FIFA 17, released in 2016, was a groundbreaking game in the FIFA series, introducing a new game engine and a slew of innovative features. However, as the years have gone by, many fans have wondered if they can still play online on this classic title. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of FIFA 17’s online capabilities, exploring what’s possible, what’s not, and what you need to know to get back into the game.
FIFA 17’s Online Features: A Blast from the Past
FIFA 17’s online mode was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a range of features that enhanced the gaming experience for players. Some of the key online features included:
- Ultimate Team: This popular mode allowed players to build and manage their own team, competing against others online. Ultimate Team was a massive draw for FIFA fans, and its online features were a significant part of its appeal.
- Online Seasons: In this mode, players could compete against other gamers in a series of matches, with the goal of earning promotion to higher divisions. Online Seasons was a great way for players to test their skills against others, and it added a competitive edge to the game.
- Online Friendlies: This feature allowed players to play casual matches against friends or other gamers online, perfect for a quick game or a fun match with friends.
The State of FIFA 17’s Online Servers
As FIFA 17 has aged, the state of its online servers has become a major concern for players. In 2019, EA Sports announced that they would be shutting down the online services for FIFA 17, citing a decline in player numbers and a need to focus resources on more recent titles.
What Does This Mean for Players?
The shutdown of online services means that many of FIFA 17’s online features are no longer accessible. This includes:
- Ultimate Team: Although players can still access their Ultimate Team squads, they can no longer play online matches or participate in online events.
- Online Seasons: This mode is no longer available, as the online servers that supported it have been shut down.
- Online Friendlies: Players can no longer play online friendlies against other gamers.
Can You Still Play Online on FIFA 17?
While the shutdown of online services has limited FIFA 17’s online capabilities, there is still a way to play online with friends. Here’s the catch: you’ll need to create a private match, which allows you to play against friends who have the same game and are online at the same time.
How to Create a Private Match in FIFA 17
To create a private match in FIFA 17, follow these steps:
- Launch FIFA 17 and navigate to the Online menu.
- Select Private Match and choose the game mode you want to play (e.g., Kick-Off or Ultimate Team).
- Set up the match settings as desired, including the teams, stadium, and game length.
- Invite friends to join the match using the in-game invite system or by sharing the match details with them.
- Once all players are ready, start the match and enjoy playing against your friends online.
FIFA 17 Online Communities: Keeping the Dream Alive
Although EA Sports may have shut down the official online services, the FIFA 17 community has found ways to keep the game alive. Online forums, social media groups, and gaming communities continue to thrive, with players sharing tips, strategies, and match results.
FIFA 17 Online Tournaments
One of the most exciting aspects of the FIFA 17 online community is the proliferation of online tournaments. These tournaments, often organized by community members, bring together players from around the world to compete against each other. Using private matches, players can participate in these tournaments, which often feature cash prizes or bragging rights.
Popular FIFA 17 Online Tournaments
Some popular online tournaments for FIFA 17 include:
- FUT Champions: A competitive tournament that brings together top Ultimate Team players to compete for prizes and recognition.
- eChampions League: A FIFA 17 tournament that mirrors the real-world Champions League, with teams competing against each other in a knockout format.
Conclusion: Is FIFA 17 Still Worth Playing Online?
While the shutdown of online services has limited FIFA 17’s online features, the game still offers a fun and engaging experience for players. With the ability to create private matches and participate in online tournaments, there’s still plenty of life left in this classic title.
If you’re a die-hard FIFA fan or simply looking for a fun, nostalgic gaming experience, FIFA 17 is definitely worth playing online. So, gather your friends, dust off your FIFA 17 disc, and get ready to kick it old school.
| Online Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Team | Limited (offline squad management only) |
| Online Seasons | Unavailable |
| Online Friendlies | Unavailable |
| Private Matches | Available |
Note: The table above provides a summary of FIFA 17’s online features and their current status.
Can I still play online on FIFA 17?
Yes, you can still play online on FIFA 17. Although the game is a few years old, EA Sports has not yet shut down its online servers, which means you can still engage in online multiplayer matches with other players. However, it’s essential to note that the online mode may not be as active as it was during the game’s prime, and you might experience some difficulties finding opponents or playing matches with a stable connection.
Keep in mind that EA Sports typically shuts down online support for older games after a few years, so it’s uncertain how much longer FIFA 17’s online mode will remain active. If you’re interested in playing online, it’s recommended that you take advantage of this opportunity while it’s still available.
Will I be able to play Ultimate Team online?
Yes, you can still play Ultimate Team online on FIFA 17. This mode allows you to build and manage your own team, compete against other players, and participate in various tournaments and challenges. Ultimate Team is a popular mode in the FIFA series, and it’s still accessible in FIFA 17. You can create your own team, collect players and items, and engage in online matches against other Ultimate Team players.
However, as mentioned earlier, the online mode’s activity level may be lower compared to newer FIFA games. You might experience longer wait times when searching for opponents or struggle to find active players to play against. Nevertheless, Ultimate Team remains a fun and engaging mode, and it’s still worth playing if you’re interested in the FIFA series.
Can I play with my friends online?
Yes, you can still play online with your friends on FIFA 17. You can invite friends to play online matches, participate in co-op modes, or even play against each other in competitive matches. To play with friends, you’ll need to ensure that you have their gamertags or IDs and that they are also playing FIFA 17.
When playing with friends online, you might encounter some issues related to connection stability or lag. This could be due to various factors, such as internet connection speed or server issues. To minimize these problems, it’s recommended that you have a stable internet connection and ensure that your console or PC is configured correctly for online gaming.
Will there be any new updates or patches for FIFA 17?
No, there will not be any new updates or patches for FIFA 17. The game’s development cycle has ended, and EA Sports has shifted its focus to newer FIFA titles. This means that you won’t receive any new content, features, or bug fixes for FIFA 17.
Although there won’t be any new updates, the existing game remains playable, and you can still enjoy the content that’s already available. If you encounter any issues or bugs, you can try troubleshooting or searching for community-created fixes, but don’t expect any official support from EA Sports.
Can I still purchase FIFA Points or packs?
No, you cannot purchase FIFA Points or packs for FIFA 17. EA Sports has discontinued the ability to buy FIFA Points or packs for this game, which means you won’t be able to acquire new items or players for your Ultimate Team.
If you already have a balance of FIFA Points or existing packs, you can still use them to acquire items or players in the game. However, you won’t be able to purchase any additional points or packs. It’s recommended that you use your existing balance before the online mode is eventually shut down.
How long will the online mode stay active?
EA Sports has not announced an official shutdown date for FIFA 17’s online mode. The company typically keeps older games’ online modes active for a few years before discontinuing support. Although it’s uncertain how much longer FIFA 17’s online mode will remain active, it’s likely to stay accessible for at least another year or two.
Keep in mind that EA Sports can shut down the online mode at any time, so it’s essential to make the most of the opportunity to play online while it’s still available. You can stay updated on any potential shutdown dates by following EA Sports’ official channels or community forums.
Is it still worth buying FIFA 17?
Whether or not it’s still worth buying FIFA 17 depends on your personal preferences and gaming needs. If you’re looking for a more affordable FIFA experience and don’t mind playing an older game, FIFA 17 can still offer a fun and engaging gameplay experience. You can find the game at a lower price point compared to newer FIFA titles, making it a more budget-friendly option.
However, if you’re looking for the latest features, updated rosters, and improved graphics, you might want to consider purchasing a newer FIFA game. The online mode’s activity level and overall gameplay experience may not be as robust as newer titles, so it’s crucial to weigh your options carefully before making a purchase.