eFootball

eFootball is KONAMI's free-to-play football simulation and the successor to the former Pro Evolution Soccer series under a new name. Instead of releasing a separate full-price game every year, KONAMI keeps developing the same game platform with new seasons, gameplay mechanics and squad data.

You play with real clubs and national teams, or put together your own team from active pros and football legends. There are also matches against the computer, online duels and co-op matches.

eFootball launched on Steam on Sep 29, 2021. The console versions for PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series followed on Sep 30, 2021. iOS and Android were added in June 2022, when KONAMI switched the previously offered mobile PES version over to eFootball.

The game platform has received major season updates since then. The 2026 season is an evolution of the existing game and not a standalone successor.

eFootball is natively available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, iOS and Android. On PC, it is available through Steam, among others.

The standalone Switch 2 release eFootball Kick-Off! is a different game with its own concept and is not part of these versions.

Matches combine dribbling, passes, crosses, shots, tackles and goalkeeper actions with tactical decisions. Player movement, running routes and positioning off the ball affect how attacks build and how spaces are closed.

Beginners can learn the basics through exercises. Smart Assist helps with certain actions, while experienced players can fine-tune their inputs themselves.

According to Steam, the PC version requires Windows 11 64-bit, 8 GB RAM and 70 GB of free storage space. KONAMI lists an Intel Core i5-2300 or AMD FX-4350 as minimum processors, and a GeForce GTX 660 Ti or Radeon HD 7790 as minimum graphics cards.

An Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600, along with a GeForce GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 590, are recommended. Online features require a broadband internet connection.

In Dream Team mode, you put together your own squad from available players and managers. Newly signed footballers can be developed and set up for different positions or playing styles.

Your squad remains the foundation for many AI and online matches. With different players, managers and tactical setups, you can change how your eleven work together.

Authentic teams allow matches with real club and national teams. KONAMI uses official partnerships and licences for this, and their scope varies by team and competition.

The football simulation updates player performance and team data based on developments in real-world football. Unlike a fixed squad from a single release year, this data changes during live operation.

In the eFootball League you compete in a division system with ten leagues. Online friendly matches complement the regular competitions, while matches against the AI offer an alternative to direct duels.

The competition structure links building your own team with sporting progress. An internet connection is required for online matches.

eFootball supports online co-op with up to three players per team. In these matches, teammates share control on the pitch and must coordinate attacks, passes and defensive cover.

The PlayStation version also supports local matches. Which online and local features are available depends on the platform and the mode selected.

With Custom Tournament, up to eight participants can run a self-organised competition. Hosts set the tournament rules and other settings, while matches can also be watched as a spectator.

The mode was introduced as a permanent addition in August 2026 and suits small private tournaments with self-assembled Dream Teams.

Fluid Formations allows different setups for attack and defence. With the Overload team style, more players move to the ball side to create an overload in passing play or to press the opponent faster when winning the ball.

Manager skills and Link-Up Plays can activate additional moves between certain players. The choice of formation therefore affects not only the starting position but also behaviour in possession and when losing the ball.

Footballers can be improved through completed matches and development items. You can build up stats deliberately or let Auto Select distribute them.

Squad building and the development of individual players are closely linked: a technically strong attacker can fulfil different roles than a physically robust striker, and your choice of manager affects team play.

eFootball offers an introduction to the basic controls. Smart Assist helps less experienced players with passing, dribbling and shooting, for example.

Since the 2026 season, Dynamic Volley is one of the special shooting techniques. Additional animations for ball control, running movements and goalkeeper actions are meant to depict match situations more accurately.

eFootball is free to start. KONAMI also offers optional in-game purchases, including Player Coins and special player or manager packs. Buying such content is not required to start the core football modes.

The available packs change with each season. They should therefore not be treated as a standalone sequel or a new platform release.

The Steam version supports a German user interface. Other interface languages include English, French, Italian and Spanish. Voice audio and text support vary by language.

Controller support is available for playing on PC. The Steam product page also mentions an optional Smart Assist mode for getting started.