EA Sports UFC 5: Everything We Know

Electronic Arts has lifted the veil on the next mainline entry in its ever-popular UFC series. Aptly titled EA Sports UFC 5, the upcoming entry will “be as real as it gets”, and will utilize the power of the Frostbite Engine to formulate advanced rendering techniques, as well as “next-level environment fidelity that’ll make their [players] walk to the Octagon feel like a pay-per-view main event.” Quite the catch, eh?

Fortunately for those who have been waiting to scratch that MMA itch, UFC 5 will be heading to next-gen consoles before year’s end. Until that time does come, though, here’s everything you need to know about it. EA Sports UFC 5: what is it, and when can we expect to get our hands on it? Let’s dive right in.

What Is EA Sports UFC 5?

Let’s get straight to the point. EA Sports UFC 5 is the fifth mainline entry in the acclaimed MMA fighting series, and the direct follow-up to 2020’s UFC 4. In the latest segment—an episode that is reportedly being built with the Frostbite Engine—players will be invited to once again confront The Octagon, an iconic stage that houses only the best up-and-coming MMA fighters from around the globe. Like before, this is where you, a fledgling fighter with a hunger for the podium, will begin your ascension to the apex.

So, what’s new in UFC 5? Well, for starters, there’s the improved damage system: “Cuts, bruising, and swelling accumulate based on the damage you inflict–and take–including over 64,000 possible combinations of facial damage that is rendered in more detail than ever before, realistically affecting character attributes.” And then there’s the new ringside doctor—an eagle-eyed medic who will play a vital part during matches and ultimately decide whether or not you should bow out, or fight to the bitter end.

“Authentic damage comes with authentic results,” the description elaborates. “If the player sustains a significant injury—like a broken nose or swollen eye—the ref can now step in, pause the action, and get the ringside doctor to inspect the damage.”

Story

There’ll be a Career mode — that much we know. And not just that, but a variation of classic modes, too. As far as storylines go, though, UFC has never really been one for going OTT on its theatrics and overarching plot points. Having said that, UFC 5 has gone as far as to reveal a thread of cinematic details and potential rivalries, so there’s definitely a chance that there’ll be something that goes on outside of The Octagon.

When all’s said and done, there’ll still be an Online Career mode to bite into come launch day. This will feature a more in-depth progression system, as well as the lion’s share of the features and seasonal patches. You will, of course, need an EA account to play online against other players around the world.

“Players asked for it; we answered,” teased Electronic Arts in a press release. “Online Career includes skill-based matchmaking, division progression, and title chases across four divisions. Players can compete with a different Created Fighter in each division, allowing players to showcase multiple character customizations and Vanity Items.”

Gameplay

UFC 5 will shine a lot brighter than its predecessors, thanks to the vastly improved Frostbite Engine and its revolutionized rendering capabilities. Having such an engine installed will mean several things, of course, though the most obvious is all-found better, cleaner performance.

“For the first time in franchise history, the Frostbite™ engine powers EA SPORTS UFC, bringing unrivaled graphics upgrades for console games,” boasts the blurb. “From dynamic lighting and overhauled character fidelity to realistic strand hair and cloth animations — Frostbite helps bring the action in the Octagon to life.”

“Improved fidelity means when fighters absorb strikes, the results show on their face and body in an authentic, wince-inducing fashion,” it continues. “Plus, all new fluid physics and particle systems make blood and sweat drip and spray as it does during the heat of the action in the Octagon.”

In addition to the engine overhaul and performance upgrades, UFC 5 will also make room for new online and offline modes and progression systems, which will include character upgrades, Alter Egos, and Vanity Items.

“Play the game to earn your way through a set of predetermined rewards, including in-game currency, player profile customizations, created fighter Vanity Items, and Alter Egos. In addition, completing Profile Challenges rewards players with XP that levels up their Punch Card’s earning capability.”

Development

🚨 UFC 5 OFFICIAL REVEAL🚨

IT’S TIME! ⏰ From unrivaled Frostbite graphics to all-new damage systems #UFC5 is as real as it gets 👊

Pre-order now ⏩ https://t.co/6abKbDDD9X pic.twitter.com/qasFG4SYWS

— EA SPORTS UFC (@EASPORTSUFC) September 7, 2023

Given the success of UFC 4 and the volume of units it sold back in 2020, it came as no major surprise to see UFC back at the helm for a fifth installment. And from the looks of what we’ve seen so far, it won’t be a run-of-the-mill rehash of the last entry, either, what with it being redesigned in a brand-new game engine. The only downside to this is that, well, it won’t be optimized for PC.

“At the moment, we do not have any plans for PC,” EA Sports’ Nate McDonald told MMA News. “With the focus really on nailing this experience of UFC 5 on the current-gen consoles, and focusing on how Frostbite was going to enable us to do that, and how we've translated that into the meta-gameplay experience…the entire team has been focused on nailing that experience. PC is something that we always talk about, so we'll continue to have those conversations moving forward.”

Trailer

Thanks to ONL 2023, we do have a little bit of footage to brush over while we wait for its release. But don’t let us spoil it for you, though. If you’re wondering who’ll feature in the roster, then go ahead and check out the teaser trailer above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Going by the press release, EA Sports UFC 5 will be released on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on October 27, 2023. Does this technically strike PC and Switch out of the picture? Apparently, yes. Although, going by the series‘ history, it isn't exactly uncommon for Electronic Arts’ UFC to stick to consoles and sideline the likes of PC and other handheld devices.

Launch edition-wise, UFC 5 will have just the two: Standard Edition, which will retail for $69.99, and Deluxe Edition, for $99.99. Here’s what you can expect to find bundled in with each version, according to Electronic Arts:

Standard Edition — $69.99

• UFC 5 STANDARD PREORDER BUNDLE TRACKER
• UFC® 5 30th Anniversary Pack
• UFC® 5 – Muhammad Ali
• UFC® 5 – Valentina Shevchenko
• UFC® 5 – Alexander Volkanovski
• UFC® 5 – Online Career Mode XP Boost

Deluxe Edition — $99.99

• UFC 5 DELUXE EDITION PREORDER BUNDLE TRACKER
• UFC® 5 30th Anniversary Pack
• UFC® 5 – Muhammad Ali
• UFC® 5 – Bruce Lee Bundle
• UFC® 5 – Fedor Emelianenko
• UFC® 5 – Israel Adesanya
• UFC® 5 – Jon Jones
• UFC® 5 – Mike Tyson
• UFC® 5 – Valentina Shevchenko
• UFC® 5 – Alexander Volkanovski
• UFC® 5 – Online Career Mode XP Boost
• UFC® 5 – Origins Bundle

Electronic Arts’ UFC 5 caught your attention? If so, then be sure to check in with the team over on their joint social handle for more information here. If anything changes ahead of its October launch, we’ll be sure to fill you in on all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of EA Sports UFC 5 when it releases on Xbox and PlayStation? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.