
FIFA 17 is a single-player and multiplayer football (soccer) simulation game. For the first time in the series, a dedicated story mode called The Journey allows players to step into the role of Alex Hunter, a young English footballer aiming to break into the Premier League. Through matches, training sessions, and branching dialogue choices, players guide Hunter’s career on and off the pitch, shaping his relationships with teammates, his reputation with managers, and his rise to stardom.
On the field, gameplay builds on the series’ established 11-versus-11 football simulation, with matches reflecting real-world rules, tactics, and pacing. The introduction of the Frostbite engine provides enhanced animation and physics, resulting in more natural player collisions, ball interactions, and stadium presentation. New attacking options expand offensive play, such as low-driven shots, threaded through balls, and downward headers, while revised set-piece mechanics allow for precise control over free kicks, corners, and penalties. Defensive AI has also been adjusted, with smarter positioning and greater emphasis on physicality.
Player progression outside of The Journey continues through Career Mode and FIFA Ultimate Team. In Career Mode, users can take control of either a single player or act as the manager of a club, handling responsibilities ranging from tactical choices to transfer negotiations and player development. Ultimate Team emphasizes team-building through collectible player cards, squad chemistry, and competitive online tournaments, where rewards unlock additional packs and customization items.
Additional modes include the continuation of Pro Clubs, where players create or develop custom footballers to join online squads and compete in divisional play. Online Seasons offer traditional head-to-head competition, while Skill Games provide standalone challenges to practice passing, shooting, and dribbling techniques. The game also supports customization of tactics, formations, and roles, giving players flexibility in adapting strategies to opponents.