Can you play 3 player co-op FIFA 23?
The short answer is yes, you can play FIFA 23 co-operatively with 3 players – but only in Volta Football mode, not Ultimate Team where co-op is limited to 2 players per side.
As a hardcore FIFA gamer and content creator, I decided to dig deeper into the capabilities for 3 player co-op across FIFA 23. With more social features demanded year-on-year, couch co-op is a growing trend so understanding FIFA‘s offerings here is key.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll analyze and compare FIFA 23‘s co-op feature set across Volta and FUT, crunch the numbers on 2 v 3 player setups, outline how to play cooperatively with 3 friends, offer perspective on the pros and cons, and round up commentary from key figures in the FIFA scene on where the franchise still needs to improve for co-op fans.
Let‘s get this match started!
Volta Football vs FUT Co-Op: Mode Comparison
When it comes to playing FIFA 23 cooperatively with friends, you have two main options – Volta Football or FIFA Ultimate Team. But how exactly do their co-op capabilities compare?
I‘ve put together this data table outlining the key differences:
| Volta Football | Ultimate Team | |
| Max # Co-Op Players on Same Team | 4 | 2 |
| Online 3 Player Co-Op Matches? | Yes | No |
| Offline 3 Players Co-op? | Yes | No |
| Co-Op Modes | Volta Squads, Featured Battles | Friendlies, Squad Battles |
As you can see, when it comes to 3 player cooperative games, Volta is the only mode that can facilitate this right now. The more arcade-like Volta experience allows up to 4 friends to team up together, with various online and offline co-op modes available.
Meanwhile in Ultimate Team, you‘re currently restricted to just one co-op buddy across Friendlies seasons or Squad Battles.
So if you‘re looking to play FIFA 23 cooperatively with two mates, Volta is your only choice right now!
Playing 3 Player Co-Op in Volta: Step-by-Step Process
For those yet to try it out, I wanted to outline exactly how you go about setting up and jumping into a 3 player Volta Football co-op match in FIFA 23:
- Party Up: Have all 3 players join the same FIFA 23 party either through game invites or the platform‘s party system (Playstation Network, Xbox Live etc)
- Volta Lobby: Once in the party have the host player launch into the Volta Football mode, bringing the other 2 players with them.
- Add Guests: In the main Volta lobby, the host can navigate to the ‘Play‘ menu and choose to ‘Add Guests‘, inviting the other 2 party members.
- Pick Teams: With 3 players now active, everyone chooses their playable character and preferred team.
- Select Match: Finally, pick the desired 3v3 Volta game mode and stadium to compete in!
It‘s a super smooth process that just takes seconds. Much easier than the effort of trying to coordinate 3 player co-op back in the old FIFA Street days!
2 vs 3 Player Volta: Notable Differences?
Volta may well be the only FIFA 23 mode facilitating 3 player co-op, but how exactly does the experience compare to playing with just one co-op buddy?
Having tried out both setups extensively, here are some notable differences I picked up on:
- With 3 guests, there can be more clashing over preferred teams and avatar picks. Compromise is key!
- Strategizing becomes more challenging mid-match with two other teammates also shouting directions!
- Expect more chaotic attacking play with an extra man being committed forwards.
- Defensively, marking zones and responsibilities require more clarity.
- You can end up crowding the man on the ball at times and giving away cheap possession.
- Celebratory team dances are obviously more epic after scoring with 3 cooperators!
In my experience, adapting your playstyle is crucial when jumping from 2 to 3 player Volta co-op. But the chaos and banter involved with an extra mate is also exponentially more fun!
Why FUT Still Lacks 3 Player Co-Op
Requesting expanded cooperative play in FIFA Ultimate Team is right at the top of many fans‘ wishlists each year.
Yet we‘ve seen little progress on this front, with EA still limiting co-op options to just friendlies and squad battles alongside one other player.
In the build up to FIFA 23‘s launch, I dug into some commentary from influential community figures on why proper 3 player FUT co-op support is still lacking:
"Technologically, implementing online 3 player co-op with Ultimate Team‘s complex backend tied to servers and markets poses legitimate challenges." – CoreySA, FIFA Content Creator
"It ultimately comes down to economics and incentivizing pack purchases for EA…supporting 3 guests would eat into individual pack spend." – Curtis, Esports Player & Industry Insider
"I‘d love to see 11v11 club matches with friends controlling individual positions someday…but gameplay complexity may make that impossible." – ZwebackHD, YouTube Creator
The consensus seems to be that while expanding cooperative play sounds great on paper, serious technical and financial obstacles stand in the way.
Personally though, I‘m hopeful we continue to inch towards proper online club matches in FUT with your own virtual pro and teammates someday. The success of modes like Pro Clubs shows the demand is there!
But for FIFA 23 at least, those craving 3 player co-op action will need to jump into Volta.
Verdict: 3 Player Co-Op Definitively Possible in FIFA 23!
So in summary – yes, you absolutely can play FIFA 23 cooperatively with 3 friends controlling the same team!
Just not in the flagship Ultimate Team mode, where teaming up is still restricted to one co-op buddy across friendlies and squad battles only.
If you‘re seeking a 3 player co-op experience the only viable option is diving into the arcade street football action of Volta. Here you can add up to 3 guests for chaotic yet highly enjoyable small-sided games online or on the couch.
Adaptations to playstyle will be needed to make 3 player co-op click smoothly. But unlocking celebrations with 2 mates after banging home goals is supremely satisfying.
Sadly, full 11 vs 11 club matches alongside 10 real-life friends still seems some way off based on insider perspectives. But for now, Volta delivers a taste of the kind of co-op experience many FUT fans are craving for.
So rally the troops and kick-off your 3 player Volta Football antics today with FIFA 23! Just be prepared for some heated debates over squad selections and disjointed attacking moves as you figure out your rhythm.
Have you tried 3 player co-op in FIFA 23 yet? I‘m keen to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Will stick to 2 player or dive into the chaos of an extra teammate? Let me know!
