Is EA FC 26 Really Fixing Past Gameplay Problems?

As football fans and gamers eagerly await the arrival of EA FC 26, excitement is building around what could be a pivotal instalment in the franchise.

Early access has given a handful of creators a sneak peek, sparking conversations about whether EA is finally answering the calls for a gameplay revolution.

Based on the gameplay deep-dive, it’s clear that EA FC 26 is aiming to address long-standing issues while pushing the series towards a faster, more skilful, and authentic experience.

We delve into the gameplay changes, new mechanics, and AI improvements shaping EA FC 26.

It weighs the positives and the areas still needing polish to see if this release lives up to the hype.

A Much-Needed Injection of Pace

One of the biggest criticisms of recent EA football titles has been their sluggish pace.

Matches often felt slow and overly cautious, lacking the intensity of live football. EA FC 26 addresses this with the introduction of “one-frame passing”.

This new mechanic significantly speeds up passing, enabling players to execute moves almost instantly and creating a more fluid, dynamic flow on the pitch.

While it doesn’t reach the frantic tempo of older FIFA games, the faster passing makes gameplay feel more responsive and skill-driven.

This change should appeal especially to competitive players craving quicker decision-making and sharper reactions.

Two presets mean you can decide how you want to play.

Competitive is designed for modes like Ultimate Team and Clubs, emphasising speed, sharp passing, and refined control.

On the flip side, the Authentic preset targets Career and Manager modes, delivering realism through disciplined defender behaviour, genuine corner success rates, and authentic scramble animations around the goalmouth.

A Dribbling Revolution

EA FC 26 revives a classic skill: mastering dribbling via the left stick.

The game enhances responsiveness so players can control their moves more precisely and pull off intricate manoeuvres.

This shift moves away from relying heavily on special dribbling buttons like “agile” or “strafe” and rewards fundamental stick control.

The refined dribbling feels smoother and more natural, somewhat reminiscent of the elegance seen in players like Lionel Messi.

Importantly, this is balanced by adjusted jockey speeds, preventing dribbling from becoming overpowering.

This focus on core mechanics will excite fans who enjoy honing their skills rather than exploiting shortcuts.

Defending Overhaul

A frustrating issue in previous EA FC games has been the infamous “bounceback” effect, when tackles send the ball straight back to the opposition unrealistically.

EA FC 26 significantly reduces these moments by tweaking post-tackle reactions.

Players now briefly stun after a tackle, limiting repetitive or spam tackling and making defensive plays feel more strategic.

Additionally, the game improves ball direction after tackles, favouring passes to teammates over random rebounds. This change enhances game flow and gives defenders greater control.

It’s a small but impactful adjustment that should improve defensive satisfaction.

AI Adjustments

EA FC 26 also introduces important AI refinements designed to emphasise player skill.

Automated tackles and blocks are dialled back, putting more responsibility on the user’s manual defending.

The notorious offside trap has been toned down, requiring sharper timing and strategy to pull off successfully.

Although the likes of fullbacks and defensive midfielders require fine-tuning, the overall aim is clear: encourage intelligent, skilful gameplay rather than passive or exploitative tactics.

This approach should elevate competitive play while remaining accessible to a wider range of players.

The Balance between Shooting & Goalkeepers

Shooting mechanics have long been a sticking point.

Certain techniques, like the overpowered “trivela” shot from outside the box, frustrated many players.

EA FC 26 removes timed shooting, aiming for a fairer system.

Double-tapping the shoot button now results in a more balanced, low-driven shot instead of the previously dominant trivela.

This adjustment is part of EA’s efforts to balance gameplay and prevent repetitive, unfair scoring methods.

However, goalkeeper AI still requires further work to fully complement these shooting changes.

Catering to Everyone

While the focus is on competitive gameplay, EA FC 26 also prioritises authenticity and inclusivity.

Extensive sliders allow players to customise gameplay speed, pass accuracy, and other elements to suit their preferences or create a realistic simulation.

Accessibility improvements include options to disable shadows and solve kit clashes, enhancing visibility and reducing distractions.

These small but meaningful additions demonstrate EA’s commitment to creating a positive experience for diverse players.

EA FC 26 shows strong signs of addressing long-standing criticisms with faster, more responsive gameplay and refined core mechanics.

The overhaul to defending, dribbling, AI, and shooting points to a more balanced and skill-based football simulation.

Early insights and deep dives suggest EA FC 26 could be the biggest evolution in years.

Fans should be excited about the direction EA is taking.

The game’s fluidity, control, and competitive potential make EA FC 26 a title worth watching closely as it nears release.

Gamers can look forward to a fresh experience that honours the sport’s pace and skill while offering room for personalisation and inclusivity.