Future Stars has felt cooked for a while now, and even with a few days left in the current cycle, we are already looking ahead to something more interesting. The arrival of the Knockout Royalty promo this Friday looks like it might finally bring some fun back into the game. This is the first time we have seen this specific theme in FC 26, and it is not just a repeat of the live cards for European competitions we usually expect.
Four new Heroes arrive in Knockout Royalty
EA confirmed yesterday that four new Heroes will enter the game this Friday as part of the Knockout Royalty event. The official teaser images show several trophies in the background, including what appears to be the FA Cup trophy, suggesting the promo celebrates players who defined major knockout tournaments throughout history.
We are looking at a celebration of knockout football at its peak. Instead of focusing only on current Champions League form, this promo recognizes leaders and match winners from various cup competitions. If the leaks regarding Mia Hamm are accurate, you can expect an absolutely insane card that will likely dominate the meta for weeks to come.
Showdowns and icon picks return to Ultimate Team
One of the most promising aspects of this new promo is the rumored return of themed Showdown SBCs. We have been needing Showdowns for a long time, as they add a unique layer of involvement to real life football matches happening during the week. Having skin in the game while watching a high stakes knockout match makes the experience much more intense for us as players.
Beyond the individual players, there is talk of Icon picks and more specific content surrounding these legends. Some community leaks suggest we might see SBCs with two different versions of the same player to choose from, similar to the iconic Sergio Ramos End of an Era choice from previous years. This level of choice and specific tournament related content is exactly what has been missing from recent promos.
Managing your fodder and market investments
With Knockout Royalty incoming, you need to be smart about your club management this week. High rated fodder is currently sitting at very enticing prices compared to where it could be by Friday. While we might not see the same massive rise we had during Team of the Year, popular SBCs like the TOTY Crafting Upgrade and various player picks are expiring soon, which should create some movement.
If you are looking for a safe way to make some coins, keep an eye on Team of the Week cards. They are currently dipping below 15k, but with multiple SBCs requiring informs today and through the weekend, that supply will likely dry up fast. We recommend stocking a few 86 and 87 rated informs now before the new loading screen hype sends prices back toward the 17k mark. It is a much safer place to have your coins than gambling on in acts Future Stars cards that might drop significantly once the new Heroes are officially revealed.
FAQ about FC 26 Knockout Royalty
Is Knockout Royalty a live card promo?
No, it focuses on historic and modern players who exelled in knockout tournament stages.
When does Knockout Royalty start in FC 26?
The promo is scheduled to go live this Friday at the usual content refresh time.
Will there be new Icons in the Knockout Royalty promo?
Yes, leaks suggest Dunga and Iniesta are among the Icons featured in this event.
Are Showdown SBCs returning during this event?
Leakers indicate that themed Showdowns will be a central part of the Knockout Royalty content.
