Highlights
- EA Sports College Football 25 generates high hype and excitement, with pre-order bonuses and early access options for eager fans.
- Game available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, leaving out PC, PS4, and Xbox One users, pushing some players to upgrade consoles.
- Deluxe Edition and MVP Bundle offer additional bonuses like Ultimate Team packs, making them appealing for Ultimate Team fanatics.
Devastated fans voiced their displeasure when EA Sports put the NCAA Football series on hiatus, facing lawsuits over using real college athletes. Ten years later, after settling some of these legal issues, a new college football game became a reality. A lack of interest was never a problem with this sports franchise, and finally, the EA Sports College Football 25 release date is set for July.
What to Expect From College Football 25
For the first time in over a decade, EA is bringing college football back to gaming with College Football 25, and there is plenty to unpack.
Not surprisingly, the hype for EA Sports College Football 25 is off the charts. Likely the first of many annual editions in the revamped franchise, collecting this year's version is even more attractive. To add to the excitement, retailers have various EA Sports College Football 25 pre-order deals that include time-limited bonuses. While the advantages of reserving some titles are debatable, some unique buying opportunities with this game deserve attention. To find out more specifics about its release week and the different editions, Game ZXC provides a handy summary below:
EA Sports College Football 25: Release Dates And Platforms
EA Sports' much-anticipated return to college football hits consoles on July 19th. However, with the Deluxe and MVP Bundle editions, gamers can play the game on July 16th, three days earlier than the EA Sports College Football 25 release date.
After details about the latest gridiron game emerged, PC gamers soon heard the bad news that EA Sports College Football 25 would not be released on their platform. Likewise, PS4 and Xbox One users are left out of the fun, as EA decided to focus on the current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. That is of little comfort to PC players, especially since Madden NFL 24 showcases its latest graphics engine on gaming rigs. Regardless, deprived of a similar football game for so long, EA Sports College Football 25 might push some reluctant gamers to purchase a new console.
EA Sports College Football 25 Standard Edition
EA Sports College Football 25 Standard Edition
With the standard edition of EA Sports College Football 25, the gridiron series makes its long-awaited return to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Gamers can coach their way to a title in Dynasty Mode or guide individual players to fame in Road to Glory. With the next-gen power of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, players will feel like they are attending sold-out Saturday rivalries at the most famous stadiums. The standard edition also includes two Ultimate Team packs and a Return to Glory Ultimate Team item.
- ESRB
- Everyone
- Platforms
- PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Publishers
- Electronic Arts
- Available On
- July 19, 2024
- Game Genre
- Sports
- Buyers receive a physical disc
- Walmart purchase comes with steelbook case
- Best option if not interested in Ultimate Team
- Bonuses are limited depending on retailer
Often, any incentives are disappointing when pre-ordering the standard edition of a game. That's not the case with EA Sports College Football 25, especially when purchasing it at Walmart. For the same price as other retailers, gamers will receive a special edition steelbook, a premium metal case holding the physical disc. Some other store-specific deals include a $5 gift card at Best Buy when reserving a copy. Regardless of the retailer, all gamers will receive the following bonuses:
- Alma Mater Ultimate Team Pack (Choice of 1 player item out of 134)
- Cover Athlete Ultimate Team Pack (Choice of 1 player item out of 3)
- Return to Glory Ultimate Team Uniform Item
EA Sports typically puts a lot of focus on Ultimate Team in sports titles like FC 24, which also looks to be the case in EA Sports College Football 25. This popular, often controversial mode allows gamers to purchase packs of players and other items used to compete in single and multiplayer challenges. What gamers receive is based on predetermined odds, but certain packs are more likely to yield more useful returns than others.
Players have the potential to receive elite college football talent, which can make racking up wins less stressful. If gamers are more interested in single-player modes like Dynasty and Road to Glory, then the Alma Mater and Cover Athlete packs may not seem as enticing. Even so, the pricier EA Sports College Football 25 editions have even more extensive Ultimate Team bonuses, so this version makes the most sense for fans of the other modes.
Buyers don't necessarily have to purchase a more expensive configuration to play the game before July 19th. With an EA Play subscription for $5.99 monthly, gamers can also play a 10-hour EA Sports College Football 25 trial on July 16th.
