EA Sports has revealed a brand-new walkout animation coming in EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team. The short teaser, shown via EA’s official YouTube, showcases a fresh approach to pack openings, with flashy new presentation elements and even a twist on the double walkout feature. Below is an overview of what the animation looks like so far, how it differs from previous years’ walkouts, and what the community is saying about it.
A First Look at the New Walkout Animation
The FC 26 Ultimate Team pack animation departs significantly from last year’s style. There is no long tunnel or runway sequence like in FC 25. Instead, the reveal happens through a series of quick jump-cuts that flash the player’s key info in succession. The camera rapidly flicks through the player’s position, then their national flag, followed by their league, and finally their club crest – giving fans a split-second to guess the player with each clue. After these dramatic snapshots, the player’s card bursts onto the screen, and its overall rating starts counting up until it lands on the final number. This creates a moment of suspense as you watch the rating climb to reveal just how high-rated the walkout is.
Notably, FC 26 also highlights double walkouts in a new way. Once the first player’s card is shown and their rating locks in, the animation doesn’t end. After a brief pause on the first card, a second card slides in to the spotlight – the camera then reveals the second player, who runs into frame alongside the first. Both star players share the stage in one continuous sequence if your pack contains two walkouts. It’s a flashy celebration of those rare double hits, building on the concept introduced in recent titles.
How It Differs from FIFA 23 and FC 24
EA has tweaked pack opening cinematics almost every year, and FC 26 is no exception. The new walkout animation comes with several changes compared to previous years:
- No Tunnel Entrance: Unlike the classic walkouts of FIFA 23 (and the tunnel re-introduced in FC 25), FC 26 removes the lengthy tunnel walkout entirely. Earlier games had players emerge from a tunnel or stage with lights and smoke. This year’s version skips the march out and jumps straight into the info-driven sequence.
- Dynamic Info Panels: Instead of nationality, club, and league appearing on a stadium screen, they are presented as rapid full-screen cuts. The style feels more like a fast-paced broadcast highlight reel than a live stadium presentation.
- Rating Countdown Reveal: FC 26 adds a new twist by animating the player’s overall rating upward to the final number. In earlier titles the rating was simply visible on the card immediately. This change injects extra suspense as you watch the number tick up.
- Double Walkout Presentation: FIFA 23 didn’t feature true double walkouts, and later editions experimented with them. In FC 26, the second player actually runs into the scene to join the first, giving a more action-oriented reveal than before.
- Stadium Effects: Older titles leaned heavily into fireworks, confetti, and extravagant stadium setups. FC 26 tones that down in favor of sleek overlays and lighting effects. The focus is on the card and player details, not on a massive stage show.
Presentation, Lighting, and Player Introduction Changes
The lighting and camera work in FC 26 are noticeably different. Quick cuts replace long pans, so the focus is on dramatic snippets rather than wide stadium shots. In previous years, players would emerge from a tunnel or stage, clapping or posing as the spotlight hit them. In FC 26, the player’s avatar appears alongside the card more abruptly, and in double walkouts the second player sprints into the frame. It’s faster and more energetic, though less theatrical.
Stadium effects are present but more simplified. Club colors, lights, and confetti appear, but the backdrop is darker and more controlled. Some fans think it looks modern and clean, while others miss the fireworks and spectacle that made older walkouts feel like a grand show.
Community Reactions and Feedback
Reaction to the new walkout animation has been mixed.
On the positive side, many players and streamers praised the suspenseful style. The rating countdown and double walkout reveal were especially well received. Some described it as the most exciting walkout yet, enjoying the unpredictability and fast pace.
On the critical side, others called the animation cheap or rushed. Comparisons to older walkouts, particularly FIFA 19 and FIFA 23, led some to argue that the new version lacks the hype and polish that made pack openings iconic. For these players, the missing tunnel and toned-down effects make the sequence feel underwhelming.
There are also neutral voices who were unsure at first but warmed up after watching the animation a few times. Some say it feels fresh, while others think it will take time to get used to. A fair portion of the community is reserving judgment until they see how special card animations look once the game launches.
Closing Thoughts
EA Sports FC 26’s new Ultimate Team walkout animation is a bold shift. With fast-cut visuals, a rating reveal countdown, and an updated double walkout, it delivers a different type of suspense compared to the fireworks and tunnels of past years. The community is divided, with excitement from those who love the fresh presentation and frustration from those who miss the spectacle of older walkouts. What is certain is that, as always, the walkout animation remains one of the most discussed features of any new release – and fans will be eager to see their first one when FC 26 drops.
