Nowadays, there are many soccer mobile video games, free titles that let us manage our own team with the players we gather and, later on, face tournaments and online matches against other players. There are three that stand out above the rest: FIFA Mobile, eFootball PES 2023 and Dream League Soccer. But what is the difference between these three soccer games? And which one is the best?
What is FIFA Mobile?
FIFA Mobile is the mobile version of the classic EA Sports soccer simulator. Although this edition is not exactly the same as that available for computers and consoles, it offers a more tailored experience for mobile devices, focusing almost exclusively on team building (such as the FUT mode). It also features control modes adapted to touchscreen and maintains the licenses of teams, players, stadiums and coaches.
What is eFootball PES 2023?
Just like the previous one, eFootball PES is a mobile version of this soccer game that has been so popular on consoles and computers. It is free, like the main version of the Konami saga, and also based on managing a new team for which we will need to sign players. It offers online modes, though we can also play offline, choosing any team we want (not all of them with official licenses).
What is Dream League Soccer?
Dream League Soccer (DLS) has been trying for years to position itself as the main alternative to the two big soccer games for mobiles. Its premises are the same or very similar to those of FIFA and eFootball, but it has important shortcomings with respect to them: it does not have team licenses (although it does have over 4000 real players) and it does not have such powerful companies as EA Sports or Konami behind it. On the bright side, it provides the best results on mid-range or low-end devices.
Main differences between FIFA, eFootball PES and Dream League Soccer
Graphics
In terms of graphics, there is a notable difference between Dream League Soccer and the other two soccer games we are comparing: FIFA and eFootball are much more colorful, with a more realistic style and better lighting, as well as much more elaborate animations. There are hardly any differences between these two games, although we could say that FIFA offers slightly more solid graphics, while eFootball loses quality in some specific areas. Still, this is a section that also varies greatly depending on the specifications of the device on which we play it.
Gameplay
Although they may seem similar, the truth is that the gameplay of each of these mobile soccer simulators is unique. It is difficult to pinpoint what differentiates them, but some say that FIFA presents more freedom of gameplay and mechanics while eFootball is somewhat more technical, leaving Dream League Soccer as the most arcade of the three. The truth is that they are all based on the same gameplay style, already standardized within mobile games, with character selection systems, real-time tactic changes, proprietary interface for set-pieces, etc.
Official licenses
In this section, there is a clear winner: FIFA. It is the only mobile soccer game that includes a large majority of officially licensed clubs, stadiums, coaches and players. Your favorite team is much more likely to be in FIFA than in any of the other two games. In fact, in Dream League Soccer there are no officially licensed clubs at all: the only real thing included is the name and appearance of the players. eFootball 2023 does have some teams, but most are alternate versions of well-known clubs, and it overly limits access to all teams, although it is possible to bypass that cap.
Multiplayer
Regarding the multiplayer performance of these three games, one of the most important aspects of mobile soccer simulators, we have several things to say. The first thing is that, since they are free-to-play games, there will be constant content updates, or at least there should be. In this sense, FIFA is the one that most frequently hosts new events in which to get players and other special content, with eFootball and DLS lagging behind in this regard.
On the other hand, the quality of the game connections when playing against other players must also be taken into account. Here, in general, we will encounter constant problems in all three games: PvP (player vs. player) modes are very unstable in FIFA, eFootball and DLS—although the truth is that it also depends on factors external to the game, such as the Internet connection or whether a wifi network is being used or not.
And… which is the best of the three?
It is very difficult to answer this question because it ultimately depends on each person’s preferences. However, we can see certain trends in these games that will help you choose one or the other: FIFA is probably the most established project of the three, with greater support and follow-up from its creators. At the same time, eFootball can be proud to offer fast games and very good graphics. Finally, for those who don’t like either of these two, they can always find their alternative in Dream League Soccer, which is also ideal for more humble mobiles.
