FC 25 has reached a stage where player engagement is clearly declining. With most players focused on collecting 99-rated cards and grinding for FC 26 rewards, excitement around new content feels low. While the latest SBCs, like the Cole Palmer 97, generated some buzz, missing out on the 99 rating disappointed many.
Other notable SBCs over the past week include Laurent Blanc’s unlimited 85×10, Alex Scott, Leah Williamson, and Maldini, alongside strong 98-rated options like Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kudus, João Félix, and Florian Wirtz. Despite this, the consensus is clear: the player picks and upgrade packs, especially the 95+ player choices, have become the real endgame grind.
Declining Player Interest and Twitch Viewership
FC 25’s performance across content platforms shows the broader player sentiment. Twitch numbers reveal a steep drop compared to FC 24. In August 2025, average daily viewership has fallen to 11,000, almost half of FC 24’s 20,000 during the same period last year.
Key monthly comparisons:
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May 2025: 23K average vs 30K in FC 24
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July 2025: 16K average vs 23K in FC 24
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December 2024: 25K average vs 35K in FC 24
Even during team-of-the-season events, one of FC’s biggest draws, player engagement has slowed. With many players moving on, FC 25’s hype cycle has shortened, making FC 26’s upcoming launch the community’s main focus.
FC 25 SBC Market Trends and Pack Value Strategy
The unlimited 85×10 repeatable SBCs have shifted the in-game economy. Team of the Week cards rose to 30K–34K due to increased demand, while Team of the Season cards hover around 24K after weekend supply spikes. Investing in select TOTW and TOTS cards between 24K–28K still offers potential profit margins of up to 30K lazy sales.
Pack pulls are also shaping trading strategies. With high-value players like Ronaldo (R9) still sitting around 6.9M coins, completing exchange packs has become a priority. The chase for 99-rated cards continues, especially Lionel Messi, while notable unowned cards like 98-rated Son Heung-min remain highly sought after.
Looking Ahead: FC 26 Features and Preseason Plans
Attention has already shifted to FC 26, with several key updates worth noting:
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Road to FC 26 Evolution Pack: Redeemable for 12 days, offering early access to rewards.
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Upcoming Objectives: “Club is Yours 2” objective expected to arrive in preseason week three, likely tied to the full re-release of Footies Team 5.
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Pre-Order Icons: Early-access Ultimate Edition includes new icon stats, revealing slower power curve progression and no starting PlayStyle+ boosts. Cards like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thierry Henry, Toni Kroos, Keane, and Marcelo look competitive for early-game squads.
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Gameplay Responsiveness Update: EA’s deep-dive podcast detailed animation changes to improve input latency without slowing down responsiveness, suggesting a stronger focus on smoother mechanics for FC 26.
With leaks, beta tests, and EA’s ongoing updates, expectations are rising that FC 26 will bring significant improvements across gameplay, economy balance, and content cycles.
With the current cycle winding down, FC 25’s final weeks are all about maximizing SBC value and securing rewards before preseason ends. Player focus has shifted toward preparing for FC 26, where fresh content, improved gameplay systems, and a more balanced economy are expected. EA’s slower power curve and updated icon designs hint at a more competitive early-game experience. As the countdown to FC 26 continues, the community is already planning strategies to get ahead from day one.
