Everyone’s favorite Ultimate Team is getting massive updates in EA FC 26, and the deep dive has shed some light on it.
If you had become bored with Ultimate Team (I know I did), hold on to your conclusions. Many new events have been revealed that will be integrated into Ultimate Team as we know it. Let’s look at what new stuff we can expect to see in the online game mode in EA FC 26.
All major EA FC 26 Ultimate Team features
Most of the new additions in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team are in the form of fresh game modes. However, existing modes like Champions and Division Rivals will also change. Let’s start with the new modes: Live Events (Tournaments, Gauntlets, and Linked Events).
Tournaments
Tournaments are back and better than before, where you get the thrill of knockout tournaments.
- Play four rounds of thrilling PvP matches against players on the same round.
- Themed squads.
- Lose, and you get knocked out. Win, and you proceed to the next phase.
- Players winning a tournament won’t be able to participate in it again.
- Phases unlock after a certain number of days.
Gauntlet
Unlike tournaments, Gauntlets emphasize using different squads and cards. Losses don’t matter much since you’ll keep playing till you finish all the rounds.
The more wins you get, the better your rewards will be. Doing that with different squads and club depth will challenge many.
Linked Events
Linked Events are special locked events that will be unlocked via objectives. This mode will help you qualify for unique events meant for ultimate competition. Some of the end-of-season events will be focused on community interaction.
Let’s look at all the changes being made to existing modes, including Rivals Bounties, Win Streak Bonuses, and Limited Checkpoints.
Rivals Bounties
Rivals’ matches will have an additional system called Bounties. It will allow you to take something back, even from a brutal loss, which will directly convert into weekly rewards. This will enable you to secure the required points faster, which only depends on wins and draws.
Winstreak Bonuses
Rivals’ games will have the usual winstreaks again, allowing you to climb two stages. However, you’ll also win double reward points when you secure victory on a winstreak. Your opponent will also know if you’re on an active streak.
Limited Checkpoints
Remember what frustration feels like when we lose a Rivals game right when we shouldn’t? Things will be slightly more relaxed in EA FC 26 when you’re on Limited Checkpoints. You’ll be able to lose a few games without being affected by dropping down on the ladder.
EA FC 26 Ultimate Team Champions changes
The Champions mode is the pinnacle of competitive Ultimate Team, and things won’t be much different in EA FC 26. However, there are some key changes.
- No more playoffs.
- Two different tiers of Weekend League: Champions and Challengers.
- Champions finals will be meant for the elites and those who can reach high divisions.
- Challengers will be for those who are in the lower divisions. This won’t be worth it for someone who might want to play easier games by deliberately staying in lower divisions.
There are a few more important changes being made to Ultimate Team that I love.
- Goalkeeper evolutions are finally coming to Ultimate Team.
- Disconnects in a draw state will result in an automatic win if your opponent left a game after a red card, conceding a goal, or more.
- Penalties for players quitting in the Rush mode.
