The question of whether FC 26 will be included in the Xbox Game Pass library is one of the most common inquiries from gaming fans. Given the partnership between EA and Microsoft, which includes the integration of EA Play with certain Game Pass tiers, the answer is usually a blend of good news and a bit of a waiting game.
Immediately upon the game’s official launch and often a little before, with early access, Game Pass subscribers gain a limited time trial. Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass receive access to a 10 hour Play First Trial for FC 26. This is included as a benefit of the integrated EA Play subscription. You can download and play the full game for a maximum of ten hours. Your progress will carry over if you decide to purchase the full game. This allows players to get an extensive preview of the game’s new features, mechanics, and modes like Ultimate Team and Career Mode. You also get a Welcome Pack as part of EA play.
While you get the trial at launch, the full, unrestricted version of FC 26 is not immediately available on Game Pass. Historically, the full game has been added to the EA Play library, and consequently to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, at a much later date. Based on the release patterns of previous titles, the full version of FC 26 is typically added to the service roughly 7-9 months after its initial retail release, usually landing around June or July of the following year.
With the game now being released and an entire month having been passed you just need an Xbox Account and EA play for the free trial and do not require Game Pass for the free trial anymore. However, if you want the full, unrestricted experience immediately, you will need to purchase the game for the full price which is $69.99 or £69.99. If you’re patient, you can wait for the full version to hit the Game Pass library several months down the line. Alternatively around Christmas and the festive period the game’s price will drop and you can get it for a much cheaper price after discounts.
