How Long Do Fifa Games Last?

How Long Do FIFA Games Last?

So, you’re ready to jump into a game of FIFA, but you’re wondering how long you’ll be glued to your screen? That’s a great question! It’s important to know how much time you’ll be spending playing, whether you’re squeezing in a quick match or settling in for a long session. Let’s break down the different factors that affect how long a FIFA game actually lasts.

The Basics: Regulation Time

The foundation for understanding FIFA game length is knowing about regulation time. In a real soccer (or football, depending on where you are!) match, there are two 45-minute halves, with a short break in between. FIFA games try to mimic this, but they’re much faster.

Standard Match Length in FIFA

The standard match length in FIFA is 6 minutes per half, meaning each standard game will last 12 minutes of in-game time. This is a default setting and is often what players experience when they first start playing. But, there are some things that can affect this.

Now, 12 minutes sounds short compared to a real 90-minute match, right? Well, that’s because the game is compressed to keep matches manageable and exciting. The game flow is sped up. This means plays develop quicker, and there are more opportunities for scoring and action.

• Standard Half Length: 6 minutes
• Total Regulation Time: 12 minutes
• Typical Game Length with Extras: 15-20 minutes

This is just for standard regulation, it doesn’t account for other things like the time before the match, the time during extra time and penalties. We will discuss that in below sections.

Adjusting Match Length

One cool thing about FIFA is that you are not stuck with the default 6-minute halves. You can actually change how long each half is in the settings before you start the game. This makes it easy to tailor your gaming experience to how much time you have to play.

Setting Half Length Options

Here’s a quick run through of the options to set your half length, if you wish to do so:

• 3 Minutes: Super quick games. Great for squeezing in a match during a short break.
• 4 Minutes: Shorter than standard but still enough for some action.
• 5 Minutes: A little more time without taking too long. A good middle ground.
• 6 Minutes: The standard setting.
• 8 Minutes: A good option if you like a longer, more detailed match experience.
• 10 Minutes: The longest match length you can select, giving you plenty of in-game time.
• 15 Minutes: Available in some modes like training, allowing for extended play without time limits
• 20 Minutes: Also available in some modes.

As you can see, you have a range of options. If you select a very long match length, that means the whole match will have extended playing times, with longer passing and play in the middle. Conversely if you select short match lengths, games will be quicker.

Why Change Match Length?

Different length matches might suit different playing styles or playing conditions. For instance, a longer half length might suit slower play, while shorter halves would suit faster play.

• Quick Play Sessions: For those times when you only have a few minutes.
• Longer Matches: For those who want to get more into the gameplay and play out full tactics.
• Competitive Play: Setting consistent match lengths ensures fairness in tournaments and competitions.

Factors Affecting Game Time

Okay, so we know about regulation time. But actual game time isn’t just about the 12 minutes (or whatever half length you set). There are other things that can make the whole FIFA experience longer.

Menu Navigation and Loading

Before you even get to the pitch, there’s the time you spend in menus. Selecting game modes, choosing your team, setting up your lineup, and loading the match itself all adds to the overall time you spend.

• Game Mode Selection: Choosing between Kick-Off, Career Mode, Ultimate Team, or other modes.
• Team Selection: Scrolling through all the teams and picking yours.
• Lineup Setup: Choosing your formation, deciding which players start, and making substitutions.
• Loading Screens: The time it takes to load all the game data, the stadium, and the players.

In-Game Cutscenes and Replays

FIFA has lots of moments where the game stops for cutscenes or replays. These make the game more exciting and real, but they also add to the length of a match.

• Goal Replays: Seeing a cool replay of a goal can add a few extra seconds.
• Foul Replays: Watching replays of bad fouls adds extra time.
• Substitution Cutscenes: When a player is subbed out, there’s usually a quick clip.
• Injury Cutscenes: When players get hurt, there will be a cutscene.
• Half-time/Full-time Cutscenes: Little scenes that play between halves or after the match ends.

Extra Time and Penalties

If you’re playing a knockout game in a tournament or cup, and the scores are tied after regulation time, you’ll go to extra time. This adds an extra 3 or 4 minutes in each half, but if the scores remain tied, you’ll end up in a tense penalty shootout.

• Extra Time: Usually two 3-4 minute halves, which can make the game longer.
• Penalty Shootouts: If the scores are still even after extra time.
• Added time for goals: Time can be added for celebrations too.

Different Game Modes, Different Times

Different modes in FIFA have different time commitments. This means you need to take into consideration which mode you play when you have time to play.

Kick-Off

Kick-Off is the most straightforward game mode. Here, you can set the match length and just jump in. It’s ideal for quick matches. Typically, a kick-off game lasts about 15-20 minutes, including all of the loading, cutscenes, and game time.

Career Mode

Career mode can be played in manager mode or player mode. Games are the same length as Kick-Off mode, so about 15-20 minutes in total, but then you have the additional factors of managing the team, and progressing through the season, which means a full career mode is much longer term.

• Match length: Same as Kick-Off, customizable
• Additional time: Training, player management, and transfers add time
• Overall time commitment: Can be short or very long, depending on how many seasons you play

Ultimate Team

Ultimate Team is where players can build their dream squads and compete online. Many of these games are played in Weekend League or Division Rivals and players may want to change half lengths based on competitive needs.

• Match length: Customizable to be longer or shorter.
• Additional time: Team building, card trading, and online play all add to the experience.
• Overall time commitment: Highly variable, can be short sessions or long campaigns

Online Seasons and Other Modes

Online seasons are a way to compete against other players in ranked competitions, and similar to FUT, can be customized to suit preferred game lengths. Other modes can also offer varied time lengths, such as training modes.

Calculating Total Game Time

So, how do you actually figure out how long a game will take? It’s not just the 12 minutes of play. Let’s put it all together.

A Typical Example

Let’s break down an example for a standard 6 minute half game:

• Menu Navigation: 2-3 minutes
• Regulation Time: 12 minutes
• Cutscenes/Replays: 2-4 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 16-19 minutes

So, even with standard settings, a quick game can take close to 20 minutes, and that can be longer if there is added time, penalties or extra time.

Time Saving Tips

If you’re trying to fit in a quick FIFA game, here are some ways to keep the time down:

• Keep Standard Settings: The standard match length (6 minute halves) usually works well.
• Skip Cutscenes: Skip replays where possible.
• Pre-Set Lineups: Have your favorite team and formation ready to go, so there is no need to waste time setting it up.

The Fun Factor: Time Well Spent

Even though we are talking about time, it is important to remember that you are playing the game for enjoyment. It doesn’t matter if a game takes 15 minutes, or 30 minutes if you are having fun!

Hopefully, this has answered any questions you might have had about game length in FIFA. If you are planning a session, you can use the advice to make sure you allocate enough time. Now get playing and get scoring!