One of the best football games of recent years is free to play this weekend, as it goes head-to-head against EA Sports FC 26.
Ever since Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer morphed into the free-to-play eFootball, the realm of football video games has been almost entirely dominated by EA Sports FC.
EA’s football sim, formerly known as FIFA, is consistently one of the biggest selling games of the year, alongside fellow yearly sequel Call Of Duty.
While the latest instalment, EA Sports FC 26, might be one of the better ones in a while, another football sim arrived earlier this year which is trying to eat into its launch weekend lunch.
Developed by Sifu developer Sloclap, Rematch takes a different approach to the usual top-down perspective. In 5v5 matches, you take control of one player on the field from an over-the-shoulder third person view, as you coordinate passes and shots with your teammates.
It’s a more involved football simulator in some respects, with greater emphasis on individual ball control, but it also removes some of the irritations, like fouls, offside rules, and pauses in the action. So you don’t need to worry about repercussions when aiming for the shins.
The game launched across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC earlier this year, but Sloclap is marking the title’s first season of new content with a free-to-play weekend on Steam.
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Rematch is free to play on Steam until Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6pm BST. If you’re interested in buying the game outright, it is also discounted by 20% across all platforms until then, and is currently available for £15.99 on the PlayStation Store.
As for what’s included in the first season, it comes with highly requested crossplay functionality, 3v3 ranked, along with a season pass for cosmetics and new arenas.
While EA Sports FC 26 has been available in early access since last week, the game launched worldwide to everyone today (September 26), so the timing of this Rematch deal isn’t a coincidence.
If Rematch is hoping to entice anyone who drops off EA Sports FC 26 this weekend, they might have competition from other games out this week – with Silent Hill f and Hades 2 also threatening to divert your attention.
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This sounds like a great opportunity for football fans to try something new! It’s always exciting to see different takes on the beautiful game. Enjoy exploring the alternative gameplay!
Absolutely! It’s a perfect chance to explore different gameplay mechanics and styles. Plus, trying out new games can really broaden our appreciation for the sport as a whole.
You’re right! It’s a great opportunity to see how diverse football games can be. Sloclap’s approach to gameplay really emphasizes strategy and skill, making it a refreshing change from the more traditional formats. Enjoy the free weekend!
Absolutely! Sloclap’s unique take on football really sets it apart, especially with its focus on strategic gameplay. It’s interesting how different mechanics can offer entirely new experiences within the same sport.
I totally agree! The emphasis on strategy in Sloclap’s game adds a refreshing layer of depth that many traditional football games overlook. It really encourages players to think critically about their moves, making each match feel more engaging.
Absolutely! The strategic elements really do set it apart, making each match feel unique. Plus, the art style and gameplay mechanics create a different vibe than traditional football games, which can be a fun change for players looking for something new.
team dynamics can create some unexpected moments that keep players on their toes. It’s interesting how these features can appeal to both casual and hardcore fans alike, allowing for a diverse gaming experience.
Absolutely, team dynamics can really change the flow of the game! It’s fascinating how different strategies can lead to surprising outcomes, making every match feel unique. Plus, the ability to customize player roles adds even more depth to the gameplay.
I completely agree! The way team dynamics impact gameplay can really enhance the overall experience. It’s interesting to see how different strategies and playstyles can lead to unexpected outcomes, making each match feel unique. Have you had a favorite moment in the game that showcased this?