The popularity of soccer games on any video gaming console has always been pretty big. It is a sport that is extremely popular worldwide, and as computers have improved, those on PCs have gravitated towards the games as well.
What are the seven best soccer games on PC right now? If a person is looking for realism, an arcade style, or a combination of both, these are the best options to consider.
The important thing to remember is that the specs need to be at a certain minimum for a game to perform as it should on a computer. A computer from a decade ago is likely not going to properly run high graphics at an optimal level.
1. FIFA
For so many years, FIFA has been the gold standard for soccer games on any platform. While there are plenty of reasons people can get frustrated with the game, it still looks the best and has the most players buying it every single year. Those looking for the best type of overall game they can find featuring all their favorite players will have no choice but to go with FIFA.
Every single year, FIFA knows that other options are trying to push them a little bit. They introduce new modes, re-work gameplay as much as possible, and balance everything out to make it a true simulation. While it might play a little too arcade-like for some, others feel like it is a game that they can really immerse themselves in and go from there.
The latest release of FIFA has over 700 clubs and 17,000 actual players. Ultimate Team added 100 icons to play with, merging current players with the historic greats. With 2022 right around the corner, EA Sports likely has more new features to attempt to retain their spot as the best simulation soccer game in the world.
For those wanting to really benefit from playing on PC compared to consoles, some modding communities release some interesting options for offline players. It is worth exploring a bit for more realism.
Pros
- A ton of player, club, and stadium licenses
- Added legends
- Improved career mode
Cons
- Gameplay feels a little stale to some
- Commentary took a step backward
2. Pro Evolution Soccer (eFootball PES)
Pro Evolution Soccer (now known as eFootball PES) has always been viewed as the underdog going for the crown that FIFA holds. Some people swear that this is the better game between the two, but it does not have as many licenses to feature players and teams from all over the world.
Where it makes up for things is the fact that gameplay is very solid all-around. It might not play as fast as FIFA, but some people like it because it simulates real soccer. Instead of games being high-scoring or opponents online finding different exploits, it actually resembles soccer tactics.
Getting past some of the licensing limitations certainly proves challenging, but loyal fans are sticking with the game until the end. It is a nice alternative to FIFA, and the two brands push each other every step of the way.
Pros
- Gameplay feels real
- Improved graphics all-around
- Online play feels much better
Cons
- Many are waiting for the Unreal Engine 4 release
- Frustrating to see some big teams not licensed
3. Football Manager
Not everyone is 100% interested in actual gameplay with a video game. There is something to be said for immersing a person into managing their actual soccer team and going from there. For those who enjoy that aspect of video games, Football Manager might be the best of the best.
It goes into detail as a manager much better than FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer could ever dream of. It doesn’t have that high-level action that people are playing against their friends, but it’s more of a single-player game where players can pretend like they are an owner of a soccer club themselves.
It’s obviously not for everyone, but it’s worth giving a try as a true manager game out there. No company comes particularly close when offering something like this.
Pros
- Very detail-oriented
- Fully customizable
- Easy to pick up and play here and there
Cons
- Lacks the type of gameplay some soccer players want
- Can be a little bit tedious in stretches
4. Football, Tactics & Glory
With a combination of strategy and actual gameplay, Football, Tactics & Glory might be an option worth exploring. It’s not the best of the best in either category, but it does a good job of blending the two and giving people a casual option that they might enjoy.
Graphics might be simplistic, but they are very smooth and allow for fairly realistic gameplay. There is not as high of a learning curve starting out, but it takes time to really become great at this game.
With a lack of licensing using real players, some might instantly be turned off. It is a much cheaper option if there is any silver lining because they do not have to pay players and teams for their licenses.
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Keeps realism around
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Lacks any real player/team licenses
- Offline becomes a little stale
5. Kopinato All-Stars
Looking beyond some of the major titles in soccer, Kopinato All-Stars is one way to go. It is meant for a lot of action, and is definitely a bit of an arcade-style with some superpowers for each player.
Those willing to give it a try love that it is pretty easy to learn, and there are enough customizable options to make it fun to play over and over again.
People will get the type of graphics that they’re used to from the other games to make this list, but that’s not why people play this game in the first place. It’s more about getting a challenge that is fast-paced, easy to learn, and addicting to play.
Pros
- Very creative game overall
- Easy to learn
- For all ages
Cons
- Not very realistic
- No online multiplayer
6. Football Strike
Every game on this list costs money to play except for Football Strike. That is why some people who are only casual fans of the sport will gravitate towards this game on the computer instead of going with something else. It can satisfy that urge to play, and it’s really not hard to jump into it all.
The game is pretty good for a simulation, even if the graphics are not up to par compared to some of the other games to make this list. They also lack the licensing that other games bring to the table. People might not feel like they are immersing themselves in the game if the licensing is not there.
Football Strike is definitely one that makes sense for different types of players out there. As long as people are willing to take a chance on something different, this is downloading and trying out.
Pros
- Very easy to get started playing
- Satisfies both casual and serious players
- It’s Free to play
Cons
- Game sometimes feels too much like pay-to-win
- Minor loading problems pop up too often
7. Rocket League
Just about everyone at some point in time has heard about Rocket League. However, it can be a bit controversial when making a list for the soccer games, since it is only loosely connected to the sport. It still deserves mention because so many people play it, especially on PC.
What people get is an arcade type of soccer game that uses vehicles and machines instead of players. It is very competitive online, and some people have been living off of playing this game throughout the years. Even people who never played before can get their feet wet and see if it is something they enjoy.
Pros
- Arcade-style play for fast action
- A lot of customizable options
- Quality online play
Cons
- Not true soccer
- Can be a bit overwhelming for people just getting started
Our Top Pick
Many different companies have put out competitors to take on FIFA, but no one has been able to match their overall value. FIFA is the only way to go for those who want to do a little bit of everything and play with actual pro soccer players.
The game runs very smoothly on PCs that are designed to handle top-notch graphics, and the online community is strong enough that people will still be able to find a game at pretty much any hour.
There’s also the option of never having to go online, opting for offline play that is very immersive given the graphics, licensing, and overall realism.
Best soccer games on other platforms:
