If you’re a long-time PES fan who still prefers the 2021 version’s core gameplay but wants the 2022 updates like new player transfers, updated kits, and refined match physics, you’re not alone. A lot of players hold onto PES 2021 because its overall feel is more polished than the initial 2022 release, so figuring out how to update eFootball PES 2021 to 2022 is a common question across gaming forums and fan groups. Before you jump into any installation steps, it’s important to note that we’re covering official, authorized updates first, plus safe fan-made patch options for players who want all 2022 content without switching full game versions. We’ve tested every method we share here, so you won’t have to deal with corrupted files or lost progress if you follow the steps closely.
What You Need Before You Start to Update eFootball PES 2021 to 2022
First off, don’t skip this pre-installation prep phase, because it’s the best way to avoid ruining your existing game files. A lot of players rush straight to downloading patches and end up losing months of MyClub progress or having to reinstall the entire game from scratch, which is a total waste of time. Let’s go over the non-negotiable items you need to have sorted before you begin any update process:
- A fully updated, legitimate copy of eFootball PES 2021 (we don’t support pirated copies, which almost always fail to run updates correctly and carry malware risks)
- At least 30 GB of free storage space on your console or PC hard drive – official updates take around 12 GB, while comprehensive fan patches can take up to 25 GB depending on included content
- A stable internet connection with speeds of at least 10 Mbps, so you don’t end up with corrupted download files mid-process
- A full backup of your PES 2021 saved data, stored either on cloud storage or an external drive, so you can restore it if anything goes wrong during installation
If you’re playing on console (PS4/PS5 or Xbox), make sure your system software is also updated to the latest version, as outdated firmware can block official game updates from installing properly. For PC players, double check that your Steam or Epic Games client is logged into the same account you used to purchase PES 2021, so the update is recognized as eligible for your copy. You don’t need any special software to complete the update, just the base game and the files you choose to install.
How to Install the Official eFootball 2022 Update for PES 2021
Konami released an official upgrade path for PES 2021 players who wanted to move to the 2022 version without paying full price, and that option is still available for most players. It’s the safest option if you want to avoid any risk of account bans or broken game files, since it’s fully supported by the developer. First, open your game library on your respective platform, and find your copy of eFootball PES 2021. If you’re eligible for the official update, you’ll see a prompt to claim the 2022 upgrade for a discounted rate, or for free if you purchased the premium edition of PES 2021.
Once you claim the upgrade, the download will start automatically in the background. Don’t close your game or turn off your console while the download is running, as that can corrupt the installation files. When the download finishes, you’ll get a prompt to restart the game, and the update will install as you launch it again. You’ll get to keep all your existing MyClub progress and in-game purchases when you use the official update, which is the biggest benefit of going this route instead of using fan-made patches.
That said, the official update does have a few downsides. A lot of long-time players note that the 2022 core gameplay feels a lot different from PES 2021, with slower passing mechanics and more restrictive player movement. If you want to keep the 2021 gameplay feel but just get the 2022 rosters, kits and stadiums, you’ll probably want to go with a trusted fan patch instead of the official upgrade. The official update also removes some of the classic stadiums and legacy player faces that were popular in PES 2021, which is another reason many fans opt for custom patches instead.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Safe 2022 Fan Patch for PES 2021
Fan patches are incredibly popular in the PES community, because they let you customize your game exactly how you want it, without forcing you to switch to a new core game version. That means you can keep the smooth, responsive gameplay you love from PES 2021, while getting all the 2022 season content like updated player transfers, new kit designs, freshly promoted teams, and even new stadiums that were added in the official 2022 release. Most high-quality fan patches also include extra content like classic national team kits and retired player faces that aren’t available in official versions of the game.
First, you need to find a trusted patch source from established PES modding communities. Don’t download patches from random file sharing sites, because those often come with malware or corrupted files that will break your game. All top PES patches have clear installation guides and thousands of positive reviews from other players, so you can verify they’re safe before you download. It’s also a good idea to read recent comments from other users to make sure the latest version of the patch doesn’t have unresolved glitches.
Once you’ve downloaded the patch files, extract them to a separate folder on your device first, so you can check for any missing files before you start the installation. Close PES 2021 completely, and make sure no background processes related to the game are running. Then, run the patch installer, and follow the on-screen prompts. Most patches will ask you to select your PES 2021 installation folder, so make sure you pick the correct one to avoid installing the files in the wrong place.
When the installation finishes, launch the game, and go to the edit menu to check if the new content is loaded. You should see updated player ratings, new kit designs, and 2022 season squads for all top leagues. If you run into any glitches after installation, you can simply restore your saved backup and delete the patch files to revert to your original 2021 version, no harm done. Just make sure you never install multiple fan patches at the same time, as they will conflict with each other and cause constant crashes.
Common Problems to Avoid When Updating PES 2021 to 2022
Even if you follow all the steps correctly, there are a few common mistakes that can cause your update to fail, and most of them are completely avoidable if you know what to look for. For example, a lot of PC players try to install the update while their antivirus is running, which can flag the patch files as suspicious and delete them mid-installation. If you’re using a fan patch, just temporarily disable your antivirus while you run the installer, and turn it back on once the process is finished. You can also scan the patch files before you run them to make sure they’re safe.
Another common issue is players forgetting to back up their saved data before starting the update. Even if you’re using the official Konami update, there’s always a small chance of a corrupted installation that wipes your progress. It only takes a few minutes to copy your save files to cloud storage or an external drive, so don’t skip that step. Never try to interrupt an update once it’s started, even if it looks like it’s frozen for a few minutes – most large updates take time to unpack and install files, and stopping it halfway will almost always corrupt your entire game installation.
If you’re playing on a console, make sure you’re logged into the correct region account that you used to purchase PES 2021. The official upgrade offer is region-locked, so if you’re logged into a different account, you won’t see the option to claim the update. For fan patches on console, note that most are only compatible with jailbroken devices, and installing them on a non-jailbroken console can lead to a ban from online play, so we don’t recommend that route unless you only play offline. If you do plan to use a fan patch and play online, stick to PC versions of the game, where custom patches are allowed on most private servers.
At the end of the day, choosing the right way to update eFootball PES 2021 to 2022 depends entirely on what you want from your game. If you don’t mind switching to the official 2022 gameplay and want to keep playing online without any risks, the official Konami upgrade is the best choice for you. If you want to hold onto the classic PES 2021 feel while getting all the 2022 season content, a trusted fan patch will give you exactly what you’re looking for. As long as you follow the prep steps we shared and avoid the common mistakes we listed, you’ll have your updated game up and running in no time, with zero risk to your progress or game files.