EA SPORTS FIFA 21

A quick Kick Off match against the computer is where I’d start with FIFA 21, because the ball keeps moving and you don’t have to spend your warmup sorting out a team. I’d leave the online competition for when I’m not also trying to stay on a treadmill.

Gameplay

The matches are the reason to play this, and I think they work well as exercise company because there’s nearly always something to pay attention to, a pass to make or a run to track, without a long story scene asking you to stop and watch. A goal can flip the whole mood of a match, and then you’re trying to answer it before the computer gets another chance. It keeps you involved.

There’s a lot of room to choose how much of that you want. Career Mode gives you the slower team management side, while Kick Off gets you into a match without much setup, and Volta Football takes the game into smaller street matches. I like having those options, though I’d be careful about starting Career Mode when you’re meant to be exercising, because team decisions can turn into a lot of menu time. One transfer screen can become several.

Ultimate Team has the familiar appeal of building a squad and taking it into matches, but I don’t think it’s where I’d send someone who just wants a relaxed workout. The team building can be fun if that’s already your thing, and online competition can make every mistake feel important in a way that isn’t great when your feet are busy too. I don’t know why I’m more willing to lose to the computer than to a stranger, but I am.

The soccer itself has enough going on that you’re not just holding one direction and waiting for the clock to move. Passing, defending and trying to make space all need attention, and the skill moves give you another option when you want to take a player on. I’d keep the difficulty at a level where I can enjoy making a few plays rather than spending the whole match chasing the ball. That’s more fun than proving anything to a digital goalkeeper.

The slower bits are mostly the parts you can choose to spend time on, like managing a squad or working through menus, rather than long stretches of watching a scene. That’s a good fit for a workout game, because you can choose a match and get moving. Career Mode may be a nice way to unwind, but I’d save the detailed decisions for after I’m off the belt.

Category Score: 3 out of 3

Treadmill and Bike Compatibility

The control problem isn’t learning how to pass, it’s making the pass you meant to make while your hands are moving around. FIFA 21 has full controller support, which is a big help, and you can play a whole match with a controller, but defending and changing direction still ask for reasonably precise timing. On a treadmill, I’d expect a few passes to go somewhere I didn’t intend. That’s soccer, I suppose.

I’d use Kick Off against the computer, turn the difficulty down if the match starts demanding too much focus, and keep the team selection simple. A close match can be exciting, but it can also pull your attention away from your pace, and I’d rather give up a goal than start leaning toward the screen like it’s going to help. It won’t.

Volta might seem like the obvious workout choice because it gets you into smaller street matches, but I think the tighter space could make the quick turns and close control harder to manage while running. It could still be a lot of fun if you’re walking or on a bike, where your hands can stay steadier. For a faster treadmill pace, I’d stick with a less intense match and skip the modes where every possession feels like a small emergency.

Online matches are where I’d draw the line for treadmill play. You can’t count on the other person to wait while you pause, and I’d probably get too invested in trying to win, which is not a great way to remember I’m supposed to be exercising. A match against the computer lets you take a breath and reset without turning the workout into a public argument.

A bike is likely easier for this than running because your hands aren’t bouncing as much, but I wouldn’t say you need one to enjoy the game. The important choice is keeping the match casual enough that a bad touch doesn’t make you forget what your legs are doing. I’d set that up before getting moving.

Category Score: 2 out of 3

Computer Requirements

The minimum calls for a 64 bit Windows 10 computer, 8 GB of memory and an older dedicated graphics card, so this doesn’t look like a game that needs a new high end machine. I’d check the graphics card first, since the listed minimum is a GTX 660 or Radeon HD 7850, and those are old cards but still separate graphics hardware. Your computer should have enough room for it, too.

Category Score: 3 out of 3

Conclusion and Score

FIFA 21 makes sense for you if you want a sports game that can keep a workout moving and you’re happy to play against the computer. I’d skip the competitive online matches while exercising, but a casual Kick Off match is an easy place to start.

Overall Score: 2.67 out of 3