The FIFA franchise may have only just been rebranded as EA Sports FC 24 but it’s already expanding with a turn-based strategy game coming to mobile called EA Sports FC Tactical.

Arriving in early 2024, Tactical will feature “interactive simulation” and give players access to more than 5,000 authentic football stars from more than ten leagues such as the Premier League, LALIGA EA SPORTS, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Serie A. This isn’t to be confused with EA Sports FC Mobile, however, which was a free update to FIFA Mobile

“EA Sports FC Tactical embraces strategic gameplay to create an all-new football experience that immerses players in the world’s game like never before,” said EA Sports FC senior vice president and general manager Nick Wlodyka.

“We’re excited to welcome fans of turn-based strategy games to join the club as part of the EA Sports FC player community, and look forward to sharing more on EA SPORTS FC Tactical soon.”

Tactical will emphasise in-game strategies such as stamina and power-play management. Matches across several modes will play out with turn-based gameplay, letting players attack, defend, perform skill moves, and more. EA promises “authentic football action like never before”.

Modes will include online friendly matches to online competitions, including Rank matches, Leagues, and Guilds. Players can train their stars to master high-skill moves, unlock perfect traits for deeper progression, and customise their team with various items like stadium designs, kits, and balls.

The franchise kicked off proper in September 2023 with EA Sports FC 24, though it’s the continuation of FIFA in everything but the name. The rebrand hasn’t all been smooth, however, as the game was almost immediately met with controversy for its microtransactions.

In our 7/10 review, IGN said: “It might have a new name, but EA Sports FC 24 is just about the same, frustrating but beautiful game that FIFA’s been for many years.”

The Nintendo Switch version didn’t come off so well, however, despite EA calling it a “huge achievement”. It earned a 4/10 from IGN: “While it isn’t another literal copy-and-paste of last year’s version, EA Sports FC 24 is still leagues worse on Nintendo Switch.”