Pre-loading a game lets you unlock, unpack, and install it before its official launch date. Once games are live, you’ll start playing with no extra steps.

It isn’t available for all games, but when it is, it’ll save you time.

When am I charged for a game if I pre-load?

If a game has pre-loading available and you buy it as a pre-order, you’ll be charged the day of pre-load release.

1. Launch the EA app (formerly EA Desktop) and log in to your account.
2. Click Download on the game to pre-load the encrypted game file.

Once you download the game file, you’ll see a timer counting down until the game is ready to play.

Why is it decrypting and unpacking?

With some newer games, you can play right after you download. Other games may have a decrypting and unpacking step before installation.

1. After the game unlocks, decrypting usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Then, the file unpacks to the game installer folder. This can take another 15 to 30 minutes.

Once the Install button pops up, click to start the installer and get in the game.