EA SPORTS has released the first detailed update on the gameplay changes in the upcoming FC 26, with a strong focus on improving responsiveness.
”FC 26′ gameplay broken down: Here’s what to expect
This means the game will now react more quickly and accurately when players press buttons or move joysticks on their controllers, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
According to developers, FC 26 is designed to be the most responsive version of the football simulator to date. The improvements are based on feedback from players, esports professionals, and internal test teams.
They tested gameplay setups in real-world environments, including homes and football team facilities in Spain and the UK.
One of the major issues players raised in past versions was “delay”—the time between a player’s input and the game’s response.
Delays could come from various causes, including bad internet connections, WiFi instability, display settings, or even how animations are selected and processed.
To combat this, the developers said they’ve made efforts to fix bugs in the animation system, increase the number of animations to avoid gameplay gaps, and reduce the time between button presses and gameplay actions.
“Expecting an immediate right foot shot… but the player decides to use their left foot instead, delaying the shot,” was one of the examples used to describe how animation bugs can affect play.
These types of delays are being addressed to ensure players see more accurate responses during critical gameplay moments.
Another big change in FC 26 is the introduction of two separate gameplay styles: “Competitive Gameplay” and “Authentic Gameplay.”
Competitive mode is built for fast-paced, online play where quick responses are key. Authentic mode is designed for offline players who want a slower, more realistic football experience.
The developers also explained that more than half of players use WiFi to connect online, but this can cause delays due to unstable signals.
They strongly recommend using a wired internet connection for better gameplay performance.
In addition to gameplay mechanics, FC 26 features hundreds of new animations. These help create more realistic player movements and situations.
The animation transitions have been fine-tuned to react more quickly to player commands, like first-time passes and shots.
A new “Connection Quality Report” tool is also being introduced to help players understand how their internet connection might be affecting their performance.
The report will offer personalised insights into connection quality during online matches.
Developers confirmed they will release more details in an upcoming “Gameplay Deep Dive” scheduled for 22 July 2025. In the meantime, players are encouraged to continue giving feedback via the EA SPORTS FC Discord server and Player Feedback Portal.
“This will remain a priority for our teams to make FC feel more responsive than ever,” EA SPORTS stated
FC 26 pre-orders are available and will be released on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and both generations of Nintendo Switch.
