EA Sports FC 26 is on the way, and for those interested in Career Mode rather than online gameplay, there are thankfully a slew of changes to shake up the experience of running a team. While there are still plenty of Career Mode features players would like to see in the future, these additions look to add to the narrative of each season, while the offline gameplay should be more realistic.
At the very least, these confirmed changes for FC 26’s Career Mode are a step in the right direction, and players have new ways to play via Manager Live challenges.
The Manager Market
Managers Can Be Sacked, Poached, Or Resign & Then Be Replaced
One of the biggest changes to Career Mode in FC 26 is the addition of a manager market. Previously, AI managers would stay with their respective teams for the entirety of a playthrough, but now they can be sacked, poached, or resign after many years with the club. This should make for a more dynamic and immersive experience, with teams playing with new tactics or being taken to new heights under the leadership of innovative managers.
Caretaker managers are a part of this feature, and if they do well enough, they could land the job permanently. This will also change the way in which the player moves clubs, as the old system was fairly unrealistic, with multiple teams having openings for long periods of time. The manager market will also add to the narrative, with sackings and signings featuring in the news, and commentators discussing managers in trouble.
Manager Live Challenges
Achieve Specific Goals With Point Reductions, Transfer Embargoes, & Other Handicaps
Manager Live is a new hub for all things Career Mode. On top of normal playthroughs and live start points, the latter of which will have more available leagues, players will also have specific challenge careers and the ability to set parameters and handicaps.
For example, a challenge may ask the player to gain promotion within two seasons, despite suffering a points deduction and a transfer embargo. New challenges will be added throughout FC 26’s lifecycle, but some examples include road to glory challenges, taking over while top at Christmas, or even jumping in for the last few games of a relegation battle. Some of these short-term challenges certainly shake up the experience, and thankfully, it’s always possible to continue after completing the objectives. There are rewards, such as retro kits for these, but the main boon is the feeling of overcoming tough hurdles.
Full Simulation & Stats For Up To 5 Leagues
Also See Stats From The Previous Season
In previous installments of the franchise, other leagues would have their tables simulated, but nothing else, with players only able to look at team stats and top scorers’ stats in their own league. Thankfully, in FC 26, players will be able to choose up to 5 additional leagues to fully simulate. This is known as Deeper Simulation in the settings.
The previous season’s stats will also be available for all selected leagues, which can be great in the summer transfer window when looking for someone who did well in the last campaign. On the theme of searching for talent, it will also be possible to see a player’s match stats from their scout report, streamlining the whole process. Importantly, these match stats will also include average ratings, as assists, goals, and clean sheets don’t tell the full picture.
Authentic Gameplay
Reactive Defenders, More Randomness, & Real Fatigue, Exclusive To Offline Modes
There are two sides to FIFA/FC games: competitive online gameplay and immersive offline experiences. Unfortunately, for many years, multiplayer has always come first, with the gameplay needing to be fair and responsive, rather than realistic. All of that changes in FC 26, however, with a split.
In offline modes such as Career Mode, Authentic Gameplay will be the default. While some of this is slider adjustments, similar to the old Simulation setting, there is, in fact, much more to Authentic Gameplay. For example, AI defenders will be more reactive and thus realistic, there will be more randomness with physics impacting the ball in unpredictable ways, and fatigue will be more realistic. The gameplay should also be less flashy with slower skill animations, but expect more animations for players reacting to bad fouls and the like. If players don’t like these changes, they can always switch the setting to Competitive or customize.
Unexpected Events
Make Tough Decisions & Deal With Unforeseen Circumstances
Unexpected events are an old career mode feature that fans wanted back, and they should shake up each season, adding twists that sometimes will only affect the next match, but occasionally can impact an entire season. These events will not pop up during games, but between them. Some are negative, while others are positive, and in some cases, players will have to make a decision.
Negative examples of unexpected events coming to FC 26 are a player becoming homesick or getting injured while playing for their national team, or the whole team might become more fatigued after a hotel mishap the night before a big game. On the other hand, the club might receive a financial takeover or be given the opportunity to make more money via a documentary, although the latter can come with some downsides.
Lots Of Smaller Additions
ICONs/Heroes, Flexible Tactics, Youth Team Improvements, & More
Alongside the main additions to FC 26’s Career Mode are many smaller additions and quality-of-life improvements.
ICONs/Heroes: These legendary players can now be unlocked and signed in Career Mode. Thankfully, this is optional.
Flexible Tactics: Players can experiment more with tactics, without them becoming Custom, which is good for coaches.
Youth Team: Make substitutions during youth matches, and big clubs can have stadiums for their academies.
Injuries: A greater variety of injuries, triggered in different ways.
Loan Backs: Teams can now immediately loan out new signings.
Scout Potential: Scout reports will now show a player’s potential.
Contract Renewals: Players will now reach out to renew, and managers can dismiss these.
