Guide to Versus Mode on Football Manager 2022

The main FM22 Winter Update brings with it the return of Versus mode for PC/Mac gamers, giving you the opportunity to challenge each other for the ultimate online bragging rights.

With the new-look Versus mode, you can now compete against one another in a variety of tournament formats.

What is Versus mode?

Versus mode allows players to test themselves and their teams against other managers in a head-to-head environment to prove their Football Manager skills to their friends and the world.

Players can export their favourite teams from Career mode to use in Versus mode or choose a team from any of the playable leagues.

Versus mode is a streamlined game mode which can be played online, as a hotseat game, or as a single player experience against the AI.

It’s the closest thing to an ‘instant play’ mode available in FM22, allowing you to also test out tactics and players against the AI.

Formerly part of Football Manager Classic and Football Manager Touch (PC/Mac), Versus mode joins Fantasy Draft and Online Career as one of the three exciting multiplayer game modes available in Football Manager 2022 (PC/Mac).

Versus mode requirements

You’ll need to be an FMFC member to access Versus - log in via the FM22 start screen to get started and compete against your friends.

If you’re not yet part of the FMFC squad, you can sign up here or from the FM22 start screen. As soon as you’ve registered, you’ll be able to access Versus mode in FM22.

Playing Versus mode offline

It is possible to play Versus mode offline, although you will have had to log in to FMFC before going offline to retain access. Likewise, as you would expect, the functionality is slightly reduced when playing offline. While offline you’ll be able to access Versus mode, set up and play a competition against either the AI or a local hotseat manager.

How to play Versus mode

To start playing Versus mode in FM22, you’ll need to use the sign-up/sign-in panel on the game start screen to sync the game up with your FMFC account.

Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be able to jump straight in to Versus mode and start putting your skills to the test.

You and your friends can take your teams from 20 years in the future, packed full of newgen Wonderkids, and prove who’s really the better manager.

How to import a team on Versus mode

1. Load your career save and export your team by selecting: Squad > Players > Export Team for Versus Competition

Exporting your team also exports your current tactical setup with that team, so there’s no need to do that separately. Then, once you’ve loaded up Versus mode, you’ll be able to import the team you’ve put hours into developing.

2. Quit to the start screen, select Start A New Game and enter Versus Mode

3. Create a new game of your choice or join your friends in a lobby

4. When selecting a team to manage, select Import Team and choose your saved squad

Finding people to play against

If you want to find likeminded players, please visit our Versus Mode Game Requests thread for more info.

PvP matchmaking in Versus mode

Alternatively, there is PvP matchmaking available. Once you’ve selected Versus mode from the panel of options, click the Join Game tab. From there you’ll be able to choose ‘Quick Start 1v1’ which will match you with any other FMFC member looking to play a one-on-one match.

Best practice for online matchmaking is for you to use open lobbies. If you opt for friends only or password protected lobbies, your choice of opponents will naturally be more limited. With open lobbies you’ll be able to pick up and play whenever you want.

Versus Mode game options

Upon entering Versus mode, you’ll be able to work with the Competition Creator to create a custom competition to suit you and your friends. There are four main options at your disposal:

• Knockout (for 2-32 teams)
  
• Group Stage and Knockout (for 8-32 teams)
  
• League (2-20 teams)
  
• 1 vs 1 (2 teams)
  

Once you’ve created or joined a game, you’ll receive a Welcome Pack including a competition preview and the relevant Cup or Group draws. When the final whistle has gone, you’ll have the quickfire option to play again or the chance to create a brand-new competition.

Regardless of whether you’re battling from bragging rights with your friends or honing your skills in some practice games with the AI, the streamlined game and match flow in Versus mode means you’ll be to focus solely on playing matches.

Versus mode cross-play

You’ll be able to challenge other FMFC members across Steam, Epic, the Windows Store and GamePass. However, this is only possible with FM22. There is no Versus mode cross-play available with Football Manager 2022 Xbox Edition.

Versus mode team limitations

Every club side available to you in a single player career is active and playable in Versus mode but you cannot select national teams.

Versus mode Known issues

A delay arises when another manager joins a game as a spectator. The developers are working on ways to rectify this and hope to release a fix in the Final Winter Update during March.