As we near the highly anticipated release of FC 25, excitement is building with each new reveal from EA Sports. With the end of FC 24 drawing near, fans are shifting their focus to the fresh updates, especially the introduction of new Icons and Heroes that promise to elevate the gaming experience to unprecedented levels. In this article, we delve into the latest leaks and official confirmations, shedding light on what to expect from these legendary additions in FC 25.
Gianluigi Buffon: The First Official Icon in FC 25
EA Sports recently confirmed Gianluigi Buffon as the first official Icon for FC 25. Buffon’s card has sparked excitement, especially with the introduction of a groundbreaking feature: the Far Reach PlayStyle Plus. This is the first time a goalkeeper card will have a PlayStyle Plus in Ultimate Team, allowing Buffon to cover the net more effectively and extend his reach to save challenging shots. This new PlayStyle Plus could potentially counter the popular Finesse Shot Plus, adding a new strategic layer to the game.
Buffon’s card boasts a 91 overall rating, a fair assessment for someone considered one of the top goalkeepers of all time. For those interested in Buffon’s historical progression in the game, his first FIFA card in 2010 was rated 90, and over the years, he’s had some iconic cards, including a 98-rated card in FIFA 18. This new FC 25 card is expected to be a must-have for many players.
Gareth Bale: A New Icon with Legendary Stats
Another major highlight is the introduction of Gareth Bale as an Icon in FC 25. Bale’s card is rated 88 overall, featuring 95 Pace, 89 Shooting, and 89 Dribbling. Known for his blistering speed and powerful left foot, Bale’s card also includes a four-star skill move and a three-star weak foot. His versatility shines through, as he can play in multiple positions: Right Wing, Right Mid, Left Wing, and Striker.
Fans of Bale will remember some of his previous iconic cards, such as the end-of-an-era cards from FIFA 23 and FIFA 22. Bale’s new Icon status in FC 25 is a testament to his incredible career, and this card is set to be a game-changer in Ultimate Team.
Thuram and Other Notable Icons
Another notable addition is Thuram, with an 88 Pace, 90 Defending, and 90 Physical stats. This card is expected to challenge some of the top center-back icons like Desailly, making it a formidable force early in FC 25. Thuram’s PlayStyle Plus, Slide Tackle, will be particularly intriguing for defensive-minded players.
Aside from Buffon, Bale, and Thuram, other new Icons have been leaked, but they haven’t generated the same level of excitement. However, some sleepers like Schellin, with 91 Pace, 89 Dribbling, and 89 Shooting, could turn out to be hidden gems. Schellin, a legendary player for Lyon, had more goals than games played, which makes her card one to watch.
Heroes in FC 25: New Heroes in FC 25
FC 25 isn’t just about Icons; the Heroes are making a significant impact as well. With 12 to 13 new Heroes being introduced, these cards are poised to be more exciting than ever before. What’s particularly interesting is that Heroes will now have three versions from the start of the game: the Origin version, the Prime version (available later in November), and the Base version.
For example, the Jamie Carragher Hero card has a base version with 70 Pace, while the Origin version offers a slightly better stat profile, making it a more appealing option early on. This is part of a broader trend where some of the free pre-order Hero cards might actually be better than their base counterparts.
The Importance of PlayStyle Plus
A critical aspect of both Icons and Heroes in FC 25 is the PlayStyle Plus feature. While we already know about Buffon’s Far Reach Plus, the PlayStyle Plus for other cards remains speculative. For instance, Gareth Bale might have Rapid Plus, enhancing his already legendary pace. Understanding and leveraging these PlayStyle Plus attributes will be key to mastering FC 25’s gameplay.
Stay Updated for FC 25
As EA continues to release more information, the hype for FC 25 only grows. Whether it’s official ratings, new PlayStyle Plus reveals, or details on the latest Heroes, staying informed will give you the edge as you build your Ultimate Team. Keep an eye on EA’s updates and make sure you’re ready to dominate from day one.
