EA SPORTS has officially responded to key feedback from the FC 26 Closed Beta, with low driven shots being the main focus. These shots were reported as too overpowered, with goalkeepers failing to respond properly. A fix is now being prepared and is scheduled to be live before Early Access begins on September 19.
This update is part of EA SPORTS’ monthly FC Feedback initiative that aims to keep players in the loop on improvements based on community input.
Low driven shots in FC 26 are getting a major update
One of the most discussed issues during the Closed Beta period was how effective low driven shots were, especially compared to goalkeeper reactions. Many players felt that goalkeepers didn’t react fast enough, resulting in easy goals from unrealistic angles or power levels.
EA confirmed this issue and is working on goalkeeper responsiveness for low driven attempts. A new set of animations and logic updates will make goalkeepers much more alert in these situations.
A before and after comparison was shared showing a major difference in how goalkeepers react. The pre-patch version shows a delayed dive, while the new behavior reacts almost instantly. While this is a work-in-progress, it already looks far more realistic.
AI defender speed wasn’t the problem, ball trapping was
Another hot topic during the Beta was AI defender speed. Many players said AI defenders felt too fast and were catching up to attackers too easily, even when the attackers had a head start.
According to EA SPORTS, the real issue was not the defender speed itself, but ball trapping animations that slowed down attackers unnecessarily. These slowdowns created the illusion that defenders were overpowered.
The dev team is working on addressing these animations so that attackers can accelerate quicker after receiving a pass. This should make 1v1 situations feel fairer.
Here’s the official breakdown of the changes, including examples of how these animations impact gameplay:
👉 EA SPORTS FC 26 Closed Beta Feedback Update
Attacking AI positioning is being fixed
Attacking AI not making correct runs or constantly being offside has been flagged as a major frustration point. EA confirmed these issues and announced that changes are coming for Early Access.
AI players will now be better at detecting open space and will time their runs more effectively, regardless of their role. This should lead to a smoother attacking flow, especially in Career Mode and Clubs.
Clubs archetypes progression is being improved
The new Archetype system in Clubs received mixed feedback. While players liked the concept, many felt that the progression speed was too slow. EA acknowledged this and is planning to boost the number of Attribute Points (AP) players receive both at level 1 and at each level thereafter.
This change is also scheduled to arrive in time for Early Access.
Contract renewal fixes coming to Manager Career
In Manager Career, some players found the contract renewal system confusing. Specifically, players were unsure when negotiations could begin and some in-game messages caused mixed signals about player willingness to renew.
EA is updating the UI and backend systems so that players now get weekly updates from the beginning of their save. These will indicate who is open to renewing and under what conditions, improving control over squad management.
Heavy dribble touches getting a weather-specific fix
A more subtle but annoying issue was heavy dribble touches in wet weather conditions. In these cases, the ball often pushed too far ahead, causing attackers to lose possession.
This issue was found specifically in wet weather under Authentic preset gameplay and will be addressed via a Live Tuning Update near the worldwide launch on September 26.
AI delay in passing being addressed in Clubs
Many Clubs players noticed that AI-controlled teammates took too long to pass the ball after a “call for pass” command. Sometimes they’d take an extra touch or pause unnecessarily.
EA is fixing this delay and plans to implement the solution before Early Access.
Goalkeeper controls in Be A Goalkeeper mode are being enhanced
The Be A Goalkeeper mode had several complaints related to slow reaction times and inconsistent dive animations. EA has partnered with their internal Design Council to release multiple updates, including:
- Better cross claiming mechanics
- Improved save assistance
- Expanded animation coverage
All these are on track to be live before Early Access.
FUT tournament time limits removed
FC 26’s Beta featured match-to-match time limits in FUT tournaments. The idea was to encourage players to complete certain tournaments within a limited timeframe. However, this change caused frustration, and EA confirmed these limits will not be in the final launch version.
If similar tournament structures return in the future, players will be informed well in advance.
AI shot selection finally improved
Offline players gave feedback that AI-controlled teams would often hesitate to shoot, even in obvious scoring situations. EA has acknowledged the issue and made changes to ensure AI attackers are more decisive when opportunities arise.
This fix is expected in time for Early Access, improving realism and competitiveness in offline play.
Source of the feedback update
You can read the full EA SPORTS FC 26 Closed Beta Feedback Update directly on EA’s official site here:
Read the official EA post
This update gives players a clearer look at the ongoing work behind the scenes and shows EA’s intent to adjust key gameplay systems based on real player feedback.
FAQ about FC 26 closed beta feedback
Will low driven shots still be effective in FC 26?
Yes, but goalkeepers will now react much better to them.
Are AI defenders actually slower now?
No, but attackers can now accelerate faster after receiving passes.
Is Archetype progression faster in Clubs?
Yes, more Attribute Points will be awarded at level 1 and per level.
Will FUT tournament time limits return?
No, not at launch. EA may explore them in future limited-time events.
