AFL 26

About

AFL 26 is a multiplayer sport game. It was developed by Big Ant Studios and was released on May 7, 2025. It received neutral reviews from players.

AFL 26 delivers an intense and authentic Australian football experience, capturing the sport’s fast-paced action, roaring crowds, and expert commentary. Build your Pro Team to compete in challenging seasons, unlock rewards, and prove your dominance. Step into Player Career mode to live the journey from draft day to AFL or AFLW stardom.

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58%

Audience ScoreBased on 159 reviews

gameplay7 positive mentions

stability12 negative mentions

AFL 26 shows significant improvement over AFL 23, with better graphics, animations, and gameplay mechanics.
The management mode is deeper and more engaging, providing a fun experience for players.
The new set shot mechanic and overall gameplay feel more fluid and responsive, enhancing the footy experience.

The game is plagued by numerous bugs and crashes, making it frustrating to play, especially in career mode.
AI behavior is inconsistent, often leading to unresponsive teammates and awkward gameplay situations.
The price point is considered too high for the quality of the game, with many players feeling it should be lower given the current state.

gameplay
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
71%
11%
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players enjoying the fun and challenging aspects, particularly in the management career mode. However, frequent crashes, bugs, and clunky mechanics have been significant drawbacks, leading to frustration among users. While some improvements in player animations and mechanics have been noted, many feel that the overall experience is hindered by persistent issues that detract from the enjoyment of the game.
- “The gameplay is fun, and the management career mode adds a good level of challenge.”
- “Keeping that in mind, it's a really realistic football game; I haven't experienced any bugs or glitches, and the gameplay feels and looks amazing.”
- “I approached AFL 26 with caution but can say I'm pleasantly surprised with the depth of features and flow of gameplay.”
- “Whilst the gameplay of the game is better than AFL 23, I have yet to be able to complete a full match without it crashing.”
- “The same problems that plagued the AFL 23 gameplay - the stiffness, the game being diluted to rhythmic button pressing, the lack of contest around the ball - it's all still there.”
- “Since installation, AFL 26 has crashed multiple times and suffers from numerous bugs that significantly impact the gameplay experience.”
graphics
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
55%
17%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the improvements and detailing that they are better than expected, while others criticize them as outdated and lacking realism compared to modern standards. Although there are notable upgrades in lighting and player models, many feel the graphics are merely average and do not significantly enhance the overall experience. Overall, while some players find the visuals satisfactory, others express disappointment, suggesting that the graphics do not meet the expectations set by contemporary gaming technology.
- “The graphics are actually better than I was expecting, if I am honest.”
- “Graphics and lighting have also seen some upgrades as well.”
- “I've played 100+ hours of AFL 23 and this game is so much better, the graphics are stunning, everything is so much smoother than 23.”
- “And most of all, the graphics were terrible.”
- “The graphics are mid compared to some of the games that are out nowadays; the marking is terrible, my player slows down while I'm chasing the ball to try and mark it, and the opposing player ends up phasing through me.”
- “I can't understand why they haven't just re-released their 2011 game with updated visuals.”
stability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting a high frequency of bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players acknowledge the game's potential and enjoy the overall experience, many express frustration over the unfinished state and persistent technical issues, leading to a consensus that the game is currently unplayable for many. Overall, it appears that while there are moments of enjoyment, the game's stability remains a major concern that needs urgent attention.
- “Very frustrating experience with a game released that is so buggy.”
- “Game is unfinished and has terrible glitches and crashes at least once an hour, usually after finishing a whole game in career mode so once you reboot it you have to redo the game hoping it doesn't crash again.”
- “Buggy and completely unplayable, gave it a go but just had an awful time.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's story aspect is well-received for its single-player mode, allowing players to manage a club or pursue a player career, providing a solid foundation. However, the experience differs significantly in the online pro team mode, suggesting a disparity in narrative engagement between single-player and multiplayer experiences.
- “The story feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- “I found the narrative to be predictable and uninspired, which really detracted from the overall experience.”
- “The character development is minimal, leaving the plot feeling flat and unengaging.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music aspect of the game is overshadowed by frequent crashes, with users reporting issues occurring during gameplay and even during the end credits song, detracting from the overall experience.
- “Crashed in the 4th quarter and has even crashed during the song at the end of the game.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players have noted that while the game features some humorous elements, it is occasionally marred by frustrating bugs specific to player careers that detract from the overall experience.
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers highlight that the game features fluid and responsive gameplay, enhanced by improved player animations and a vibrant stadium atmosphere that immerses players in the experience.
- “The gameplay feels fluid and responsive, with noticeably improved player animations and stadium atmosphere.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users express frustration with the monetization practices of the game, labeling it a "cash grab" and criticizing the lack of innovation in the game engine, which they feel detracts from the overall experience. Many believe that other studios, like Wicked Witch, could deliver a better product without the focus on profit over quality.
- “Hello, this is my first review. You have taken my money and are ruining the AFL game landscape. Please consider that Wicked Witch is a far more capable studio than your cash grab. The fact that the game engine is the same as AFL Live makes me sick!”