EA Sports College Football 25 Deluxe Edition
EA Sports College Football 25 Deluxe Edition
Bringing all the realism of the college gridiron to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, the EA Sports College Football 25 Deluxe Edition includes everything a player needs to win a national championship title. The Ultimate Team mode allows gamers to build their dream team and compete head-to-head in thrilling multiplayer battles. To help them compete at the highest levels, the Deluxe Edition ships with 4600 points to purchase packs and other player and team items. Not only can buyers play the game three days early, but they also receive three Ultimate Team packs and a Bring Glory Home uniform item.
- ESRB
- Everyone
- Platforms
- PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Publishers
- EA Sports
- Available On
- July 16
- Game Genre
- Sports
- Three day early access on July 16th
- 4600 Ultimate Team points + three player packs
- Alma Mater pack allows gamers to choose from favorite players
- Digital only with no physical bonuses
Ultimate Team is a highly competitive EA Sports College Football 25 mode in which players spend hours assembling the perfect squad. That's why the Deluxe Edition appeals to those gamers, who are considering the three-day early access ahead of the standard EA Sports College Football 25 release date. It's always frustrating to play a multiplayer mode on release day only to find other players already have highly rated teams. Regardless, many single-player-oriented buyers will be willing to spend the extra $30 just to be the first to see how EA Sports has evolved the series' graphics and gameplay.
Madden NFL 24: 4 Best Team Captains For Ultimate Team
Players need the best team captains in Madden NFL 24 if they are to take home a trophy or two.
While there are limited details about Ultimate Team in EA Sports College Football 25, it seems to follow the same mold as recent Madden NFL titles. Gamers can expect offline and online challenges to earn points and packs to gradually improve custom teams. One difference to note is that with a much larger player and team base than in Madden, there will be more possibilities for star players and unique items. One reason the MUT (Madden Ultimate Team) in the EA Sports NFL titles has failed to reach the legendary status of the mode in FC 24 is that players quickly acquire the same hall-of-fame player cards.
With the EA Sports College Football 25 Deluxe Edition, here is the list of bonuses buyers will benefit from:
- 3 Day Early Access (July 16th)
- 4600 College Football Points
- Alma Mater Ultimate Team Pack (Choice of 1 player item out of 134)
- Cover Athlete Ultimate Team Pack (Choice of 1 player item out of 3)
- Bring Glory Home Ultimate Team Uniform Item
Buyers who order the Deluxe Edition before June 27th will also appreciate a special Heisman Hopeful pack. Going by past Ultimate Team lingo in other EA Sports games, the Cover Athlete pack will likely include a choice between Donovan Edwards, Quinn Ewers, and Travis Hunter. These are three top talents heading into the next college football season and are featured on the cover of EA Sports College Football 25.
With the Alma Matter pack, players may not end up with stars rated in the 90s, but it's still one of the more anticipated EA Sports College Football 25 pre-order bonuses. After specifying a favorite team, gamers will have a popular player from that college program to show their team pride. 4600 points to improve on teams may not seem like a lot, but there are some indications that Ultimate Team will be a bit less grindy than other EA Sports titles.
One thing to consider is that the Deluxe Edition does not offer a physical disc option. Also, there are no tangible bonuses, like a steelbook or the replicas and uniforms bundled in the GameStop exclusive Homecoming Pack. However, with consoles like the Xbox Series X going all-digital, the convenience of downloading games is winning over more buyers.
EA Sports College Football 25 MVP Bundle
EA Sports College Football 25 MVP Bundle
The EA Sports College Football 25 MVP Bundle is a dream for college and pro football fans on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. As part of the bundle, buyers will receive the EA Sports College Football 25 Deluxe Edition, playable three days ahead of its July 19th release date. Even better, players will also have Madden NFL 25 to look forward to, which is included in this configuration at a steep discount. Like with EA Sports' college football title, gamers have early access to Madden NFL 25, starting on August 13th. With both games, players receive points, packs, and other exclusive items for Ultimate Team modes.
