As annual releases, sports games like EA FC 25 can sometimes seem like just a basic roster update at first glance. However, this year, Electronic Arts has channeled its efforts into bringing significant improvements to EA FC 25, introducing fresh gameplay options and a robust set of quality-of-life enhancements. Here’s a look at everything new in EA FC 25.
Rush Mode
A standout addition to FC 25 is the new Rush mode, which brings fast-paced, small-sided soccer matches into the game. In Rush, you can team up with three friends for 5v5 games that emphasize creativity and teamwork. It’s a fun, casual alternative to the more competitive modes like Rivals, offering players an exciting way to join up with friends across nearly all modes. This mode also introduces unique rules, such as a hockey-inspired penalty with a dribble-up, and a new Blue Card that sends players to the penalty box for major fouls.
Player Roles and FC IQ
Another major gameplay update includes the introduction of Player Roles and FC IQ. Using real-world data, EA has developed new Player Roles to further distinguish players’ unique skills and behaviors on the field. This is positioned as a companion to the existing PlayStyles feature, enhancing how players “think, behave, and move off the ball.” With FC IQ, players gain access to a broader range of tactics, opening up strategies to outplay the competition. Whether you want your fullback to mimic Liverpool’s playmaking style or your striker to perform like Man City’s top poacher, these options are now at your fingertips. Additionally, PlayStyles have been expanded to goalkeepers, making elite keepers even more formidable within the box.
Ultimate Team
EA has also overhauled its seasonal content approach. Previously, Ultimate Team and Clubs each had separate season passes, while Career Mode players had no cosmetics to unlock. Now, with FC 25, a unified Season Pass can be completed across all three modes. Inspired by MLB The Show, FC 25 allows players to progress wherever they choose, so if you dive into Career Mode, you won’t fall behind. Plus, you’ll earn rewards across all modes as you advance, although Ultimate Team players will still see the highest volume of rewards from the pass.
In Ultimate Team, FC 25 introduces some welcome quality-of-life improvements. Contracts have been removed, eliminating one of the more tedious management tasks, and a duplicate storage feature now lets you keep up to 100 player cards for SBCs. Additionally, Evolutions from FC 24 has been expanded, making it easier to utilize one of the fan-favorite features. While most core modes remain the same, EA has significantly cut down the number of games needed for weekly rewards, particularly in Squad Battles, where you now need only 12 games instead of the 40 required in FC 24.
Career Mode
Electronic Arts is promoting FC 25 as the “biggest update in years” for Career Mode players, aiming to maximize player control. In Manager Career, you can choose to disable board objectives, ensuring you won’t get fired, or set them to “Harsh” for a more challenging experience akin to that of real-world coaches. For the first time, you can also play with your Youth Academy players in Rush mode, giving you a preview of their potential once they join your senior team. Additionally, FC 25 introduces women’s soccer, leveling the playing field for both genders in Career Mode. As the actual season unfolds, EA will utilize its new Live Start Point feature, allowing players to jump into pivotal moments during the season in their quest for titles.
In Player Career, you can now step into the shoes of iconic players. At launch, depending on your edition, you’ll have access to up to seven Icons. Ultimate Team players can control legends like David Beckham and Ronaldo, while Standard Edition users will have access to Thierry Henry and Andrea Pirlo. More Icons will be added throughout the year, so expect to see beloved figures like Mia Hamm, Johan Cruyff, and Ronaldinho in due time. If you create your own player, you’ll have the option to choose from three new Origin Stories, adding a narrative and gameplay twist to your Player Career.
Clubs
Clubs players shouldn’t anticipate any major overhauls for their mode in FC 25. Instead, the game leverages features like Rush and Player Roles to enhance Clubs without implementing significant changes. You’ll see additions like Facilities, which provide minor boosts for your squad while unlocking PlayStyles for your teammates. EA has also addressed some player requests with small adjustments, such as quick chat options and a maximum height limit—no more towering strikers at 6’7″ or taller.
While Player Roles may be the closest thing to a game-changer in EA FC 25, it doesn’t mean that Electronic Arts has been inactive. The team has dedicated its efforts to implementing several crucial updates across the different modes, resolving long-standing issues and offering fans greater control over their gameplay experience.
