FC 26 is set to release in just 18 days and players are already looking for ways to get ahead. Starting Ultimate Team strongly can give you a massive edge, especially in FUT Champs and Division Rivals. The good news is that there are multiple things you can do now in FC 25 to prepare yourself for the new game and maximize your chances of success.
FC 26 preparation checklist
Here are the key things you should do before launch:
- ✅ Complete Road to FC 26 Evolution for an 81+ x7 pack
- ✅ Finish the Season Pass for an 84+ x5 pack
- ✅ Do the Pre-Season Crafting Upgrade Objective for an 82+ x5 pack
- ✅ Turn on precision shooting in your controller settings
- ✅ Turn off time finishing to prepare for FC 26
- ✅ Lower controller sensitivity to 4 and disable reaction time
- ✅ Switch to Tele Broadcast (20 height, 0 zoom) camera angle
- ✅ Practice with gold teams to get used to slower gameplay
- ✅ Train manual defending, as AI help will be reduced in FC 26
- ✅ Stop using speed boosts, since they are gone in the new game
- ✅ Check Evo content daily for hidden free packs
- ✅ Unlock the Gritty celebration now if you want it in FC 26
- ✅ Practice low-driven shots with the new double-tap system
- ✅ Do not spam Travella shots without the right PlayStyle
- ✅ Monitor EA news on FC Points transfer before spending
- ✅ Play Squad Battles for rewards and to prepare for early gameplay
- ✅ Sell big gold cards quickly before their prices crash
- ✅ Check consumables like kits and stadiums for early coin boosts
- ✅ Use pre-order FC Points in Drafts instead of promo packs
Following this list will give you a strong head start and help you avoid the mistakes most players make in the first few days of the new season.
Free FC 26 packs you can claim right now
Several free packs are already available if you know where to find them. These will transfer into FC 26 and can give you valuable early-game cards when they are hardest to come by.
Completing the Road to FC 26 Evolution earns you an 81+ x7 pack, which is a great chance to pull strong golds or even walkouts right at launch.
You can also unlock an 84+ x5 pack by completing the current Season Pass. Many players forget about this reward, but it could land you early-game stars like Theo Hernandez.
Finally, do not overlook the Pre-Season Crafting Upgrade Objective. This rewards an 82+ x5 pack, another huge boost for the start of Ultimate Team.
The most important settings to change before FC 26
Your settings can transform your gameplay. By making adjustments now, you can get used to FC 26 mechanics before release.
You should first turn on precision shooting. This setting makes your shot direction match exactly where you aim, giving you greater control.
Next, turn off time finishing. It has been removed in FC 26, so practice without it to avoid mistakes later.
Lower your controller sensitivity to 4, switch off reaction time, and use the Tele Broadcast camera angle with 20 height and 0 zoom. This setup is considered the most balanced and is expected to remain the best view in FC 26.
Prepare your team and playstyle for the slower start
If you have been using 99-rated cards all summer, the slower pace of gold cards in the early weeks of FC 26 will feel shocking. Practicing with regular gold squads now will help you adapt. The Gritty Cup is the perfect mode for this, especially if you are still chasing Ronaldinho.
Defending will also be more manual in FC 26. Center backs need direct control more often, which means relying less on AI assistance. Start getting used to manual defending in FC 25 to be prepared.
Also keep in mind that speed boosting is gone in FC 26. Limit your reliance on it now so you are not caught off guard.
Check Evo content and unlock unique celebrations
Daily Evo content still includes free packs that will carry over into FC 26. Check the section every day so you do not miss hidden rewards.
If you enjoy celebrations, unlock the Gritty celebration now in FC 25. If you skip it, you will not have the option in FC 26.
Key gameplay changes to master before release
Some major gameplay mechanics are changing in FC 26.
The low-driven shot now requires a double tap of the shoot button after powering your strike. It is no longer contextual and instead acts as a global shot modifier.
The Travella shot has been heavily nerfed. It will only be effective if your player has the PlayStyle or PlayStyle+ for Travellas. Spamming them will no longer work.
By practicing these changes early, you will be better prepared than most players on day one.
The FC Points transfer situation
One of the biggest pre-season questions is whether FC Points will transfer from FC 25 to FC 26. Last year EA allowed a one-time transfer from FC 24 to FC 25.
This year, however, EA has not confirmed if transfers will be possible. On the official EA forums there is no information available on whether this feature will return. You can see the thread here.
Until official confirmation, avoid assuming your points will move across.
Practice Squad Battles for early rewards
Squad Battles may not sound exciting, but in the opening weeks of FC 26 they are incredibly useful. Playing against CPU on higher difficulties helps you adapt to the new gameplay while also earning early packs.
These rewards can form the backbone of your starter squad and help you climb Division Rivals before FUT Champs begins.
Be smart with early pack openings and consumables
When you open your first packs in FC 26, check the market carefully. Popular gold cards can sell for 60k to 70k in the first few days but may drop to under 10k within a week. If you do not plan to use them, sell early.
Also check your consumable pile. Kits and stadiums from big clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United or Liverpool can sell for several thousand coins. Do not quicksell these items as they are valuable tradeables at launch.
How to use your pre-order FC Points wisely
Pre-ordering FC 26 includes 6,000 FC Points, although these are spread across a few months.
The best way to use them is by playing Online Drafts. Winning 3 or 4 games earns you high-value tradeable packs, which is far better than spending the points on promo packs.
Smart use of pre-order points can help you build your starter team quickly without wasting resources.
FAQ about preparing for FC 26 Ultimate Team
How do I get free packs for FC 26?
Complete Evolutions, the Season Pass and objectives before the launch.
Is time finishing available in FC 26?
No, it has been completely removed.
Can I transfer FC Points from FC 25 to FC 26?
There is no confirmation yet from EA.
What is the best camera angle for FC 26?
Tele Broadcast with 20 height and 0 zoom.
Are Travella shots still effective?
Only if the player has the PlayStyle or PlayStyle+ for Travellas.
Should I use my pre-order points on promo packs?
No, Drafts give much better value for FC Points.
How do I prepare for FUT Champs?
Train in Division Rivals with gold cards before entering FUT Champs.
When should I sell my high-rated gold cards?
Sell in the first few days before prices crash.
Do you want me to move the checklist to the very end as a recap instead of the start, so readers finish with a clear action list?