- ESRB
- Everyone
- Platforms
- PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Publishers
- EA Sports
- Available On
- July 16
- Game Genre
- Sports
- Discount compared to purchasing both titles separately
- Early access for Madden and College Football 25
- Can draft player from College Football 25 in Madden
- No added incentives not available in Deluxe Editions
The EA Sports College Football 25 MVP Bundle is one of the more unusual pre-order packages gamers will come across. Perhaps anticipating the July EA Sports College Football 25 release date would take some hype away from the annual August Madden debut, this MVP Bundle includes both games. Buyers will receive the Deluxe Editions of the pro and college football games but at a discount over purchasing both individually.
When gamers consider some of the changes to Madden NFL 25 gameplay, the concept of the bundle becomes clearer. As part of the new features for Madden NFL 25, Franchise Mode will receive an overhaul with added draft coverage. In EA Sports College Football 25, gamers can create a player in Road to Glory mode and guide them to becoming NFL pros. That same athlete can then participate in the NFL Combine before being drafted in Madden NFL 25. EA Sports also plans to enhance the cinematic feel of NFL Draft Night with segments featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Despite this clever integration between both games, some fans were disappointed to learn that entire draft classes can't be imported into Madden.
Buyers will receive the same bonuses as the standalone EA Sports College Football 25 Deluxe Edition. With Madden NFL 25, players have this long list of perks to look forward to:
- 4,600 Madden Points
- Early Access Ultimate Team Challenges
- Superstar Drip Gear (PS5 and Series X/S only)
- Legendary XP Boost (PS5 and Series X/S only)
- AKA Player Item
- Cover Athlete Elite Player Item
- Choice of 2 Strategy Items
Once again, players not attracted to Madden's Ultimate Team mode may find little reason to purchase the Deluxe Edition. There is also more emphasis on items and cosmetic gear, rather than the player packs in Madden's college counterpart. Drip Gear adds some personal flair to NFL jerseys with offbeat styles not usually seen on game days. Ultimate Team competitors will also have 4,600 points to spend to get a leg up on the intense multiplayer competition. Meanwhile, XP boosts can temporarily make leveling up less of a chore in MUT mode.
The EA Sports College Football 25 MVP Bundle is a no-brainer for buyers who usually purchase Madden NFL titles. It sells at a discount of $50 compared to buying the Deluxe Editions separately, and it's barely more than the cost of the Standard Editions of both titles. Even so, GameStop throws another wrinkle into the EA Sports College Football 25 pre-order dilemma. For buyers who turn to physical toys and collectibles to decorate gaming rooms, GameStop offers Homecoming Packs in various configurations. These bundles have the usual bonuses: a replica locker, a college jersey, and a commemorative football.
Which EA Sports College Football 25 Edition Should You Buy?
It's not too late to secure a copy of EA Sports College Football 25. Be warned, though, some added incentives make the wait seem even more intolerable. It's understandable if players want something physical to commemorate the franchise's return to prominence, and the Standard Edition is the most affordable way to do so. While buyers won't be able to play the game early, Walmart includes a steelbook case that should stand the test of time.
Ultimate Team addicts will find that the EA Sports College Football 25 Deluxe Edition and MVP Bundle will instantly boost their performance. Yet, from a pure value perspective, it's hard to pass up the MVP Bundle, provided a buyer has any interest in Madden NFL 25. This unique package deal grants players three-day early access, a slew of bonuses, and two new football releases at a significant discount.
With anticipation building over the past ten years, it won't take much to convince gamers to acquire any of these editions. Nevertheless, players might as well commemorate its comeback with limited-time EA Sports College Football 25 pre-order deals.
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FAQ
Q: Will EA Sports College Football 25 be just like Madden?
Early impressions indicate that while there are similarities between the two franchises, College Football 25 gameplay has a different feel. There is a larger disparity between talent at the college level than in the NFL, and dynamic attributes reflect this reality. Other features like Stadium Pulse demonstrate the effects of loud and raucous stadiums on inexperienced freshman players.
Q: Is EA Sports College Football 25 cross platform?
Several modes in EA Sports College Football 25 enable Playstation and Xbox Series X/S gamers to compete head-to-head. However, while Ultimate Team and Road to the College Football Playoff modes support this feature, Online Dynasty does not.
Q: Will FCS teams be included in EA Sports College Football 25?
At launch, EA Sports College Football 25 won't include football teams that play in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Fortunately, with Team Builder, creating a fairly accurate representation of any college football program should be possible.