FUT Draft has become one of the most overlooked and outdated modes in FC 25. Once seen as a fun, fast-paced way to try out new players and team combinations, it now sits in the shadow of better, more rewarding modes. The recent “Shapeshifters Draft Play” objective reminded everyone how broken the rewards are and how little incentive there is to even enter FUT Draft anymore.
The rewards system is the core issue. FUT Draft rewards haven’t been updated since FIFA 16, meaning players still receive packs that are worth far less than the 15,000 coins or 300 FC Points it takes to enter. Even if you lose your first match, the return is often two 7.5k packs, which offers no real value or encouragement to continue playing.
New objectives did not revive interest
EA dropped a new FUT Draft objective with Shapeshifters, but it failed to revive any player interest. The top reward was just a single 87+ rated player pack, along with 500 XP and some minor packs. This isn’t enough to drive players into a mode that already feels completely disconnected from the rest of Ultimate Team.
The stats reflect this problem. Many players have logged zero FUT Draft matches in FC 25 despite having draft tokens sitting in their clubs. There’s no comparison between FUT Draft and other modes like FUT Champs or Rivals, which provide far better rewards for your time and effort.
SBC content continues to disappoint
On top of the FUT Draft frustration, the latest SBCs also feel out of touch. The Daniel Muñoz SBC was a recent example. While the card includes 5-star skills, 4-star weak foot and useful PlayStyles like Low Driven+, the requirement of an 89 and 90-rated squad plus two TOTW or TOTS cards made it far too expensive.
The 83+ 1 of 3 player pick was recently replaced by an 82+ 1 of 4. While that change lowers the requirement slightly, it also adds more low-rated players into the mix, decreasing the overall pack quality. Some players did manage to get decent pulls, but many others found the downgrade frustrating.
These small tweaks aren’t enough. Players want content that rewards their grind. SBCs that require top-tier squads need to offer equally top-tier cards, and right now, that’s not happening.
FUT Draft may be removed completely in FC 26
Several FC 26 leaks suggest EA is shifting its focus to weekly live events and competitive tournaments. These events will offer rotating formats and better packs, aiming to keep players more consistently engaged. If true, this could mark the end of FUT Draft.
This change would not come as a surprise. FUT Draft has seen no structural or reward updates in nearly a decade. Compared to the consistent additions to Rivals, FUT Champs, and even offline Squad Battles, FUT Draft stands out as the most outdated feature in Ultimate Team.
With live events set to take a bigger role in FC 26, FUT Draft could be quietly removed or simply left inactive, effectively ending its run.
Evolutions and trading still offer value
While FUT Draft falls behind, Evolutions and trading remain bright spots. A new center-mid Evolution is expected to arrive soon and could be free to complete. The Evolution reportedly includes three PlayStyle+ upgrades and ten base PlayStyles, but it limits players to only two alternate positions. This makes it similar to the earlier striker Evolution, which also applied to a very narrow group of cards.
Some cards have already spiked in price due to the upcoming Evolution. For example, Hamampshire rose from 135,000 coins to nearly max price at 250,000. If you hold midfielders that might fit into this new Evolution, now could be a good time to sell into the hype before prices crash.
Meanwhile, active traders continue to profit by flipping Shapeshifters cards. Players like Lukaku, Daka and Saka are seeing large fluctuations in price, allowing for quick flips with consistent returns. The current market setup is perfect for trading and is one of the few ways players are keeping themselves engaged with Ultimate Team.
For tracking market trends, checking card prices, and planning your SBCs, FUTBIN remains one of the best tools available.
Exchange SBCs are enjoyable but lack payoff
Exchange SBCs have brought some short-term fun into the game, especially the 87+ Encore Icon Picks. These packs give players a chance at legends like Ronaldinho or Cruyff, and some users have shared their huge wins online. That’s sparked a wave of motivation to keep grinding exchanges, especially with low-rated fodder still being affordable.
But even this system has its limits. Long grinding sessions can trigger SBC bans and the time investment doesn’t always feel justified when the pack luck isn’t there. Without clear goals or must-complete SBCs, players are asking the question: “What are we even crafting for?”
That lack of purpose is creating a general feeling of burnout across the player base. While there are fun cards to use like Shape Shifters Lukaku or a well-evolved Ashin, they are not enough to make up for the lack of direction in the current cycle.
FAQ: FUT Draft in FC 25
Why is FUT Draft considered dead in FC 25?
The rewards have not changed since FIFA 16 and offer very poor value.
Could FUT Draft be removed in FC 26?
Leaks suggest EA is shifting toward new tournament formats and live events.
Are FUT Draft rewards worth the 15,000 coin entry?
No. Most rewards return less value than the cost to enter.
Should I still play FUT Draft?
Only if you want some casual fun or feel nostalgic. It is not good for grinding.
