The hype for EA FC 26 is at an all-time high, and with the official launch just around the corner, EA has dropped a massive “Launch Update” Pitch Notes article detailing everything we can expect on day one.
It’s packed with crucial information about release dates, Football Ultimate Team campaigns, Clubs events, and key gameplay changes.
To make it easier to digest, we’ve read through all the details and created this handy Q&A to get you fully prepared for the new season in EA FC 26.
EA FC 26 Launch Update
Q1. When can I actually play EA FC 26?
If you buy the Ultimate Edition, Early Access opens at midnight local time on September 19 (console) and on September 18 at 13:00 BST (PC). The worldwide launch for the Standard Edition is midnight local on September 26 (console) and September 25 at 13:00 BST (PC).
Q2. What about the web/companion apps — when do those go live?
The web app launches on September 17, and the refreshed Companion App goes live on September 18 — handy for transfers, squad management and tracking progress.
Q3. What are the official platforms I can buy the EA FC 26 from?
You can purchase the EA FC 26 from the following official platforms: EA App, Xbox Store, PlayStation® Store, Steam Store, Epic Games Store, Luna Store, Nintendo Switch Store.
Q4. I’ve heard “Power Curve” changes — what does that mean?
EA slowed the power curve in FC 26: upgrades are more measured so progression is steadier through the season. Expect fewer massive early boosts — base items, ICONs and Heroes remain top-tier, but weekly campaign boosts are generally more lateral to keep balance and long-term value.
Q5. How have Chemistry Styles been changed?
Chemistry Styles now use a 3 / 6 / 9 boost model (instead of 4 / 8 / 12). That narrows stat gaps and encourages varied builds — boosting one stat (like pace) now carries trade-offs, while non-pace styles are stronger at attributes like Composure and Reactions.
Q6. What’s new in FUT Live Content (events and formats)?
Live Events are expanded: Tournaments (classic knockout), Gauntlets (multi-squad tests that demand depth), and Regular Events (the evolved Friendlies). Expect one or two quality Live Events per week, plus preview windows so you can prepare squads in advance.
Q7. What is the “Daily Knockout” I’ve heard about?
A Daily Knockout Tournament runs during Early Access — win it to reach a one-time Early Access finale on the final Early Access day. It’s part of the Early Access celebration.
Q8. How do Gauntlets work?
Gauntlets ask you to field a different squad each round (including bench). The Ultimate Gauntlet launches post-worldwide weekend and will start with three rounds — rewards scale with wins. You’re always able to play through the whole gauntlet (no elimination), but more wins = better rewards.
Q9. Any big changes to Rivals and Champions?
Yes — Champions Playoffs are removed. You now qualify for Champions by earning Champions Qualification Points via Rivals (points can be earned starting from lower divisions), and there’s a new Challengers tier for lower divisions so more players can taste the Champions format. Rivals also gains Bounties, Win Streak benefits, and Limited Checkpoints to smooth progression.
Q10. Will rewards and economy change at launch?
Rewards are tuned to the slower power curve — weekly campaign and item boosts are generally smaller and more measured to support a stable transfer market. High-profile events (TOTS, TOTY) will still deliver big upgrades later in the year.
Q11. What are “Cornerstones”?
Cornerstones are a Season 1 campaign concept that highlights dependable leaders, key signings and young stars. Cornerstone items provide permanent upgrades and offer enhanced +2 Club chemistry links, making them central to long-term squad building.
Q12. What’s the “World Tour: Silver Superstars” idea?
Each Season centers on a historic tournament theme. World Tour Silver Superstars are Silver-tier ICONs/Heroes tied to the season’s theme and obtainable via long-term objectives — they’re fun, thematic items that won’t overpower the core power curve.
Q13. Are advanced SBCs and Evolutions changing?
Advanced SBCs are being rebalanced and released in a timed way aligned with seasonal moments (so they feel relevant over time). Evolutions are still present but tuned to the new progression systems; specifics will roll out in the Launch Update notes.
Q14. What about Drafts, Squad Battles and offline modes?
Draft rewards are rebalanced for more consistency and will be updated regularly. Squad Battles match limit increased (up to 18 matches/week) to give offline players more bite for rewards. Offline and single-player content has been reworked to feel more meaningful.
Q15. Will FUT Champs be different at launch?
Champions tiers expanded from 10 → 15, with rewards for every win and milestone tiers at 12 and 14 wins. This aims to make every win count and give more granular reward steps.
Q16. Is FUT going to be friendlier to newer players? (transfer market, access)
The Launch Update discusses Graduated Access and returning player rewards as part of the wider plan — players who meet requirements (returning on the same platform and in good standing) should get quicker Transfer Market access, while new accounts may need to complete Foundation Objectives first. This is to protect the economy and new-player experience.
Q17. What are the PC requirements to run EA FC 26?
- OS: Windows 10/11 – 64-Bit (Latest Update)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5 6600k
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD RX 570 or Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 100 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX: 12 Compatible video card or equivalent
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 10/11 – 64-Bit (Latest Update)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7 6700
- Memory: 12 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD RX 5600 XT or Nvidia GTX 1660
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 100 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX: 12 Compatible video card or equivalent
Final Whistle
Only a few days separate us from experiencing our favorite game, beloved by many fans around the world. We hope to see the game in a powerful new form, with a wealth of content and updates, and to address the issues of last year.
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