Bradley Barcola in EA FC 26 at the Parc de Princess
Screenshot via EA Sports

EA FC 26 Ultimate Team deep dive pitch notes – Gauntlet, Champions rework, and more

Some refreshing changes.

Everyone’s favorite Ultimate Team is getting massive updates in EA FC 26, and the deep dive has shed some light on it.

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If you’ve become bored with Ultimate Team (I know I have), hold on to your conclusions. Many new events have been revealed that will be integrated into Ultimate Team in the future. 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 all that much since you’ll keep playing until you finish all the rounds.

The more wins you get, the better your rewards. One thing’s for sure, using different squads will really test club depth and skills.

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.

Winstreak Bonuses

Rivals’ games will have the usual win streaks again, allowing you to climb two stages. However, you’ll also win double reward points when you secure a victory on a win streak. 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 sliding 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 for the elites and those who can reach high divisions.
  • Challengers will be for those who are in the 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.

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Arka Sarkar
Staff Writer