If you’ve scrolled through soccer game libraries looking for a no-cost option to play with friends, you’ve probably asked: is eFootball 2022 free to play? As a long-time eFootball player who’s tested every version since the rebrand from Pro Evolution Soccer, I’ve spent dozens of hours playing without spending a dime, and I know exactly where the free access ends and paid tiers start. This guide breaks down everything you get for free, what costs extra, and if the paid add-ons are worth your cash for casual or competitive play.
Is eFootball 2022 Free to Play? The Short Answer
Yes, the base version of eFootball 2022 is 100% free to download and play across all platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and mobile devices. You don’t need a paid subscription to download the core game, and you can jump into matches right after installation without entering any payment details. That means you can play casual matches against AI or online friends without spending a penny.
You should know the free base version only includes a limited set of teams, modes, and customization options right out of the gate. I remember when I first downloaded it shortly after launch, I was surprised I could play full 90-minute matches with my friends using the default international teams for weeks before I even looked at the paid content. You never have to pay to access the core online multiplayer match functionality for eFootball 2022, which is a big win for casual players who only want to play a few matches a week with friends.
All Free Content You Get With Base eFootball 2022
Most casual players will be shocked by how much content is available for free, especially if they don’t care about collecting rare player cards or playing competitive ranked seasons. I’ve played over 70 hours of eFootball 2022 without spending any money, and I still haven’t run out of fun things to do. Many new players assume they have to pay to access online play, but that’s not the case, since eFootball 2022 is free to play for all core online modes.
Here’s a full breakdown of all the free content you get without paying:
- Quick Match mode with 9 fully licensed national teams, including Brazil, France, Germany, and Argentina, plus 12 generic club teams you can customize for casual play
- Online friend matches with cross-platform support across all console, PC, and mobile devices, so you can play with friends no matter what device they own
- Weekly free challenge events that reward you with in-game coins, player contracts, and customization items for completing simple match objectives
- Local offline play against AI or couch co-op with friends, no internet connection required for most local modes
- Basic team customization for kit colors, badge designs, and squad formation tweaks, even for the default free teams
One thing I noticed early on is that the free mode updates every few months with new limited-time events, like the 2022 World Cup themed matches that ran during the tournament, that added even more free content for a limited window. You don’t have to sign up for anything extra to access these events, just make sure you download the latest game patch when it’s released. The only catch with free content is that you can’t use licensed club teams like Manchester United or Barcelona in casual matches unless you unlock them via event rewards or buy the premium edition.
Hidden Paid Costs for eFootball 2022 You Should Know About
While the base game is free, Konami has a range of paid add-ons and microtransactions that let you unlock more content if you want to expand your play options. I’ve tested both the free version and the premium edition, so I can tell you exactly what’s worth paying for and what’s a waste of money for most players. It’s important to remember that even with all these paid add-ons, eFootball 2022 is free to play for anyone who only wants the core match experience.
First, there’s the eFootball 2022 Premium Player Pack, which is a one-time purchase that unlocks all licensed club teams, extra game modes like Master League, and 2,800 in-game coins to spend on player packs. I bought this pack when it went on sale for $19.99, and it was worth it for me because I wanted to play with my favorite Premier League teams, but it’s not necessary if you only play with international teams.
Then there are microtransactions for in-game coins, which you can use to buy rare player cards for the Dream Team mode, or extend player contracts so you can keep using them in matches. The coins range in price from $0.99 for 100 coins up to $99.99 for 12,000 coins. It’s easy to get sucked into buying player packs if you play competitive Dream Team, but you can climb the Dream Team ranks without spending money if you grind weekly event rewards for coins and free player cards. I did this for three months and got a team with a 90+ overall rating without spending a dime, it just takes a bit more time.
Another paid option is the eFootball League Pass, which gives you extra rewards for playing ranked matches each season, like exclusive customization items and bonus coins. It costs $9.99 per season, which runs for about 3 months, but again, it’s completely optional. One important note: You don’t need a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription to play eFootball 2022 online on console, which is a nice perk that most other free to play games don’t offer. That saves you around $60 a year if you only play eFootball online, which is a huge bonus for casual players.
Should You Pay for Extra eFootball 2022 Content, or Stick to Free?
This depends entirely on how often you play and what you want out of the game. I’ve got friends who only play 2 or 3 matches a month with friends, and they’ve never spent a penny on the game and are perfectly happy with the free content. Other friends who play competitive Dream Team every week have spent hundreds on player packs and season passes, and they feel it’s worth it for the extra fun.
If you’re a casual player who only plays with friends a few times a month, stick to the free version. You get all the core match functionality, and the default international teams are more than enough for fun, casual matches. If you’re a long-time soccer game fan who loves single-player modes like Master League or wants to use all licensed club teams, the one-time premium pack is a good purchase, especially if you can find it on sale for under $20.
If you play competitive Dream Team regularly, think carefully before you start spending on microtransactions. It’s easy to overspend on player packs hoping to get a rare Messi or Mbappe card, and the drop rates for top-tier players are very low. I’d recommend grinding event rewards for at least a month before you spend any real money, so you can get a feel for how the Dream Team mode works and if you enjoy it enough to spend cash on it. One tip I always give new players: Don’t buy in-game coins unless they’re on sale during holiday events, when Konami often offers 30-50% extra coins for the same price. That way you get more value for your money if you do decide to spend.
At the end of the day, if you’re wondering whether is eFootball 2022 free to play, the answer is a resounding yes for all core match functionality. You don’t have to spend a single penny to enjoy casual matches with friends online or offline, and there’s more than enough free content to keep you entertained for weeks or even months if you take part in weekly events. If you decide you want more content later, you can always buy premium add-ons as you go, no pressure to pay upfront. That flexibility is what makes eFootball 2022 one of the best free soccer game options on the market right now, especially for players who don’t want to drop $70 on a full-price sports game every year.