It’s almost time. The real NFL season is set to start next month and to whet your appetites, the Madden NFL 27 campaign is set to kick off in less than 48 hours. That’s if you’re able to get in on early access. Despite some early bumps, things are looking strong for Madden 27 and excitement is high — especially in the franchise mode community. Let’s talk Madden.
Key Facts at a Glance
Every Madden 27 unlock window:
- MVP+ members: Aug. 6, 2 p.m. ET, 7-day early access
- EA Play trial: Aug. 6, 2 p.m. ET, 10 hours
- Deluxe and MVP Bundle: Aug. 10, 2 p.m. ET, 3-day early access
- Worldwide launch: Aug. 13, 2 p.m. ET
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC
- Cover athlete: Caleb Williams
When Does Madden 27 Early Access Start?
The first door opens Thursday, August 6 at 2 p.m. ET for MVP+ members on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, who get a full seven days. EA Play members get a 10-hour trial at the same moment, PC included.
Deluxe and MVP Bundle players get in Monday, August 10, on every platform.
Can You Still Get Madden 27 Early Access?
Not the August 6 version. EA closed MVP+ enrollment on July 2, so that window is shut to anyone who wasn’t already signed up. Buying the MVP Bundle now will not retroactively grant seven-day access.
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Deluxe or the MVP Bundle is the earliest path in. Pricing sits in my editions and pre-order guide.
What Comes With Early Access?
It’s the full game, not a demo, and progress carries forward. Ultimate Team’s Early Access Solo Challenges open too.
The franchise pitch is the Persona Engine. In its franchise deep dive, EA calls it “the biggest change to player behavior, negotiations, weekly management, news and free agency” the studio has ever made, running across 65 personality types. Holdouts and trade demands are in. More in my franchise mode breakdown and 10 things you should know.
What Should You Play First In Madden 27?
What’s the first thing you’ll play when you get your hands on a controller and dive into Madden 27? For me, I’m not sure if I’ll play anything besides franchise mode and online head-to-head. I’ve never been a big Ultimate Team guy and with all of the new features headed to franchise — especially the Persona Engine — it could be a banner year for the franchise.
The staggered rollout means August 13 lobbies already have a week of habits baked in. If you’re looking at franchise, the only thing you might want to wait for is user-created draft classes.
Be on the lookout for a full Madden 27 review.
