Sloclap's audacious blend of high-flying, Rocket League-esque mechanics with the tactical grit of 5-a-side football has just completed a blistering three-day Early Access run, and the vital signs are exceptionally strong. Rematch officially launches tomorrow, June 19th, but the game has already demonstrated serious pulling power, with peak Steam concurrents soaring past 42,000 on Monday. This figure, representing a significant slice of the beta's 160k total player base, impressively predates the full influx of console players and the Game Pass community.
With the Pro Clubs community in EA FC voicing a desire for fresh pastures and eFootball still charting its course, Rematch appears to be timing its launch perfectly, potentially poised to redefine the online team-soccer landscape. Here’s what you need to understand as the game goes live.
As Rematch prepares for its full Standard Edition release on Thursday, June 19th, 2025, it will be accessible on PC (via Steam and PC Game Pass), Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. The game’s early momentum is undeniable, having already attracted 42,925 concurrent players on Steam during its initial Early Access day, though console early adoption numbers are still under wraps. A significant advantage for players is its day-one inclusion in PC and Xbox Game Pass, with clear options to upgrade to Pro or Elite editions for additional content. While highly anticipated cross-play functionality will not be available at launch, Sloclap has emphatically stated it's their top post-launch priority, with cross-progression likely to be explored thereafter. Players can engage in 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 matches, while custom lobbies offer the flexibility for anything from focused 1v1 duels to more expansive 10-player friendly games. Initially, offline play will consist of a tutorial and practice drills, though AI bots are on the roadmap for a future update. Crucially, Sloclap is committed to a player-friendly, cosmetics-only microtransaction model, featuring seasonal and premium battle passes but no gameplay-affecting stat boosts.
Impeccable Timing: The current sports gaming climate shows a clear appetite for innovative, club-focused experiences, a niche Rematch is perfectly positioned to fill, appealing to both disenchanted EA FC players and Rocket League enthusiasts seeking a new competitive outlet.
Masterful Mechanics: Drawing on their renowned skill in creating visceral and intuitive physics (as seen in Sifu), Sloclap ensures that every interception, aerial maneuver, and decisive shot in Rematch feels both impactful and inherently readable.
A Living Game World: The commitment to a live-service model is evident, with a robust roadmap for regular seasonal content already in place. Future plans also include expanding to larger team configurations and integrating AI teammates, promising ongoing evolution.
Game Pass Ignition: Launching directly onto Game Pass instantly provides a vast and readily accessible player base. This immediate population surge is invaluable for a new multiplayer title aiming to build a thriving community from day one.
For those looking to upgrade their Rematch experience, it's important to note that pre-launch, the only route is to refund your current purchase and re-buy a higher-tier edition. However, post-launch, digital storefronts will offer a more streamlined process, allowing players to pay the difference to upgrade without losing any accumulated progress. Steam Deck users will find that the game runs, though it awaits an official "Verified" status, meaning some minor control configuration may be beneficial. As for Nintendo Switch enthusiasts, there are currently no announced plans for Rematch on either existing hardware or any anticipated future iterations.
While early-access success is not an absolute predictor of enduring triumph, Rematch is undeniably entering its official launch week with powerful momentum and a clear path to capture a significant share of the competitive sports gaming market. If Sloclap can efficiently implement cross-play and maintain a compelling content cadence, this dynamic 5-a-side arena has all the hallmarks of becoming the next major destination for online sports fans. So, power up your virtual boots, coordinate with your team, and get ready to challenge the world when Rematch officially drops tomorrow.
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