FC 26 vs FC 25: What’s New, What’s Better, What’s Worse?

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Introduction

Every year, football gaming fans eagerly await the latest installment in the EA Sports FC series. With FC 25 receiving mixed reviews, especially around gameplay mechanics and AI behavior, expectations for FC 26 are high. This year, EA Sports has promised substantial improvements and fresh features aimed at revitalizing the franchise and addressing past criticisms. In this detailed comparison, we'll break down what's new, what's better, and what might be worse in FC 26 compared to FC 25, helping you decide if upgrading is worth it.

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What’s New in FC 26 Compared to FC 25?

Revamped Dribbling and Ball Control

One of the most notable changes in FC 26 is the overhaul of the dribbling system. Players now experience more natural ball control, especially in tight spaces, making movement feel intuitive and realistic. This is a significant upgrade since many fans criticized FC 25’s clunky dribbling mechanics.

Overhauled Playstyles and Attribute System

FC 26 introduces a rebalanced Playstyle and attribute system. Unlike FC 25, where certain Playstyles were overpowered and overshadowed player stats, FC 26 reduces the emphasis on Playstyles and increases the importance of a player's core attributes. This means high-rated players perform better consistently even without specific perks, making gameplay more realistic and rewarding for player skill and team building.

AI Improvements and Smarter Positioning

The AI team-mates in FC 26 are smarter and better-positioned on the pitch. Unlike FC 25, where AI players often behaved erratically and lacked awareness, FC 26 features refined AI that supports your tactics more effectively. They make smarter runs, react better to situations, and help reduce frustrating gameplay moments.

Two Gameplay Modes to Suit Different Players

FC 26 caters to a wider audience by splitting gameplay into two modes: one for casual, fast-paced fun, and another for more tactical, simulation-style play. This approach aims to satisfy both casual gamers and hardcore football sim fans.

New Visual and Presentation Upgrades

Visual enhancements in FC 26 include improved player models, stadium atmospheres, and animations that elevate the immersion compared to FC 25. These upgrades contribute to a more lifelike football experience on and off the pitch.

Updated Free Kick Camera and Other UI Tweaks

FC 26 introduces a new free kick camera angle and refined user interface elements to enhance the viewing experience and tactical clarity during matches.

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What’s Better in FC 26?

Feature	FC 25	FC 26	Improvement Summary
Dribbling & Ball Control	Clunky and less intuitive	Smooth, natural, better in tight spaces	More realistic player control and responsiveness
Playstyle System	Overpowered perks dominate stats	Balanced between stats and perks	More realistic player performance, less “pay-to-win” feel
AI Behavior	Often erratic and poorly positioned	Smarter, tactically aware AI	Better team support and less frustration
Stamina System	AI stamina was high, less challenging	AI stamina nerfed, requiring smarter play	Adds strategic depth and match realism
Gameplay Modes	Single gameplay style	Two modes: casual and tactical	Appeals to broader player preferences
Visual Quality	Good but familiar	Enhanced player models and animations	More immersive and polished look
Passing Mechanics	Easier to break defenses	More challenging, less “through-ball” spam	Encourages strategic passing and playmaking

The improvements in dribbling, AI, and gameplay modes stand out as major steps forward. FC 26 offers a more dynamic and enjoyable football experience that addresses many of the frustrations players faced last year.

What’s Worse or Still Needs Improvement in FC 26?

Increased Challenge May Frustrate Casual Players

While the nerfed stamina and smarter AI add realism, they also increase the challenge. Casual players might find it harder to dominate matches without adapting their tactics and managing player energy carefully, which could be a barrier for newcomers or those who enjoyed the more arcade-style play of FC 25.

Limited Depth in Tactical Control

Although FC 26 improved AI and introduced playstyles, it still lacks the deep tactical control and managerial depth found in dedicated football sims like Football Manager. The new player roles and automation help but don't fully satisfy fans craving complex strategy layers.

Some Playstyles Removed

FC 26 removed four Playstyles from FC 25 and added five new ones. While this streamlines the system, some players might miss specific styles that suited their play or favorite footballers.

Online Balance and Meta Still Evolving

Despite rebalancing skill boosts and perks to prevent dominance by single traits, online gameplay balance is always a moving target. Early impressions suggest the meta is shifting, but some exploits or imbalances may persist until further updates.

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Key Gameplay Changes That Impact the Experience

Passing and Through-Ball Nerfs

Passing now requires more precision and tactical thinking. The once dominant through-ball tactic, which allowed easy defensive breaks, is nerfed. This change encourages varied attacking strategies and more realistic buildup play.

Stamina Management

AI teammates' stamina has been nerfed, so managing player energy and rotation becomes crucial. This adds a layer of realism but demands more attention from players during matches.

Player Movement and Runs

FC 26’s FC IQ system from FC 25 is refined. Players make smarter runs automatically based on their assigned roles and current game situation, reducing the need for constant manual input. Still, this system is not as deep as some fans would like.

Should You Upgrade to FC 26?

If you found FC 25 somewhat disappointing because of clunky mechanics, overpowered perks, or AI frustration, FC 26 offers noticeable improvements that might revitalize your experience. The gameplay feels smoother, more tactical, and the visuals are better, making it a worthy upgrade for serious fans.

However, if you prefer a more casual, easygoing playstyle, the increased challenge in stamina management and smarter AI might require some adjustment. Also, if you crave ultra-deep tactical control, you might still find FC 26 lacking compared to niche football management sims.

Overall, FC 26 looks like a solid evolution focused on fixing past issues while introducing fresh gameplay elements, making it a promising choice for football gaming enthusiasts in 2025.

For those looking to grab the latest edition, you can check out EA Sports FC 26 on Amazon India or Flipkart India to get the best deals and start enjoying the new features firsthand.