Exciting times are ahead for FC 26 enthusiasts as EA Sports gears up to make significant improvements to AI defending in 2026.
For far too long, AI defending has caused frustration in the gaming community. Many players have found it overly dominant, leading them to avoid manually controlling defenders or making tackles altogether.
Fortunately, the announced changes signal a much-anticipated improvement, and EA Sports has outlined its strategy.
FC 26’s AI defending changes could finally address a long-standing concern
On December 22, EA Sports shared insights into the adjustments expected in Ultimate Team. The AI defenders will face considerable nerfing from the previous setup. In the current gameplay, AI-controlled defenders can move unusually fast, particularly when shifting sideways.
December Feedback Update Welcome to the #FC26 December Feedback Update. Today we’re sharing several changes coming in an early January update, based on your feedback. Let’s kick things off with Game Designer Rory, who will walk through an upcoming change to AI Defending. pic.twitter.com/GBC5axYYrE
This fast-paced maneuvering allows defenders to limit attacking players with minimal input from users. Consequently, it often feels more efficient to rely on AI rather than engage in manual defense.
The upcoming adjustments will significantly slow down the movement speed of AI defenders. This will not only affect their lateral mobility, but also reduce their ability to close down attackers. Once the patch launches, we should see a shift in the meta, as this slower pace will surely transform AI defending.
Essentially, manual defending could bounce back. Although EA has made promises before, it will be interesting to see if these changes deliver the impact they hope for.
What changes are being made to AI defending in FC 26?
EA Sports is set to slow down the movement speed of AI defenders, particularly their lateral movements and the speed at which they can engage attacking players.
Will manual defending return in FC 26?
Yes, with the adjustments in AI defending, players may find themselves needing to use manual controls more frequently, making manual defending a valuable skill once again.
How has AI defending frustrated players in the past?
The overpowering speed and effectiveness of AI defenders led many gamers to avoid manual defending altogether, relying heavily on the AI to handle defensive tasks.
When will these changes take effect?
The anticipated updates are planned for early January, shortly after the December feedback was announced.
Can we trust EA Sports to get this right?
While the gaming community has seen promises before, the real test will be how effectively the changes are implemented and if they deliver the desired impact on gameplay.
With these changes on the horizon, it seems like a new era for FC 26 is about to unfold. It’s time for players to get ready for an engaging and less frustrating experience. What are your thoughts on the upcoming AI defending updates? Share your opinions in the comments below!