Discussion Forum

Introduction: The Foundation of FC 25 and Expectations for FC 26
EA FC 25 has brought many improvements in Rush mode, Ultimate Team optimization, and tactical systems, laying the foundation for the development of the series. However, players' expectations have not stopped. FC 26 needs to go further in terms of gameplay depth, content richness, and fairness in order to truly win long-term support. Whether EA can seize the opportunity will determine the future direction of this series.
Evolution Rush Mode: From Street Soccer to Tactical Competition
Character Allocation Mechanism
Rush mode is a major highlight of FC 25, with fast-paced 5v5 matches reminiscent of the pure fun of street football. However, in actual experience, the chaotic scene of "all forwards" still affects the quality of the game. FC 26 should incorporate a character allocation mechanism, allowing players to freely choose between positions such as forwards, midfielders, and defenders, forming a more balanced lineup configuration.
Team Rating System
In addition, introducing a team rating system similar to Overwatch, which evaluates players based on data such as passing, interception, and cooperation, not only encourages cooperation but also breaks the traditional evaluation method that focuses solely on scoring goals.
Enriching Gameplay
To enhance diversity, EA can also add optional maps (such as street courts, beaches, rainy night fields), weather systems, and even set a simple skill growth tree for players to create unique Rush players. These details can make Rush mode more than just "entertainment", but a core gameplay with depth and competitive value.
Optimizing Ultimate Team: Creating a Truly Fair Green Stage
Expanding Growth Path for Free Players
Ultimate Team is still the core gameplay of the EA FC series, but in FC 25, although player contracts and other "redundant content" have been removed, the cash advantage still discourages many free players. In order to make FC 26 more attractive, EA should further expand the growth path of free players, such as setting up more task chains, introducing a limited time legendary player trial mechanism, and even providing active players with "legendary points" that can be accumulated and redeemed.
Balanced Zone Matches
It is possible to consider setting up "balanced zone matches" to allow the system to match different zones based on team ratings, preventing novice players from immediately facing "Galaxy Battleship" and enhancing the overall experience.
Third-Party Platforms and Fairness
It is worth mentioning that third-party platforms like BuyMMOG have become important channels for some players to buy FC 26 coins and card packs. How to maintain game fairness while respecting player choices will also be an unavoidable issue for EA.
Only by providing more players with a sense of achievement in a fair and predictable environment can Ultimate Team truly become a 'everyone can enter, everyone can fight' green battlefield.
Release Tactical Freedom: Breaking the Shackles of the "Strongest META"
Encouraging Non-Mainstream Formations
Although FC 25 has made progress in its tactical system, many players still feel the constraints of "fixed formation + popular tactics" — the game is monotonous and lacks individuality. If FC 26 wants to make the game more profound and diverse, it must encourage the presence of non-mainstream formations and strategies.
Creative Tactical Rating & Challenges
EA can introduce a "creative tactical rating" mechanism to annotate and promote tactics that deviate from the mainstream but perform well, and even regularly launch special challenge events to restrict the use of certain META combinations, thereby stimulating players' enthusiasm for exploring different tactics.
Detailed Positioning & Running Logic
Introducing more detailed player positioning and running logic in the formation setting allows each player to create a tactical system that fits their personal understanding, rather than blindly copying others' templates, greatly enhancing playability and tactical expression.
Only when each game presents a unique 'football story' can the tactical system be considered truly successful.
Revitalize Career Mode: Make Every Career Journey Unique
Dynamic Storyline System
Compared to the popularity of Ultimate Team, career mode has long been relatively weak in the FC series. FC 26 must inject more immersion and decision-making depth into career mode. Introduce a dynamic storyline system where every choice—post-match interviews, transfer negotiations, tactical arrangements—has real impact, similar to F1 23’s story mode.
Managerial Challenges
Strengthen the management dimension with more challenges like dealing with player dissatisfaction or club board politics, expanding gameplay depth.
Player Personality System
Enhance player personality (mentality, cooperation, idol traits) and combine social interaction and media relationship management, turning each character into a vivid individual rather than just attribute collections.
Only when players feel "this is my football life" can career mode truly shine.
Strengthening Comprehensive Integration of Female Content: From Display to True Equality
Full Integration in Gameplay
FC 25 introduced female players in Ultimate Team, but FC 26 should fully integrate female content across gameplay cores—not just as an add-on.
Women’s leagues and players should be available in career mode and VOLTA, enabling creation of female players and managing women’s clubs. Expanding teams, data, and transfer systems adds depth.
Enhanced Female Player Presence
Provide more opportunities for female players in Ultimate Team via events, tasks, and themed challenges, like a "Women's Legendary Player" series.
Collaboration with BuyMMOG
Cooperate with platforms like BuyMMOG to offer female player card packs, adding collectible choices and motivation.
When male and female players compete side by side, FC truly embodies modern football spirit.
Enhancing Server and Cross-Platform Experience: Creating a Seamless Online Environment
Upgraded Server Infrastructure
Network stability and cross-platform experience are crucial. FC 26 must upgrade server architecture with advanced cloud computing and distributed systems to reduce latency and improve synchronization.
Optimized Cross-Platform Matching
Ensure seamless cross-platform play by balancing network compatibility and input latency across consoles and PC to avoid platform bias.
Regional Server Selection
Allow players to choose regional servers based on network conditions to improve experience quality.
Only with a stable, efficient online environment can FC 26 sustain active communities and diverse gameplay.
Conclusion: Listening to Players, Achieving the Peak
EA FC 26’s success depends on implementing six key reforms: evolving Rush mode, optimizing Ultimate Team, enriching tactics, reshaping career mode, strengthening women’s content, and enhancing online experience.
Only by continuously listening to players, maintaining innovation and sincerity, can the EA FC series be revitalized and usher in a brighter future.