Quick Facts

  • Mode Name: The Grounds
  • Game: EA Sports FC 27
  • Key Developer Figures: Karthik Venkateshan (Line Producer), Jean-Francois Guastalla (Game Design Director)
  • Launch Districts: Montclair (Paris), Zeiza (Buenos Aires), and Parkside (Britain)
  • Seasons Planned: 10 scheduled throughout the year

EA Sports FC 27 introduces a major reinvention for the franchise with the addition of The Grounds, an online open-world social hub designed to blend traditional football gameplay with street-level action and cultural exploration. Led by line producer Karthik Venkateshan and game design director Jean-Francois Guastalla, the mode marks the first time EA Sports has introduced a dedicated 3D social space for the world's popular sport, comparable to similar hub environments seen in basketball and wrestling titles.

The Three Districts of The Grounds

The map is divided into three distinct districts, each modeled after a real-world location to provide an authentic window into local football communities. Montclair channels the streets of Paris, Zeiza reflects Buenos Aires, and Parkside reimagines suburban Britain, complete with community murals and local landmarks like the Nutmeg cafe. Each district serves as an interactive mini football museum where players can approach interactable icons to learn about football history and players associated with the region.

Match Types and Kickabouts

Central to the hub is the Terrace, where up to 100 players spawn into a session before heading to their customized clubhouses or out onto the streets. Architectural styles on the map hint at the game modes housed within them, ranging from red-brick grounds for classic 11v11 matches to metallic buildings for Rush.

At release, players can access four distinct small-sided world-based experiences: 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and standard 5v5 Rush. In addition, party-game-style Kickabouts are scattered across the map. Four Kickabouts are available at launch:

  • Goal Control: Compete against another opponent across eight goals positioned around the edge of the pitch to secure the majority.
  • The Big Race: A dribbling obstacle course featuring moving training equipment.
  • Bucket Ball: A blend of basketball and football where 2v2 teams score points in hoops above.
  • Balloon Ball: A dodgeball-inspired mode where kicking the ball at players pops three balloons hanging over their heads.

Drop Kick Targets are also placed throughout the environment in council flat windows, fences, and floating mid-air for players to collect while exploring.

Progression, Mentors, and Amps

Players create and customize a footballer, exploring the world to earn new skills, cosmetics, and permanent stat progression through challenges and master archetypes. Respeccing characters is available for free.

To aid progression, world-famous football stars act as in-game mentors. Kylian Mbappe, Paulo Dybala, Chloe Kelly, and Alex Hunter share stories of their playing days and offer challenges that help players develop their skills.

For short-term boosts, players can utilize Amps, a new consumable system. Equipping up to three Amps at a time grants temporary attribute boosts, perks, and playstyles. Standard and signature variants exist, with signature Amps tied to real-world players like Mbappe—granting specific bonuses such as increased shooting and strength for five matches. Amps are primarily earned through objectives, live events, campaigns, and season progression, or purchased through the store.

Seasonal Updates and Store Content

The store features a wide array of cosmetic items, including sportswear, matchday streetwear, replica shirts, and branded apparel from Nike, Adidas, Puma, and New Balance.

The live environment updates across 10 scheduled seasons throughout the year. Confirmed seasonal themes include European Nights focusing on the Champions League in October, Screaming Grounds for Halloween in November, Thunder Struck for Black Friday, Frozen Grounds for winter snow in December, and Team of the Year in January.