FIFA’s next big move in mobile gaming isn’t another ultra-realistic sim. Instead, they’ve teamed up with Mythical Games to create FIFA Rivals, a fast, arcade-style football game built for short sessions, big moments, and a little digital flex.
Set to launch globally in June 2025, with early access already live in a few regions, FIFA Rivals is going for something different. If you’ve played NFL Rivals, this will feel familiar and that’s not a bad thing.
Let’s break down what this new title is offering.
Not Your Typical FIFA Game
FIFA Rivals is being developed by Mythical Games (yeah, the NFL Rivals folks) and Bacon Studio in partnership with FIFA. Instead of realism, they’re leaning into fun. We’re talking fast-paced matches, power-ups, and simple controls, something you can play in a couple of minutes without needing to run full tactics or grind formations.
So if you’re expecting a console-style match on your phone, this isn’t that. It’s more like a collectible football brawler and it works.
Gameplay: Quick Matches, Big Moments
Matches in FIFA Rivals are short. Like, 90 seconds short.
Instead of full-on simulations, matches are split into quick-fire decision points. You’ll make key choices, where to dribble, when to shoot, how to defend, in short bursts where the game briefly pauses to let you react. If you’re on offense, maybe you send a teammate on a run or hit a cross. On defense, you can pressure, slide tackle, or move your keeper.
Controls are built for mobile, tapping, dragging, swiping. It’s slick, easy to pick up, and surprisingly deep once you get into it.
Super Mode: The Game-Changer
This is where FIFA Rivals gets spicy.
Every player has a Super Mode bar that charges over time. Once it’s full, you can pop it for a boost, think glowing aura, increased speed, or monster defense plays. It’s not just for offense either. You can counter a Super Mode striker with your own Super Mode defender, which adds a cool layer of strategy to every match.
Knowing when to activate your power is a huge part of climbing the ranks.
Collect. Upgrade. Repeat.
Cards are the backbone of the game. You collect players through packs, then level them up using dupes or in-game currency. Rarity matters, cards come in Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Mythical versions.
And yes, card stats directly impact gameplay. So building your dream team isn’t just for show — it actually gives you an edge.
Daily rewards, challenges, and ranked play all feed into that progression loop. Crack packs, upgrade players, and chase those legendary pulls. Simple but addictive.
Cosmetics Keep It Fun
FIFA Rivals doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s part of the charm.
There are custom kits, flashy goal animations, in-game emotes, and even taunts. Whether you’re climbing the leaderboard or just messing around, you can add some style to your squad. It’s chaotic in the best way.
Web3 Integration (Quiet but There)
So yeah, FIFA Rivals is technically Web3. But if you don’t care about that, you won’t notice.
It runs on the Mythos blockchain, just like NFL Rivals. That means your cards are NFTs in the background, ownable, tradable, upgradable. The difference is: none of this is in your face.
For regular players, it feels like a normal game. But if you want to dive into ownership or use the Mythical Marketplace, the tech’s there. The game doesn’t push it on you, which honestly is how it should be.
Final Thoughts
FIFA Rivals isn’t trying to compete with FIFA Mobile or dominate esports. It’s going after a different vibe: short matches, big plays, slick team-building, and a hint of digital ownership if you want it.
With Mythical’s track record and FIFA’s global brand, this could end up being one of the sleeper hits of 2025, especially if they nail the launch and keep things balanced.
If you’re into arcade-style sports games with some depth and collectibles on the side, FIFA Rivals is definitely worth watching this summer.
