EA FC 25: Everything new in Ultimate Team

Being undoubtedly EA FC's biggest game mode, it's no surprise that a number of highly-requested new features have been announced for FC 25's Ultimate Team.

From the removal of contracts to the evolution of the, uh, Evolutions system - there's plenty here that you won't want to miss!

Rush speeds into FUT

The new 'Rush' game mode isn't just limited to standard play, as you'll be able to bring your favourite players from your very own Ultimate Team into the play into the chaotic 5v5 matches.

Much like its base variant, you'll be playing with three other players instead of controlling the entire team yourself. You'll need to pick a player from your club based on specific pre-set requirements, aiming to create an ideal combination and chemistry with your teammates.

Don't get any ideas either - you thankfully won't be able to stack duplicates with other players, even if it's a different version of the same player. There goes any dream of a team of five Mbappés.

Alongside the game mode itself are unique Rush events that aim to give players new challenges to tackle if they so wish. These set the specific entry requirements, and allow you to speed through your weekly Rush Objectives.

How FC IQ works in Ultimate Team

One of the headlining outlined in our preview of FC 25 is the new 'FC IQ' system, overhauling tactics to increase strategy while simultaneously giving players an increased mind of their own.

Manager tactical presets

Managers now have increased importance beyond chemistry, as there are new Tactical Preset items that you can use to emulate and recreate some of your favourite tactical setups like Tiki Taka, Gegenpressing, and more.

These allow you the expertise of unique tactics without the faff of setting them up yourself, saving you both time and effort when you just want to dive into your next game.

Sharing tactics

If you do fancy yourself to be the next Pep Guardiola and like creating your own custom tactics, then there's never been a better time to share them with the world through the code system.

Tactics can now be quickly shared between players through a unique code, allowing you to teach others your expertise - or steal from the best - with just a few presses.

Player roles

Key to FC IQ as well are the new Player Roles that have replaced Work Rates, giving each card a more authentic tactical feel and movement off of the ball.

Each position has a number of different dedicated Player Roles that define how each player acts within systems and on the pitch.

If a player is native in that position then they will have a base understanding of each Player Role, and at least one Role+ in which they specialise.

Beyond this, the best players in the world will also have a Role++ in one particular Player Role, indicating that they are among the greatest at fulfilling that role. Think Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Attacking Wingback role or Mohamed Salah as an Inside Forward.

Here are all of the different player roles that are available in Ultimate Team:

You'll want to create your team not just in accordance with your chosen tactics but also in relation to these Player Roles. Balance is more important than ever, and having the right Player Role might end up being more important than having a better player on paper.

Removed formations & positions

There have also been a number of changes to existing formations and positions, with the CF and LWB/RWB existing no more, alongside the 4-4-1-1, 4-3-3 (5), and 5-2-2-1.

Alongside this, any formations with the removed positions have also been adjusted, with CAMs replacing instances of multiple CFs, and LB/RB replacing their wing-back counterparts.

This is likely due to the introduction of the aforementioned Player Roles, as the implied use cases of the three removed positions can instead be translated by Roles like the False 9 and Attacking Wingback.

All Evolutions changes

Cosmetic changes

Gone are the days of wincing whenever you had to see your ugly Evolution card on the squad screen, as you'll now be able to customise the look of your cards with a number of different unique cosmetic items.

These range from the colour to even animations and sound effects. You'll also be able to give your players cosmetics that reflect your achievements in-game, perhaps showcasing the number of goals that they've scored (evoking Stat-Trak skins in Counter-Strike) or that one week where you reached Rank I in Weekend League.

You can unlock these cosmetic upgrades through a number of different ways, including UT Coins, FC Points, Objectives, and rewards. I imagine these will be similar to the kits that you can pick up, with the more extravagant options only available within the store for FC Points.

Increasing the Evolution pool

One of the most requested features after Evolutions were introduced in FC 24 was the relaxing of restrictions when it came to the players that you could actually use.

Thankfully EA has listened and you'll now be able to use a much wider pool of players for each Evolution. There are now maximum limits on certain attributes, allowing your card to receive upgrades up to a certain limit, as long as they satisfy the requirements.

For example, if you were using Jude Bellingham and the attribute upgrade limit for Shooting was 80 then you'd only be able to upgrade that by five points, but other players might be able to increase their shooting by more if they had a lower starting point.

Simultaneous Evolution progress

By far my biggest frustration with the Evolutions system though was the fact that you could only progress one player at a time, and you can rejoice as that has also been removed.

It's not clear right now if you'll be able to work your way through a limitless number of Evolutions at once, but the strict limit of one at any given time has indeed been scrapped.

Duplicate storage, finally

One of the longest-running requests that has now spanned more than a couple of years is the introduction of duplicate storage, and our prayers have finally been answered.

You'll now be able to store up to 100 untradeable items in an SBC Storage area, allowing you to access them directly within SBCs for ease of use. This saves you from getting rid of that high-rated player simply because you've already got one in your club, making the process of opening backs a whole lot easier.

Division Rivals changes

New points system

Weekly rewards in Division Rivals are now determined by the points you pick up instead of wins, which is a fantastic addition to the game mode. Previously a draw would be rendered useless in the grand scheme of things, and feel somewhat like a waste of time.

Now, each win will earn you 3 points, you'll get 1 point for a draw, and of course, earn zilch for being on the losing side. This will hopefully make the push for an equaliser or the resilience in a parked bus that much more satisfying, and help make rewards easier to earn at the end of each week.

Relegation is back

One returning feature to Division Rivals too is relegation, which players have been requesting for a while. While it does appear to be limited to Division 1 and 2, relegation should help prevent you from being stuck in a zone above your skill level, and also increase the tension as you get closer to that early spot.

There are also fewer checkpoints in each Division across the board, rewarding win streaks and draws further as you climb up the ladder.

Legacy Divison placement

Players who performed well in FC 24 will also earn a nice boost at the start of FC 25, as you'll start further up the Division Rivals ladder depending on where your highest position in the previous game was.

The official system hasn't been confirmed as yet, but an example could be that placing in Division 5 in FC 24 would land you in Division 8 in FC 25, letting you skip that early grind and get your hands on better rewards out of the gate.

Removal of contracts

Finally, arguably the biggest announcement heading into FC 25 Ultimate Team is the removal of contracts. Contracts have been at the heart of Ultimate Team since the mode's introduction in FIFA 09, but I doubt many players will be sad to see them go.

They aren't being replaced by anything either, and instead, you'll simply be able to use players as many times as possible and discard your frustrations when half your team is suddenly out of contract.