EA Sports FC 26-anmeldelse: Sterk spilling, men pengeinntjening overskygger fremgangen

EA Sports FC 26 returns with noticeable improvements in on-pitch gameplay, offering crisper passing, sticky dribbling, and smarter goalkeeper positioning. The game introduces two distinct presets—Competitive and Authentic—aimed at satisfying different playstyles. A move praised by Ricky Frech in his EA Sports FC 26 review on IGN as a significant step forward for both online and offline modes.

Frech highlighted how the split allows Competitive mode to maintain a fast-paced experience suitable for Ultimate Team and online matches, while Authentic mode emphasizes realistic gameplay with a slower pace and a stronger focus on tactical positioning. This separation ensures that adjustments to one mode do not inadvertently affect the other, a limitation that had previously frustrated players trying to balance realism and competitive fairness.

Despite these improvements, FC 26 has stirred controversy with its Season Pass system. Dropping on day one, the pass affects multiple modes, including Career Mode, Clubs, and Ultimate Team. Some iconic players, such as Luis Figo, Toni Kroos, and Julie Foudy, are locked behind the pass, forcing players to either invest real money or grind extensively in-game. This approach has been described as one of the most aggressive monetization strategies EA has implemented in a sports title.

The inclusion of iconic and legendary players behind a paywall is particularly frustrating in Career Mode, where players had previously enjoyed access to these figures without additional cost. Many will find themselves navigating a system designed to funnel players toward spending, as in-game currency alone may not be sufficient to unlock all rewards. The potential for future Season Pass iterations to continue restricting desirable content suggests that EA is prioritizing revenue over player experience.

Read also: How to Change Your Ultimate Team Name in EA Sports FC 26 – in our separate guide.

Beyond monetization, FC 26 introduces meaningful changes across its game modes. Manager Mode now includes the Manager Live Hub, offering specific challenges that reward players with club jerseys and encourage creative problem-solving. These scenarios replicate real-life football moments, testing tactical acumen and decision-making beyond the standard league campaign. Career Mode retains its traditional structure while the live challenges provide an engaging, rotating set of objectives that encourage replayability.

Ultimate Team has received incremental improvements, including the return of tournaments and customization options for Evolutions. These changes enhance the user experience while promoting more stable online gameplay. Server performance has been generally reliable, with minor slowdowns at peak times, but nothing that renders the game unplayable. While the intention to slow the power curve in Ultimate Team was designed to extend the viability of cards, the method inadvertently increases the pay-to-win aspect, as high-tier packs are still accessible through monetary investment.

Clubs mode has seen fewer overarching changes, but the addition of the Archetype system offers a fresh approach to progression. Players can select famous athletes from football history to emulate, adding structure and clarity to team roles while tracking forward momentum. This system could enhance long-term engagement as the meta develops over time.

On the field, the game’s improvements are immediately apparent. Dribbling is notably sticky, granting precise control for microadjustments, enabling players to maneuver past defenses with fluidity. Passing has been refined, supporting intricate build-ups and tactical play. Competitive mode favors speed and offensive action, while Authentic mode emphasizes calculated positioning and careful ball distribution. Mistimed tackles remain punishing, but smarter AI teammates and enhanced goalkeeper behavior help balance gameplay. Goalkeepers now position themselves more intelligently, punch balls away strategically, and reduce frustrating rebound scenarios, elevating the realism of defensive play.

The separation of modes also allows for sharper tuning of AI behavior, resulting in a more dynamic experience for both casual and dedicated players. Competitive mode offers faster reactions and AI awareness, enhancing online matches, while Authentic mode mirrors real-world football strategy, appealing to players seeking immersive, realistic simulations. These quality-of-life enhancements make FC 26 one of the most responsive football simulators in recent years, even if the microtransaction ecosystem dampens the overall experience.

Despite the positive gameplay changes, the monetization strategy has overshadowed the technical improvements. The Season Pass, combined with slowed card progression in Ultimate Team, reinforces the perception of EA as prioritizing profit over the player experience. Even dedicated fans must navigate a system that pressures financial investment, extending beyond the standard online modes into traditionally offline experiences.

EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team is facing serious disruption after a regional pricing glitch allowed some PC players to buy FC Points at a fraction of the cost, prompting calls to disable crossplay.

Ultimately, EA Sports FC 26 delivers the strongest on-pitch gameplay seen in the franchise in recent years. Dribbling, passing, and goalkeeper AI all show tangible progress, providing a rewarding football simulation for players focused on the game itself. However, aggressive monetization and restrictive Season Pass content create a barrier that cannot be ignored. Those willing to overlook these issues will find a refined and satisfying football experience, but the game's financial strategy remains a central concern for the community and sets a challenging precedent for future installments.

In combining both technical improvements and controversial monetization, FC 26 exemplifies EA’s current approach: prioritizing enhanced gameplay while simultaneously expanding revenue streams, creating a mixed experience that celebrates football innovation yet reminds players of the commercial pressures inherent in modern sports gaming.