The Grounds in FC27
With EA Sports FC 27, EA Sports introduces a new central pillar: The Grounds. The new game world is intended to become the social hub of the experience, combining street football elements, alternative sports, and the progression systems of the player-controlled Pro.
Three districts, three identities
The Grounds is divided into three thematically distinct districts:
Montclair (France)
Zeiza (Argentina)
Parkside (United Kingdom)
Each district features its own visual identity and dedicated shops. In all three areas, players can also meet prominent real-world figures. In Zeiza, Paulo Dybala appears, in Montclair it is Kylian Mbappé, and in Parkside Chloe Kelly. A well-known figure from FC history also returns: Alex Hunter, the protagonist of the earlier The Journey career mode story, is also present in The Grounds.
Small-sided football and leisure activities
At the core of The Grounds is small-sided football with the player-controlled Pro, played in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 formats as well as in Rush mode. This is complemented by so-called leisure activities that combine traditional football with elements from other sports, such as basketball, dodgeball, or boccia. Each of these activities rewards Archetype experience points and Club Coins, which contribute to the development of the player’s Pro.
The connection to Clubs
The Grounds is not an isolated feature but closely linked to progression in Clubs. The higher the reputation of a player’s club in Clubs, the more visible this becomes in the open game world. Passers by will celebrate the player on the street or wear the club’s jersey. As club reputation increases, the Clubhouse also improves and the stadium level rises.
The connection is also visible in gameplay. When playing 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 matches alongside members of your own club, the club crest is displayed. When encountering other players in the game world, their profiles can be viewed, and they can be added directly as friends or invited to your club.
Another effect is that players moving through The Grounds are no longer required to wait exclusively for club members in order to play. Other users are always present in the world, allowing for spontaneous matches at any time. 1v1 matches can also be watched live, offering the opportunity to scout potential new club members and recruit them afterwards. Access to larger formats such as Stadium Rush or 11v11 remains available at all times from within The Grounds.
Cosmetic customization includes streetwear items from brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, and New Balance. Several shops are available for this purpose, including the The Grounds Shop, the Parkside Market, the Boutique Montclair, the Tienda Zeiza, the Menu Shop, and the Clubhouse.
A game world in constant evolution
The Grounds is designed to evolve continuously throughout the season. Campaigns and live updates will change the appearance and atmosphere of the world, while also introducing new activities, bonuses, shop content, and gameplay opportunities.
Campaigns may also trigger larger in game world events, linking various activities into extended challenge paths with greater rewards. Such an event could begin with casual street matches or small sided games in one of the districts and culminate in a larger competition in the Rush stadium or the 11v11 format.
We look forward to The Grounds and to the release of FC 27. Enjoy playing.