1. Introduction
Welcome to FIFA 21, developed by Electronic Arts. This game is powered by the Frostbite engine, offering an immersive football experience. FIFA 21 provides various ways to play, from street football to stadium matches, and includes official competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and CONMEBOL Libertadores. This manual provides essential information for setting up, playing, maintaining, and troubleshooting your game on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles.
Figure 1: FIFA 21 game case, compatible with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
2. Setup
2.1 System Requirements
- Console: PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5
- Storage: Sufficient free space on your console's hard drive for game installation and updates.
- Internet Connection: Required for initial game updates, online multiplayer, and accessing certain game modes and features.
2.2 Installation Process
- Ensure your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console is powered on and connected to a display.
- Insert the FIFA 21 game disc into the console's disc drive.
- The console should automatically detect the disc and begin the installation process. Follow any on-screen prompts.
- An internet connection may be required to download necessary game updates or patches. Allow these downloads to complete before playing for the optimal experience.
- Once installation and updates are complete, the game icon will appear on your console's home screen.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Starting the Game
Navigate to the FIFA 21 icon on your console's home screen and select it to launch the game. Ensure the game disc remains in the drive while playing.
3.2 Main Menu Navigation
Use your controller's directional pad or left analog stick to navigate through the main menu options. Select an option by pressing the 'X' button (PlayStation). Common menu sections include Kick-Off, Career Mode, Ultimate Team, VOLTA Football, and Settings.
3.3 Gameplay
FIFA 21 offers a variety of game modes. Familiarize yourself with the in-game tutorials and practice arena to learn basic and advanced controls for passing, shooting, defending, and special moves. Controls can typically be customized within the game's settings menu.
3.4 Saving Progress
Game progress, particularly in modes like Career Mode or Ultimate Team, is often saved automatically. Always ensure the game has completed any saving processes before turning off your console to prevent data loss.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Game Disc Care
- Handle the disc by its edges to avoid fingerprints on the playing surface.
- Store the disc in its original case when not in use to protect it from dust and scratches.
- If the disc becomes dirty, gently wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth from the center outwards. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Avoid exposing the disc to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
4.2 Console Maintenance
Ensure your PlayStation console is kept in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Regularly clean dust from the console's vents using compressed air, following your console's manufacturer guidelines.
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Game Not Starting or Disc Read Error
- Ensure the game disc is clean and free of scratches. Clean it as described in Section 4.1.
- Verify the disc is inserted correctly into the console's disc drive.
- Restart your console.
- Check if your console's system software is up to date.
- If the issue persists, try another game disc to determine if the problem is with the console's disc drive or the FIFA 21 disc.
5.2 Installation Issues
- Ensure you have sufficient free storage space on your console. Delete unnecessary data if needed.
- Check your internet connection if the installation requires downloading additional data.
- Pause and resume the installation, or restart your console and try again.
5.3 Game Freezing or Crashing
- Restart the game and your console.
- Ensure your console's system software and the game itself are fully updated.
- Clear the console's cache (refer to your console's manual for instructions).
- If the problem is persistent, consider reinstalling the game (note: this will delete all game data, but saved game data is usually separate).
5.4 Online Connectivity Problems
- Verify your internet connection is active and stable.
- Restart your router/modem.
- Check the status of PlayStation Network (PSN) services and EA servers for any outages.
- Ensure your console's network settings are correctly configured.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Title | FIFA 21 |
| Brand | Electronic Arts |
| Computer Platform | PlayStation 4 |
| Compatible Video Game Console Models | Sony PlayStation 4, Sony PlayStation 5 |
| Item Model Number | 014633379754 |
| UPC / GTIN | 014633379754 |
| Release Date | October 9, 2020 |
| Rated | Everyone |
| Product Dimensions | 0.58 x 6.69 x 5.21 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
7. Warranty and Support
7.1 Manufacturer's Warranty
Electronic Arts provides a limited warranty for its products. For detailed information regarding the warranty terms and conditions for FIFA 21, please refer to the documentation included with your game or visit the official Electronic Arts website.
7.2 Technical Support
For technical assistance, gameplay questions, or issues not covered in this manual, please contact Electronic Arts customer support. You can typically find support contact information and a knowledge base on the official Electronic Arts website: help.ea.com.
For console-specific issues, please refer to the support resources provided by Sony PlayStation.
