The Fantasy FC campaign has officially kicked off in FC 26, and its first themed Evolution brings some seriously appealing upgrades for strikers. For 50,000 coins, Fantasy FC Path delivers a powerful combination of 99 Shot Power, a second PlayStyle+ in Low Driven Shot, and several other stat boosts that could transform the right card into a lethal finisher.
What Makes Fantasy FC Path Special
Fantasy FC Path stands out from the usual Evolution offerings thanks to its generous offensive upgrades. The headline feature is undoubtedly the 99 Shot Power attribute, which turns any eligible striker into a cannon capable of beating goalkeepers from distance. Combine that with Low Driven Shot as a second PlayStyle+, and you have a recipe for clinical finishing in virtually every scenario — whether you prefer smashing shots into the roof of the net or threading them low past diving keepers.
Beyond the marquee upgrades, this Evolution also grants Acceleration and Sprint Speed boosts of +1 each, pushing both to 92, along with additional PlayStyles including First Touch, Finesse Shot, and Power Shot. The role upgrades are equally impressive, with Advanced Forward++, Poacher++, False 9++, and Target Forward++ all unlocked, giving you serious tactical flexibility in how you deploy your upgraded striker.
Top Five Players to Evolve
Choosing the right base card is critical with Fantasy FC Path, especially since a +2 overall rating increase narrows future Evolution chains. After careful consideration of stats, value, and long-term potential, here are the five strikers that benefit most from this Evolution.
Ayoze Pérez (World Tour) emerges as the top choice. His existing stat profile synergizes perfectly with the offensive boosts, and the World Tour card type provides an excellent foundation for the upgraded attributes. The combination of his base stats with 99 Shot Power and Low Driven Shot+ creates an elite-tier finisher at a fraction of the cost of comparable cards on the market.
Matheus Cunha (Joga Bonito) is another outstanding option. His Brazilian flair and technical abilities receive a significant amplification through the Evolution upgrades, making him a versatile threat who can create and convert chances with equal proficiency. The Joga Bonito version already excels in tight spaces, and the added PlayStyles only enhance that quality.
Nick Woltemade (Thunderstruck) offers a different profile entirely. His physical presence combined with the Evolution's shot power upgrade makes him an aerial and ground threat that defenders simply cannot ignore. The Target Forward++ role particularly suits his playstyle, allowing him to hold up play while teammates push forward.
Vicky López (Team of the Week) and Rasmus Højlund (TOTW, 87) round out the top five. López offers great value as an underrated TOTW pick, while Højlund's 87-rated card is a solid investment given that his boosted version should quickly become eligible for further Evolution chains.
The 86-Rated Trap: What to Avoid
One of the most important strategic considerations with Fantasy FC Path is player selection based on overall rating. Using an 86-rated card here is a significant risk. The +2 OVR bump pushes them to 88, which sounds fine on paper — but the problem lies in future Evolution chains. EA regularly releases Evolutions with a maximum 86 OVR requirement, and by boosting a card past that threshold, you effectively lock it out of multiple future upgrade paths.
Players rated 87 are a much safer bet. They reach 89 after the Evolution, and with EA expected to introduce chains for higher-rated cards soon, the waiting period should be relatively brief. The key is patience — ideally, you should wait until the final days before the March 3 deadline to decide, giving you maximum information about upcoming Evolution chains that might pair perfectly with Fantasy FC Path.
Requirements and Full Upgrade Breakdown
Fantasy FC Path targets strikers exclusively and has the following technical specifications:
Eligibility: Strikers only (RM/LM restricted)
Not Rarity: World Tour Silver Stars
Cost: 50,000 coins
Deadline: March 3, 2026
Attribute Upgrades:
Acceleration: +1 (92)
Sprint Speed: +1 (92)
Shot Power: 99
PlayStyles+: Low Driven Shot (2nd PS+)
PlayStyles: Low Driven Shot, First Touch, Finesse Shot, Power Shot (8 total)
Roles: Advanced Forward++, Poacher++, False 9++, Target Forward++
Is Fantasy FC Path Worth 50,000 Coins?
The value proposition here is nuanced. For the right card — particularly our top picks like Pérez, Cunha, or Woltemade — the Evolution delivers tremendous bang for your buck. A second PlayStyle+ alone is a premium upgrade that would cost far more if you were buying an equivalent card off the transfer market. Add 99 Shot Power and the versatile role upgrades, and you have a genuinely elite offensive package.
However, there is an important caveat. EA has consistently restricted players with two PlayStyle+ attributes from participating in certain Evolutions, which limits future chain potential. If you are building a long-term Evolution strategy, this trade-off deserves careful thought. For players who want immediate impact and are less concerned about chaining, Fantasy FC Path is an easy recommendation.
Conclusion
Fantasy FC Path Evolution is a strong opening act for the Fantasy FC campaign, offering strikers a potent combination of raw power and technical finesse. The key to maximizing its value lies in smart card selection — prioritize 87-rated options like Højlund, or proven performers like Pérez and Cunha, while steering clear of the 86-rated trap. Most importantly, exercise patience and wait until the final days before committing, as new Evolution chains could dramatically shift the calculus.
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