FIFA or PES? After decades of rivalry, one game takes the lead

Football video game fans have been locked in a passionate debate for decades: FIFA or PES? These two giants—FIFA, developed by EA Sports, and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), created by Konami—have defined the genre, each offering distinct experiences that cater to different tastes. As of March 20, 2025, with FIFA now rebranded as EA Sports FC and PES transformed into the free-to-play eFootball, the rivalry has evolved, but the core question remains: which is better? This article dives into their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes each title stand out, helping you decide which reigns supreme.

Licensing and authenticity: FIFA’s unmatched edge

When it comes to authenticity, FIFA has long held the upper hand. EA Sports’ deep pockets and extensive licensing agreements bring real-world teams, players, leagues, and tournaments—like the UEFA Champions League and Premier League—into the game with stunning accuracy. As of its latest iterations, FIFA (now EA Sports FC) boasts over 19,000 players, 700 teams, and 30 leagues, all with official kits, logos, and stadiums. This level of detail creates an immersive experience that mirrors televised football, appealing to fans who crave realism.

PES, on the other hand, has historically struggled with licensing. While it secured exclusive rights to clubs like Juventus and Barcelona in recent years, many teams—like Manchester United appearing as “Man Red”—rely on generic names and kits. Though PES offers option files for fans to update rosters manually, this workaround pales compared to FIFA’s out-of-the-box authenticity. For casual players or those prioritising official branding, FIFA’s dominance in this area is hard to beat.

Gameplay: PES’s realistic soul vs. FIFA’s polished arcade feel

Gameplay is where the debate heats up. PES has long been celebrated for its realistic mechanics, offering a slower, more deliberate pace that mirrors actual football. Passing, dribbling, and ball physics feel weighty and precise, rewarding tactical mastery over flashy moves. Fans often praise PES for making every goal feel earned with AI that adapts dynamically to your play style. Even as eFootball, the series retains this focus, though its transition to a new engine has introduced some growing pains.

FIFA, by contrast, leans into a faster, arcade-style approach. Its gameplay is fluid and accessible, with intuitive controls that make it easy to pick up and play. Features like the Active Touch System and timed finishing add depth, but the emphasis on pace and physicality can sometimes overshadow strategy. While FIFA has closed the realism gap in recent years—slowing down play and refining ball control—it still caters to a broader audience with its polished, entertainment-driven feel. Hardcore simulation fans may prefer PES, but FIFA’s balance of fun and finesse often wins over the masses.

Graphics and presentation: FIFA’s flash vs. PES’s detail

Visually, FIFA tends to outshine PES with its superior presentation. Powered by the Frostbite engine (and now Hypermotion technology in EA Sports FC), FIFA delivers lifelike player models, detailed stadiums, and cinematic broadcast packages that mimic real-world football. Commentary from icons like Martin Tyler adds to the immersive vibe, though some criticise the animations as occasionally “rubbery.”

PES, using Unreal Engine in its eFootball era, excels in finer details—sweat on players’ faces, realistic lighting, and smooth animations—but lacks the same breadth of licensed content to showcase. Its stadiums and unlicensed teams can feel less vibrant, and commentary (often featuring Peter Drury) has been a weak point. While PES nails individual player likenesses for licensed stars, FIFA’s overall polish and scale give it the edge in presentation.

Game modes: FIFA’s variety vs. PES’s focus

FIFA’s strength lies in its diverse game modes. FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) remains a juggernaut, letting players build dream squads through card packs and a bustling transfer market, albeit with controversial microtransactions. Career Mode offers deep management options, while Volta Football brings street-style flair. This variety keeps FIFA engaging for solo and online players alike.

PES counters Master League, a robust single-player mode with RPG elements like cutscenes and tactical depth, appealing to fans of long-term management. MyClub, PES’s answer to FUT, is simpler and less microtransaction-heavy but lacks the same addictive pull. As eFootball, PES has shifted to a live-service model with fewer modes, focusing on online play, disappointing some traditional fans. FIFA’s broader offerings make it the winner in terms of versatility.

Sales and community: FIFA’s dominance

Commercially, FIFA has consistently outpaced PES. By 2023, FIFA had sold over 325 million units worldwide, dwarfing PES’s 111 million, cementing its status as the best-selling sports video game franchise. This success fuels a larger online community, better matchmaking, and more robust esports support. Despite a loyal following—especially in Japan—PES has struggled to match FIFA’s global reach, a gap widened by Konami’s shift to eFootball’s free-to-play model in 2021, which saw mixed reception.

The verdict: Which Is better?

So, which is better—FIFA or PES? It depends on what you value. If you prioritise authenticity, slick presentation, and a wealth of modes, FIFA (now EA Sports FC) is the clear choice. Its licensing, polish, and mass appeal make it the go-to for casual fans and competitive players.

However, if realistic gameplay and a simulation-focused experience matter most, PES (or eFootball) still holds a special allure despite its licensing woes and recent stumbles.

As of March 20, 2025, FIFA’s evolution into EA Sports FC continues to refine its formula while eFootball experiments with a new identity. Neither is perfect—FIFA’s microtransactions and PES’s limited scope have their critics—but both offer compelling takes on virtual football. For the average player, FIFA’s all-around package likely tips the scales. Yet, for purists who savour the art of the game, PES’s soulful gameplay might just steal the win. As for me, I’d pick FIFA any day over PES, but the ball’s in your court—pick your side and kick-off!