EA FC players can’t reach an agreement on what type of gameplay suits the franchise best. Offline fans tend to prefer more realistic gameplay, while online fans want faster and more fluid action. EA FC 26 aims to strike a balance between the two contracting philosophies.
One of the biggest criticisms of EA FC 25 stems from the gameplay being too slow. EA tackled that issue from multiple fronts for FC 26. For example, passing is quicker, dribbling is more responsive, players are more agile, stamina has been significantly improved, and attackers can run past defenders easier.
Additionally, EA listened to pleas for improvement in server responsiveness and met directly with players to identify the issues. The test proved that delays of even one frame can result in a noticeably unresponsive experience. FC 26 gives players two different ways to experience the upcoming title.
Competitive and Authentic Gameplay Differences in EA FC 26?
Competitive Gameplay is mandatory in FUT, Clubs, Online Seasons, and Online Friendlies. It is optional in Kick-Off and Career Mode. Meanwhile, Authentic Gameplay is the default setting for Manager and Player Career Mode, and it is optional in Kick Off. Authentic gameplay is not playable in Ultimate Team or Clubs.
Competitive Gameplay Main Differences
- All GK deflections try to get away from danger, reducing rebound goals.
- Reduced tackles/blocks/interceptions bouncing back to your opponent.
- Less AI defending, resulting in looser defensive lines.
- Fewer auto tackles and auto blocks.
- Redesigned Fatigue feature.
- More responsive and smoother transitions in and out of specific animations.
- Increased passing speed and responsiveness.
- Tighter control and more speed while dribbling, and skill moves are faster.
- Increased variability on crosses, to favour player skill over repetitive wide play.
- Increased heading error relative to Authentic.
- Increase variability in Corner Kicks outcomes by default, with fewer attacking players involved.
- Less authentic visuals when avoiding a ball, to resolve these situations more effectively.
- Players get up quickly after being tackled to the ground.
- Players show no reaction animations when hit by a fast incoming ball.
Authentic Gameplay Main Differences
- Authentic Sliders.
- Weather Effects, including Wind, Rain, and Snow.
- Lower speeds for dribbling and skill moves.
- More physics-based GK rebounds, blocks, and bounces.
- More realistic tackle accuracy.
- Greater AI defending enabled, with tighter defensive lines and defenders reacting realistically when a ball is nearby.
- More realistic and tighter positioning in midfield.
- More realistic header passing and shooting accuracy.
- Corner kicks and Crossing tuned to match real-world success rates.
- Players avoiding a ball might occasionally be hit by it instead.
- More realistic animation transitions.
- Human-like reactions and get-up animations.
How to Switch Between Competitive and Authentic Gameplay in EA FC 26
Here is a step-by-step on how to turn on or off Competitive and Authentic Gameplay.
- From the Main Menu, scroll over to Settings using R1 on PlayStation or RB on Xbox.
- Once again, use R1 or RB to scroll over to the Game Type Settings tab.
- Under Gameplay Type, select if you want Competitive or Authentic.
Keep in mind that you aren’t able to change the setting in some game modes.
Which setting do you think you will prefer more? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Forum.
For more on EA FC 26, check out every PlayStyle change, and how to provide direct feedback.
