FIFA 21, Steam, and Origin crossplay is broken

Is FIFA 21, Steam, and Origin crossplay apparently broken? It is not necessarily the case, but to discover all you have to know about it, make sure you read this article completely.

Ever since FIFA 21 was first announced, players all over were happy to see what the newest entry would bring.

After much waiting, EA Sports finally delivered, and the game is now out and ready to be played by anyone.

The only problem is that, just like any other year, FIFA 21 is just as plagued with a variety of bugs and issues as any other entry from the past.

However, the biggest drawback so far, for PC players at least, is that the gaming community has been split in half.

Regardless of whether you are an Origin or a Steam fan, FIFA 21 is still the same amazing game.

Is FIFA 21 on Steam the same as Origin?

Some of you are probably wondering where is better to play FIFA 21, on Steam or Origin.

Well, you should know that both platforms will launch the same version of the game. So, the only functional difference is which launcher you’re using to launch FIFA 21.

FIFA 21 Steam and Origin crossplay isn’t available

According to many users, PC players that own the game on Origin can’t play with those on Steam:

Hello, FIFA working fine yesterday for all my friends on Clubs and COOP. But today there was an update and now i can’t play clubs with anyone on the steam version and COOP. Works fine with other Origin players.

Additionally, it seems that those who own an EA Play subscription can’t play with those that own FIFA 21 Standard Edition:

Since the latest update, Origin players can’t play with steam players, and players with EA Play PRO can’t play with standard edition players. Co-op, pro clubs, nothing works.

Players are indeed disappointed that two PC versions of the same game can’t play together, especially since Origin and Steam have a good history of linking accounts and content between themselves.

All in all, until this issue has been fixed, FIFA 21 Origin gamers will be stuck playing just with other Origin players. The same can be said about Steam players as well.

This is the second time miscommunications between EA and Steam have led to issues with the game.

This happened after FIFA 21’s system requirements were posted wrongly on Steam, causing many players with otherwise sub-par PCs to buy it.

Can I use the FIFA 22, Steam, and Origin crossplay?

FIFA 22 was recently released and it seems like many worldwide users are running it every day. Similar to the FIFA 21 situation, some people are wondering if the Steam and Origin crossplay works.

In case you’re looking to play this game with friends who run it on a different platform to the one you’re on, things are a bit difficult.

Therefore, keep in mind that FIFA 22 does not have complete cross-play. So, you’re allowed to play only with your friends who are on the same platform/device as you.

As an example, PS5 players can only play with other PS5 players and it also applies when it comes to Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC, and Stadia fans.

Fortunately, do not forget that there is cross-gen cross-play. It will help those of you who are on last-generation consoles: PS4 and Xbox One.

So, this allows PS4 gamers to play with PS5 ones and Xbox One enthusiasts to connect with Xbox Series X|S ones.

However, those players have to be playing the PS4 or Xbox One version of the game on their next-gen console.

In case you’re using the game’s next-gen version, you’ll be allowed to play only with other next-gen users in the same console family.

Unfortunately, it seems like Steam games might sometimes fail to launch on Windows 10. We recommend saving our dedicated fixing guide somewhere, just in case you’ll need it.

Do you have friends that you can’t play FIFA 21 with because of the different platforms? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.