EA Sports has finally given a full look at The Grounds, the long-rumoured new mode in EA FC 27. This social hub and open world feature replaces traditional static menus and serves as the new home for the popular Clubs mode. While some players fear its resemblance to NBA 2K's The City, the details are now clear.
What is The Grounds mode in EA FC 27?
The Grounds acts as a social hub for up to 100 live players who can inhabit a single lobby using their custom Pro avatars. EA Sports promises an "evolving" world as the season progresses, centred around a central Terrace with three distinct districts: Montclair, Zeiza, and Parkside. Each district is based on areas rich in football heritage, including French urban cage pitches, Argentina's potrero style, and the working-class origins of football in the UK.
The mode integrates the Clubs experience, allowing players to meet friends and play various game modes. However, it is not available on old-gen platforms, meaning PS4 and Xbox One players will miss out.
How does The Grounds work?
Every session starts at The Terrace, where the 100 players gather. From there, players can walk to their Clubhouse to access Clubs modes like Leagues, Playoffs, and the new 11v11 Tournaments. The Clubhouse also houses customisation items and information kiosks. After visiting, players can head to any of the three districts to take part in different match formats, including small-sided matches like Rush and new Kickabouts—fresh mini games. Players will also meet four legendary Mentors who guide improvement via in-world challenges.
What new activities are in The Grounds?
A major addition is Clubs Live Tournaments, an 11v11 mode where teams compete in multi-round events that change throughout the season, featuring house rules like Mystery Ball and Survival. Kickabouts include a host of mini games:
- Bocce Ball: A three-player free-for-all where you score by passing or shooting balls into shrinking, obstacle-guarded targets.
- Team Keepaway: A 3v3 possession game where teams earn points and multipliers for consecutive passes and slide tackles.
- The Big Race: A four-player obstacle-course race where you dribble past lava floors, moving colliders, and defender zones.
- Attacking Scenarios: A rule-free 2v2 match with rotating random objectives, like scoring off a wall bounce or completing three passes first.
- Bucket Ball: A 2v2 game where players use lobs, headers, and spikes to score into hoops.
- Balloon Ball: A four-player survival battle to pop opponents' floating balloons using power-ups like Boomerang Ball or Invincibility.
- Goal Control: A 1v1 match where players score to claim and control eight different goals on the pitch.
Scattered throughout the world are hidden targets that contribute to weekly challenges. Players can also expect in-world seasonal campaigns that connect playground activities across districts to larger stadium tournaments.
