FC 25's huge FUT Champions and Rivals changes are hitting noobs hard
FC 25 looks to be no slouch, as Division Rivals and Champions have just become much more difficult.
17th Sep 2024 17:30
Image via EA
FC 25's huge FUT Champions and Rivals changes are hitting noobs hard
FC 25 looks to be no slouch, as Division Rivals and Champions have just become much more difficult.
17th Sep 2024 17:30
Image via EA
Champions and Weekend League are cornerstones of Ultimate Team that have pushed the popular mode to spearhead the entire FIFA and EA FC series.
Red upgrades were usually the mark of true greats in Ultimate Team, and it was more the merrier as you could gauge just how many wins an opponent has in the elite competitions by the calibre of their cards. That was until they were moved over into Evolutions in FC 24.
The modes have been watered down from what they used to be over the years, given the extended deadlines and heightened early rewards, and it's time for an overhaul in FC 25 to become much harder.
FC 25 makes huge changes to FUT Champions and Rivals
As confirmed in a new blog post (which also included details on the returning loyalty packs), FUT Champions is getting a massive change. "We're positioning Champions as the pinnacle of high-stakes competitive matchups," EA said.
The changes start with playoffs, as you no longer need to play up to ten games to qualify, rather just five. However, the threshold for qualification has now changed from four wins down to three, which looks easier. Given that you have fewer games, you now need a 60% win rate instead of 40% to qualify for the Weekend League.
Then, instead of the usual 20 games, you now have a maximum of 15 games, where you will have to go full throttle against a higher calibre of opponents.
Rivals is also getting much harder. You now have to play twice as many games to get the upgraded rewards, as the threshold has now moved from seven wins to 45 points (three points per win, working out at 15 - albeit with draws counting for a point this year).
With these tough changes, players are now making it clear that the lower skill base is missing out on a lot.
FC 25 fans lash out at difficult Rivals and Champs changes
The first complaints were targeting the Champions qualification hikes. "While I understand the need for balancing competitiveness, the change in the Champions Play-offs qualification from 4 out of 10 wins to 3 out of 5 in FC 25 feels like a huge misstep," read one popular comment.
"Especially for the majority of players who aren’t at the top competitive level. This adjustment significantly reduces the margin for error, making the Play-offs feel much more punishing and stressful. It strips away the opportunity to experiment."
A second shorter-and-sweeter complaint read, "Some really good changes but 3/5 wins to qualify for champs is insane." Others took aim at how hard it is to get upgrades on your teams without access to these higher rewards.
"Probably 20% less people will get rewards in FC 25. Where do you think they will be getting their packs from? The store!" one fan said.
Another added, "This right here is where FC dies for me. Division Rivals is EVERYTHING wrong with Ultimate team. No grind factor. Just another weekly check list item. It's play 5 wins or 15 wins each week. Thats it. No more, no less. Just destroys the fun of a FIFA game."
FC 25 looks to be no easy feat for the feeble-minded, and if you're not a grinder, then you may quickly fall behind the curve this year.
About The Author
Jack Marsh
Jack is an Esports Journalist at GGRecon. Graduating from the University of Chester, with a BA Honours degree in Journalism, Jack is an avid esports enthusiast and specialises in Rocket League, Call of Duty, VALORANT, and trending gaming news.
