Football Manager 27 will be free to play on PC and Mac for five days ahead of its November 10 launch, with players able to carry their progress into the full game.
Football Manager 27 will be free to play for five days ahead of its full release, giving aspiring managers a chance to test their tactical nous without spending a penny.
The free Launch Preview begins at 6pm GMT on October 29 and runs until 6pm GMT on November 3.
It will be available on PC and Mac through Steam, Epic, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, with no registration required.
Players can simply download the game from their preferred platform and get started.
Crucially, the free preview includes all game modes, allowing players to properly experience FM27 rather than being restricted to a limited trial.
Sports Interactive says making an annual football management game free to play across all modes is believed to be an industry first.
The move is designed to give more players an opportunity to get involved while supporting the existing Football Manager community.
There is also a handy incentive for anyone who decides to stick around. The pre-purchase period opens alongside the free Launch Preview, offering a 10 per cent discount.
Those who pre-purchase can continue playing their save after the free period ends on November 3 and into the game’s November 10 launch.
Players using Game Pass will also be able to continue their careers through their subscription, while progress made during the free period can carry over without requiring a fresh start.
FM27 is also introducing a revamped interface designed to make navigation more intuitive, alongside several new features aimed at making management decisions clearer and more immersive.
Tactical Tweaks, Tactical Effectiveness and Continue Flow customisation headline the changes, while Match Day visuals have also been enhanced.
Several returning features and more familiar behaviours are also being added.
The full game launches on November 10, with FM27 priced at £49.99, €59.99 or $59.99.
For anyone who has ever convinced themselves that this is finally the season they can lead their favourite club to glory, October 29 represents a fairly low-risk opportunity to put that theory to the test.
Just don’t blame Sports Interactive when five free days somehow turn into a 100-hour save.
Football Manager 27 will be free to play for five days ahead of launch
