Games like Football Manager 2019

The Squirrel's verdictBoth cast you as manager—transfers, contracts, training, facilities—but FTG swaps FM's continuous match simulation for turn-based tactical battles, structured closer to X-com or Battle Brothers than a football sim. Squad-building carries over; match outcomes become discrete tactical puzzles instead of simulated play, appealing to those who found FM's match engine arbitrary.

Not for you if you want an actual football simulation with media interactions rather than a turn-based tactics game wearing a football skin.

The Squirrel's verdictNew Star Manager's card-based system, mini-games, and mouse-only controls replace FM's attribute-heavy tactics and granular training entirely. Squad-building and season progression are present, but decision-making is simplified throughout. At a median of around 48 hours played, it fits players who want a lighter management loop with a defined end rather than FM's open-ended depth.

Not for you if you want formation-level tactics, attribute-driven player development, and detailed training schedules rather than a card-driven management layer.

The Squirrel's verdictSame core loop: manage a club through tactics, training, transfers, and match simulation. WE ARE FOOTBALL 2024 adds stadium management and includes an editor with Steam Workshop support for real names, uses a cleaner interface, and reviewers describe faster save turnaround than FM. Transfer negotiations are simpler and less detailed than FM's system.

Not for you if you want FM's deep transfer negotiation mechanics or expect the interface conventions explained without trial and error.

The Squirrel's verdictWE ARE FOOTBALL covers the familiar loop of tactics, transfers, and multi-season squad building, but operates at a higher level of abstraction than FM. Individual training schedules and off-ball team shape during matches are absent — you only see the player with the ball. At around 58 hours median playtime, it suits managers who want a broader club-building focus without session-length FM commitments.

Not for you if you want to monitor full team shape during matches or manage individual player training with FM-level detail.

The Squirrel's verdictSoccer Manager 2026 keeps the core loop that draws FM players in: squad building, transfers, tactics, real player names. The differences are structural, not stylistic. It's free on PC, runs on a gold-bar currency for things like agent fees, and offers no way to skip match simulation. Fits someone wanting a lightweight, no-cost management fix between FM releases.

Not for you if you want FM's tactical depth without microtransactions gating basic actions like paying agent fees, or need to skip matches instead of watching them play out.

The Squirrel's verdictContracts, training, tactics, and licensed clubs and players are all present, but Soccer Manager 2019 trades FM's depth for a simpler, faster interface. Reviews flag scripted-feeling match outcomes and a transfer market that hides ratings for lesser-known players. Median playtime sits at around 27 hours, suggesting a shorter engagement than FM's typical commitment.

Not for you if you want FM's tactical granularity and transfer-market detail rather than a stripped-down interface with reported scripted match outcomes.

The Squirrel's verdictFootball Manager Touch 2018 targets managers who find the full FM experience too slow without wanting to drop down to mobile-level simplicity. It keeps the core tactics and squad decisions but cuts deep scouting networks and lower-league micromanagement. Available on PC, Mac, and Linux, with a median playtime of around 176 hours, it suits those who want a focused season loop rather than a sprawling save.

Not for you if you rely on text commentary, extensive scouting depth, or expect meaningful new features year to year.