The Major Overhaul of Live Events in FC 26
Live Events in FC 26 are undergoing a significant overhaul, mirroring changes seen in Rivals and Champions. These events are specifically designed to replace and build upon the concept of Friendlies, introducing new formats, match types, and streamlined ways to earn rewards within FUT. They are set to become a new cornerstone of FUT's competitive structure, integrating features such as tournaments, gauntlets, and advanced progression systems.
Players will access Live Events through a brand-new Event Hub, which serves as a central point for a diverse range of competitive match formats. This new system aims to offer greater variety and structure compared to traditional Friendlies.
Key Features and Modes in FC 26 Live Events
Live Events offer a rich set of features and introduce exciting new modes to challenge players:
Entry Criteria: To enter an event, players will need to meet specific criteria, which can include completing certain objectives, reaching a required Rivals Division, or meeting detailed squad restrictions such as Nation, League, Club, Rarity, or Chemistry.
Custom Rules and Match Types: Each event will feature custom rules and match types, including various "house rules" like:
First to X Goals
Mystery Ball
Max Chemistry
Long Range
No Rules
Swaps
Survival
Matchmaking Options: Players will have flexible matchmaking options, including Solo only, Co-op only, and open matchmaking.
Streamlined Progression and Rewards: A key improvement is the streamlined progression and reward system. This means players will spend less time navigating menus and more time on the pitch. Objectives tied to each event are clearly highlighted, and rewards can be claimed directly within the Event Hub.
New Modes Introduced:
Tournaments: This is a fan-favorite knockout format making a significant return in FC 26. Winners progress through the stages, while losers are eliminated. Matchmaking is specifically designed to pit players against others in the same stage. These tournaments will not be weekly but will instead arrive at strategic points during the season and offer unique, event-specific rewards.
Gauntlets: A brand-new Live Event mode, Gauntlets focus on testing your club depth. Each Gauntlet comprises a set number of matches, with a unique rule: players must use a different squad for every single match. While a loss won't eliminate you, the more victories you achieve, the better your final rewards will be. This mode is designed to encourage players to utilize their entire club and rotate their squads intelligently.
Integrated FC Pro Access and Progression Enhancements
Live Events also bring direct access to FC Pro for players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Within FUT, players will now be able to:
Register directly for FC Pro competitions.
Compete in regional leaderboards based on peak ELO.
Qualify for higher-level events like the FC Pro Open (specifically for PS5 players).
Furthermore, Live Events are replacing many of the old objective-based friendlies. They provide clearer entry requirements, offer trackable progress, and facilitate faster access to rewards, all through a single, cohesive interface. This significant shift ensures a more organized and rewarding experience for players engaging in competitive play.
