EA listened to community feedback and removed some PlayStyles while introducing others. Additionally, the development team rebalanced the system to better coexist with player attributes.
PlayStyle and PlayStyle+ work the same in EA FC 26, as they did when they were first introduced in FC 24. PlayStyles gives players unique capabilities, while PlayStyle + elevates those signature abilities to a world-class level. For example, a player with Finesse Shot + Performs finesse shots significantly faster with maximum curve and exceptional accuracy. But if they only had a regular Finesse PlayStyle, they would only perform finesse shots faster with additional curve and improved accuracy.
In Ultimate Team, cards can have multiple PlayStyles and PlayStyle+ and get more through Evolutions and future upgrades. FC 25 featured 34 total PlayStyles, but that number changed for FC 26.
All PlayStyle changes in EA FC 26
PlayStyles became an issue in EA FC 26 because it became more valuable in Ultimate Team to use cards with meta PlayStyles over those with high overall attributes.
“We heard the feedback loud and clear: the gap between top-tier attributes and PlayStyle effects was too wide,” EA admitted. “In many cases, high-rated players without PlayStyles were underperforming on core mechanics.”
In response, EA rebalanced attributes to make players with higher base attributes execute gameplay mechanics, even if they don’t have the corresponding PlayStyle. For example, center backs will be able to outmuscle attackers if they have a high physicality stat, but don’t have the Bruiser PlayStyle.
As part of the balancing effort, EA also removed Power Header, Aerial, Trivela, and Flair. Players no longer need to worry about getting scored on from outside the box as much because unless a card has the new Gamechanger PlayStyle, they won’t be able to use a Trivela shot.
Meanwhile, Power Header, Aerial, and Flair have all been re-designed with new PlayStyles. Let’s jump right into what new PlayStyles fans can expect.
Every New PlayStyle in EA FC 26
Here are all of the new PlayStyles in EA FC 26. After the addition of five and removal of four, the total PlayStyle count in EA FC 26 is 35.
In addition to these new additions, Relentless has been reworked and will now also contribute to increasing the speed of short-term stamina regeneration.
| PlayStyle Name | PlayStyle Effect | PlayStyle + Effect |
| Aerial Fortress | Performs higher jumps and has physical defensive presence before and during aerial duels | Performs even higher jumps and has greatly improved physical defensive presence before and during aerial duels. |
| Precision Header | Performs headers with increased accuracy and power. | Performs headers with greatly increased accuracy and power. |
| Inventive | Fancy and Trivela passes are performed with improved accuracy. | Fancy and Trivela passes are performed with greatly improved accuracy. |
| Game Changer | Fancy and Trivela shots are performed with improved accuracy. | Fancy and Trivela shots are performed with greatly improved accuracy. |
| Enforcer | Performs dribble Shoulder Challenges and Shielding with increased effectiveness. | Performs dribble Shoulder Challenges and Shielding with increased effectiveness. |
Do any of these new PlayStyles have the potential to become meta? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Forum.
For more on EA FC 26, check out if Timed Finishing is still available, and all of the new skill moves.
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