
