Is FIFA 23 Worth It on PC in 2024?

As a hardcore FIFA gamer and content creator, each year I dig into the key questions around the latest edition: where are the biggest gameplay improvements, does it build well on the previous version, and how does the experience compare across platforms?

With the PC edition, there are some unique factors to weigh up. After extensive testing and research, here is my take:

Yes – with the right PC hardware, FIFA 23 on PC provides the definitive gameplay experience

PC has a reputation as being second best to consoles for the FIFA series – but in recent years, EA‘s support and parity with PlayStation and Xbox has improved considerably.

For FIFA 23, PC owners with modern gaming rigs can enjoy the same features and modes as their console counterparts. Visually, FIFA 23‘s new fluid animation system with over 6,000 new animations powered by HyperMotion2 technology shines at 4K resolution and silky smooth 120fps framerates.

Gameplay is super responsive with the precision of mouse and keyboard controls – you can place passes, take shots, and maneuver defenders with greater accuracy. Custom tactical adjustments are quicker via mouse too.

The core on-pitch action better reflects real football – EA‘s new AcceleRATE system has improved pace balance and makes agility and physical battles more realistic. Cross-play support also means a wider pool of players to take on.

Provided you meet the demanding hardware requirements, FIFA 23 on PC certainly delivers where it matters most – innovative gameplay and stunning visuals.

But smaller player base and cheaters make PC less appealing for some

Around 41% of FIFA 23 sales revenue came from PlayStation 5, 30% from PlayStation 4, and 29% combined across Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One based on launch month data.

Comparatively, the PC player base sits at just 7% according to SteamDB. So while engagement is healthy enough to find online matches, expect longer waiting times for some modes or multiplayer options drying up earlier in the game‘s lifecycle.

The otheroffline concern is hackers and bots – the openness of PC leaves FIFA 23 more vulnerable to scripting, exploits and cheating compared to closed platforms like PlayStation and Xbox. These issues affect a minority of matches, but remain more prevalent on PC.

So console is certainly still king when it comes to accessibility and avoiding dodgy play. But EA imposes Permabans for serious repeat offenses; and avoiding unranked online seasons reduces the cheating risk.

Smooth high FPS gameplay demands heavy PC investment

To match FIFA 23‘s 60fps standard on next-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles, a strong modern gaming PC is required:

For high FPS counts up to 120fps, an even more powerful and expensive GPU is recommended, like an RTX 3070 or Radeon RX 6800 XT.

Delivering ultra smooth 4K resolution requires at least an RTX 3080 or RX 6900 XT. This caliber of PC hardware costs considerably more than purchasing a new PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console. Budget around $1,500+ for a complete PC build to match next-gen FIFA console performance.

Investing in a cutting edge rig unlocks FIFA 23‘s complete visual potential with over double the FPS counts. But satisfying hardware demands 4x storage capacity versus PS5 or Xbox Series X versions.

Mods and customization provide near endless possibilities

One massive asset exclusive to FIFA on PC is user generated custom content. EA provides modding tools and Steam Workshop integration for discovering new player-made mods.

The breadth of mods spans improved AI logic, updated team rosters, customized stadium atmospheres, edited soundtracks, tailored graphics, league expansion packs – even entirely new game modes.

Mods help address legacy issues in EA‘s gameplay formula, while enabling you to tailor the experience to your preferences from audio visual tweaks up to creating whole fantasy competitions!

This modding capacity delivers endless variety and added playability value not feasible on closed platforms like PlayStation and Xbox. Custom content helps bridge the engagement gap during the usual mid-cycle dip before next edition hype builds.

Cheaper base game cost but hardware is the hidden expense

On PC, FIFA 23‘s standard edition costs $59.99 via EA App, Origin and Steam – that‘s $10 less than the $69.99 console versions.

During major seasonal sales on Steam, the PC edition discount margin grows even wider too. But multiplayer ability is limited for PC players with only the base standard edition license.

Opting for the Ultimate Edition at $99.99 unlocks full access including early play, special FUT Team of the Week, and FIFA World Cup content. This equals console pricing.

Long term though, required high-end PC hardware ultimately drives up the platform cost more than consoles. Paying $700+ for a new RTX 3070 alone often exceeds the price of buying a whole PlayStation 5 system.

If money is no object however, a cutting edge PC unlocks FIFA‘s best graphics and gameplay.

The verdict: PC plays beautiful but consoles offer reliability

So on the key question – I‘d assert FIFA 23 is definitely worth it on PC for players able to provide capable hardware. Visuals are unparalleled with hyper-realistic player likenesses, animations and stadium atmospheres at 4K and quick 120fps.

Superior keyboard and mouse controls allow for more input accuracy during matches. A vast buffet of user created content via Steam mods enhances longevity. And during sales, headline pricing is gentler on your wallet.

But out the box, consoles still offer simplicity and reliability. PlayStation and Xbox editions have a substantially larger player base for online modes, and less cheating issues. And their accessibility, split-screen local multiplayer focus appeals to casual gaming fans.

PC should be the platform of choice for die-hard football fanatics with powerful set ups chasing the ultimate FIFA experience. Yet consoles remain a pragmatic choice for most thanks to affordability and minimized hardware demands.

Overall, I‘d rate FIFA 23 on PC 4/5 stars – it sets a new visual benchmark and plays fantastically with the right gear. But the smaller community engagement versus consoles and prevalence of game-ruining cheaters does spoil the online enjoyment at times.

So focus on the core on-pitch product first and foremost. If you desire FIFA 23‘s gameplay innovations like AcceleRATE dribbling with Pace finally better balanced, PC certainly delivers the goods.

But primarily play head-to-head online, then console editions with four times the players in multiplayer matchmaking pools make for a more dependable experience overall.

Those are my honest thoughts on FIFA 23‘s merits this year across platforms as a longtime fan. Let me know your views in the comments! I help run a FIFA gaming community, so any feedback is much appreciated as we decide which platforms to focus our efforts on.