Your career mode save file in FIFA 21 won't kick-off on the PS5 and Xbox Series X as EA has announced that not all save data will cross between generations.
Eurogamer has found out that progress within Online Seasons, Co-Op Seasons, Career Mode, and Pro Clubs won't be coming along for the ride to next-gen hardware. However, your Ultimate Team's players, items, coins, FIFA points, match record, and spot on the leaderboard will be kept safe between systems. Volta, FIFA 21's street football/story mode, will also have its saves crossed over. These files can be accessed on PS4 and PS5 at the same time.
While the transfer between the PS4/Xbox One and PS5/Xbox Series X/S versions of the game is free until the release of FIFA 22, there will be a cost in your progress. With a heavier focus on its marketing for the addictive Manager Career Mode in FIFA 21, it's a shame that dozens of hours will be lost on the PS5 or Xbox Series S and X versions. If you're weary of that, you might want to hold back until the next-gen release.
FIFA's executive producer Aaron McHardy explained to Eurogamer that there were trade-offs that needed to be made when developing the next-gen version of FIFA 21. Without speaking words in his mouth, developing a new game for next-gen in a year sounds like a monumental task.
They dedicated the time that would be put into cross-saving to bettering the new features and improvements in the game itself. McHardy also explained that Ultimate Team and Volta's progress is based on the servers rather than the system itself, making these modes an easier transition for the development team.
For those who are unaware, the Career Mode gives players the opportunity to become a footballer or manager for their favorite team in a digital space. The systems within it are quite intricate and give you a great simulation experience. You can work your way up the ranks as a pro striker or manage a team of your choice. You could even try your hand at managing a struggling club like Sunderland, who were relegated from the Premier League to League One in two years. Now that's a challenge!
It's too bad they weren't able to include your PS4 save progress from Career Mode or implement a cross-play system. There's always next year...
Source: Eurogamer