Start making the calls that will shape your season. The FM27 Launch Preview is now free to play on PC/Mac until 6pm (GMT) on 3 November. 

Available now* and running for the next five days, the FM27 Launch Preview will be freely playable across Steam, Epic, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass**. There’s no additional sign-up required, simply download from your preferred platform and begin turning your football vision into dugout decisions. 

This is your chance to get hands-on with the complete FM27 experience across all game modes, including Shuffle Draft, the fast-paced new multiplayer addition. 

The pre-purchase window for FM27 is also now live, offering 10% off through a SEGA-approved retailer and continued Launch Preview access between 6pm (GMT) on 3 November and the official launch on 10 November.  

All careers can be carried over from the free play period into the paid Launch Preview and full release without the need to start again, meaning every decision could be the one that changes everything. 

The FM27 Launch Preview replaces our previous Beta or Advanced Access titles and is intended to be closer in quality and finality to the official launch version.*** 

Because this is a Launch Preview, it’s possible you'll encounter some bugs and glitches that our developers will work to address in future updates. If you find any issues, there's a dedicated bug reporting area on the SI Forums[community.sports-interactive.com]. Your feedback is incredibly important to us, so our team will aim to keep you updated on progress if you report something. 

For more detail on the features and improvements you can expect in FM27, check out our deep dive videos and blogs. [www.footballmanager.com] 

*Different platforms may go live at different times.  

**The Launch Preview is only available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. You'll also be able to move from the free to the paid Launch Preview through your subscription. 

***This version contains information that is still under approval process by right holders and may contain data that does not, at this time, accurately reflect real world data. For context, some club and player assets may be absent during this version.

Playing games against friends makes every match memorable, creating moments you’ll be talking about long after the final whistle. With the introduction of Shuffle Draft, there’s now another way to put your managerial skills to the test against friends, family, and online rivals. 

Developed in partnership with FIFAe - FIFA’s official digital, multi-game tournament circuit - Shuffle Draft reimagines the Fantasy Draft experience, introducing a new way to play FM27 that puts managerial strategy at the heart of the action. 

Fast paced and packed with variety, it challenges you to assemble different squads, experiment with your tactical approach, and outsmart your opponents - all brought to life by the enhanced Match Day experience in FM27. 

Learn more about Shuffle Draft in the Deep Dive blog[www.footballmanager.com] and check out a list of FAQs related to this update for more details.

FM27 – Free Play Launch Preview – FAQs 

Q: What is Shuffle Draft in FM27? 

A: Shuffle Draft is a new online game mode for FM27 that reimagines the Fantasy Draft mode from previous games. Created in conjunction with FIFAe, Shuffle Draft is designed to be a competitive, fun, adaptable experience to play solo, against friends, or the world. 

Q: Why has Shuffle Draft been added for FM27? 

A: Alongside the upgrades and additions to the single-player experience of FM27, we wanted to add a new option for players who enjoy online and competitive play. To achieve this, the team has adapted and improved the previous online draft format, to create something more engaging, unpredictable and rewarding to play. With the power to customise your playing pool and introduce re-drafts, Shuffle Draft gives you more ways to play. 

Q: What are the formats and player limits for Shuffle Draft? 

A: Up to 32 players can be part of a Shuffle Draft game. Selecting the Knockout Cup or Group Stage & Knockouts format will allow for 32 teams, while a League format allows up to 20 teams. 

Q: Can I play Shuffle Draft offline with AI opponents? 

A: Yes. A Shuffle Draft event can be created offline, with AI teams filling the required slots for any format you select. Additionally, when playing online, remaining spaces can be filled by AI managers. Both private and public lobby options are available, so you can design your own Shuffle Draft or join an event made by others. 

Q: How is the pool of selectable players established in Shuffle Draft? 

A: Before a draft begins, the event host selects the parameters to create ‘sets’ of 20 players, for participants to then draft from. As well having preset groups to choose from, such as ‘Wonderkids’, ‘Veterans’ and ‘World’s Best’, there is also the option to focus the draft pool on players with particular strengths, such as ‘Physicality’ or ‘Leadership’. Alternatively, the Shuffle Draft host can select an entirely custom pool of players, with filters and search tools to help select the right group. Players from both men’s and women’s football can be used in Shuffle Draft, though not within the same event. 

Q: How does the draft process work and what size are the squads? 

The pool of selected players is split into sets. There are as many sets as there are teams in the Shuffle Draft. Participants then have a set amount of time (chosen by the host) to select a player from a set. Once all teams have chosen a player, each set is then passed onto another participant – meaning everyone has a new set of players to select from. All teams draft players simultaneously, rather than waiting for your turn. 

At the end of each round you’ll see the player selected by every team and can view their squads, as well as your own, to aid with your tactical selections. As well as picking players, you can bookmark them to help with squad planning. You’ll always be able to see your selected players on screen, helping you understand what gaps in the squad are left to fill.  

Squads can consist of 14, 16, 18, or 20 players. Once all selections have been made, the tournament begins.  

Q: Once the squads are set, how does the tournament play out? 

A: Squad selection, tactical setup, and the Match Engine itself are all familiar to the single-player FM27 Career experience, with the same options and functionality available in Shuffle Draft. Matches can take place simultaneously, meaning a ‘round’ in a knockout tournament or a ‘match week’ in a league format will see matches occurring at the same time, with the ability to see results and statistics between games. 

Any player injuries or fatigue are removed before the next match, ensuring everyone has a fully fit squad of players to choose from each time. 

Q: What is a ‘Re-Draft’ in Shuffle Draft and how does it work? 

A: To add further unpredictability or tactical planning to a Shuffle Draft event, the Re-Draft option is available. This sees participants either return players to the draft pool, or remove them from the tournament entirely to replace them with a new player. Re-Drafts can occur up to five times through a Shuffle Draft, each of which can include a total of 20 returns or removals. These options are set by the event host during the initial setup process. 

Q: Is the gameplay shown for Shuffle Draft representative of what will be in FM27 on launch?   

A: The gameplay shown is from a development build of the game, meaning it is subject to change before FM27’s full release on 10 November. This build contains information that is still under approval process by right holders and may contain data that does not, at this time, accurately reflect real world data. 

Q: Is there more to come for pre-launch looks at FM27 gameplay and changes?  

A: Our next focus will be on non-PC titles this year, showcasing the fresh features and new additions that evolve each of FM27 Console, FM27 Touch and FM27 Mobile.