Unlike WWE 2K and most other sports games like FIFA and Madden, EA doesn't launch a brand new UFC game every single year. That arguably means its fanbase should expect more as each installment spends longer in development. It has been more than three years since the launch of UFC 4, the latest title in EA's UFC series, but that barren run is about to come to an end. UFC 5 has been officially announced, and it launches on October 27, 2023.

The next game in the UFC series looks and sounds pretty impressive. The first in the series to have been developed using the Frostbite engine, and the big detail its creators seem very keen for you to focus on is its new real impact system. Its aim is to accurately represent how a fighter deteriorates and tires over the course of a fight, linked directly to how much or how little they've been through up until that point.

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Even though UFC 5 won't be here until it closes out an incredibly busy month for video games, and shares a release date with Alan Wake 2, on October 27, you can pre-order your copy right now. Possibly a pretty wise idea as if you plan on playing as many of October's games as I do, by the time October 27 rolls around, you'll have no money left to continue adding to your video game backlog until 2024.

Standard Edition

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EA Sports UFC 5

Sports Fighting Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 79/100 Critics Rec: 74% Released October 27, 2023 ESRB M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Electronic Arts Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Frostbite Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

UFC 5 is the first MMA title from EA since the summer of 2020. Breaking a three-year run since the last game, UFC 5 includes some serious upgrades for the series. The first UFC game built in the Frostbite engine, and its real impact system is one of the game's biggest selling points.

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Pre-Order Bonus

  • Valentina Shevchenko (Two Alter Egos)
  • 30th Anniversary Vanity Bundle
  • Online Career Mode XP Boosts
  • Muhammed Ali

Additional Content

  • None

You'll also get some added extras if you pre-order UFC 5. Valentina Shevchenko, the 30th-anniversary vanity bundle, and a boost for your online career mode. You'll also get Muhammed Ali for pre-ordering, although the iconic boxer is also included as a playable character for those buying the Deluxe Edition whether you pre-order or wait until launch to buy the game.

Deluxe Edition

EA Sports UFC 5

Sports Fighting Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 79/100 Critics Rec: 74% Released October 27, 2023 ESRB M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Electronic Arts Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Frostbite Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
Where to play Close

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

The Deluxe Edition of UFC 5 includes a lot of added extras, most notably legendary names from throughout history who never had the chance to test their mettle in the octagon like Bruce Lee and Mike Tyson.

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Pre-Order Bonus

  • Valentina Shevchenko (Two Alter Egos)
  • 30th Anniversary Vanity Bundle
  • Online Career Mode XP Boosts
  • Muhammed Ali

Additional Content

  • Three Days Early Access
  • Mike Tyson
  • Fedor Emellanenko
  • Bruce Lee Bundle
  • Four Alter Egos
  • Origins Bundle

Speaking of the Deluxe Edition, as well as getting Ali whether you pre-order or not, the more expensive version of UFC 5 comes with Mike Tyson, Bruce Lee, and all of the other extras mentioned above. At $100 rather than the $70 for the Standard Edition, there's quite a disparity in price, but you do get a lot of stuff in the Deluxe version that you don't get if you stick with the Standard.

As already touched on above, UFC 5 is coming at the end of a very busy month for video games. Odds are most of the people interested in a new UFC game won't be tied up with everything else launching in October, but there's bound to be at least a little crossover. Not only with Alan Wake 2, but also Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Just a few of the other games hitting various platforms in October. UFC 5 launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on October 27, 2023.

NEXT: Alan Wake 2 Pre-Order Guide