UFL, the free-to-play football game launched at the end of 2024, is undergoing a significant transformation today, September 12, driven by valuable player feedback. Released exclusively on consoles, UFL has cultivated a dedicated community despite strong competition from titles like eFootball and EA Sports FC.
This past year has been a journey for UFL, filled with lessons that are now being incorporated into an extensive update, which Strikerz Inc. CEO Eugene Nashilov described as a “brand new game” during a recent media call. Let’s dive into the thrilling changes UFL players can expect.
How UFL Is Transforming Its Core Meta
Throughout its first year, Strikerz adjusted the core gameplay multiple times to enhance player experience. Not only did these changes refine the gameplay, but they also overhauled the progression system, which previously featured a Skin system—altering player card aesthetics and stats based solely on Credit Points (CP) or League Points (LP).
This system proved overly complex for an audience familiar with EA FC’s promo card format and led to a tedious grind.
In response, Strikerz Inc. is simplifying team-building with a new, three-tiered Player Card system: Basic, Enhanced, and Legend.
Basic Cards form the foundation of your team. While they can have high ratings and be acquired from various sources, they lack additional features like Skills or the new Link-Up mechanic. Moving up the ladder, Enhanced Cards come with three different Mastery levels and are tied to packs, making them harder to obtain but definitely worth the chase due to their compatibility with the Link-Up system and bonus skills.
At the top are the coveted Legends cards, themed around football icons, available only through special Team Pass packs and in-game rewards. Players can expect a new Legend to be introduced monthly, starting with an Italian icon whose identity is still under wraps.
These cards can be effectively slotted into UFL’s new Link-Up system, which resembles FIFA’s Chemistry system. Linking players who share the same Play Style, Nationality, or League boosts team chemistry, directly enhancing performance on the pitch. This strategic layer adds depth to your starting XI.
In addition, Strikerz will update player ratings based on their real-life performances, making team-building even more dynamic. The game will also feature special events that introduce fresh items, enticing fans to revisit regularly.
One upcoming event will revolve around Halloween, providing an exciting contrast to EA’s absence of FUT Ultimate Scream. Additionally, UFL is collaborating with Adidas to include retro kits, which could be the ultimate vanity item for football fans.
Gameplay Enhancements You Can’t Miss
UFL faced initial gameplay challenges, but the developers acted swiftly to address inconsistencies. Yet, some complaints lingered regarding overpowered mechanics and inconsistent passing. Strikerz is committed to correcting these issues comprehensively with the Season 24/25 update.
This update aims to revitalize the game’s locomotion and animation systems, promising a more fluid experience that impacts every aspect of gameplay—from dribbling and tackling to passing.
During an informative session, Eugene Nashilov shared a relatable anecdote about how even elite players like Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham occasionally misplace simple passes in-game, which many found frustrating. The new passing system intends to enhance pass responsiveness and accuracy, granting players greater control than ever.
UFL will also see a visual refresh, thanks to updated lighting and turf models, with more graphic improvements on the horizon.
New Faces to Kick Off the Season
The changes we’ve discussed reflect UFL’s dedication to refreshing player experience. From squad-building to the interface, the developers have implemented transformative adjustments, making the game feel revitalized. To further this transformation, Strikerz is introducing two football superstars on the cover.
After the update, you’ll notice Raphinha from Barcelona and Federico Valverde from Real Madrid gracing UFL’s start-up screen. Both players are highly rated on the EA FC 26 list and beautifully symbolize UFL’s global presence, representing a diverse player base from countries like the United States, Brazil, France, and Saudi Arabia.
Excitingly, a PC port for UFL is expected to launch in November or December 2025, with a concrete release date likely coming soon. So, PC players won’t have to wait much longer to join the action!
If you’re eager to experience all these changes firsthand, don’t miss out on UFL starting September 12.
What features does UFL offer that make it stand out from other football games?
UFL focuses on community-driven updates, a streamlined card system, and incorporates real-life player ratings, offering a unique experience compared to its competitors.
Is UFL available on PC, and when can I expect it?
UFL is set to release on PC in November or December 2025, so keep an eye out for announcements.
What new mechanics are being introduced in UFL?
The game will feature a new Link-Up system that enhances team chemistry, alongside revamped player cards categorized into Basic, Enhanced, and Legends.
How frequently will new Legends be added to UFL?
A new Legend card will be introduced each month, starting with an undisclosed Italian football icon.
What kind of special events can players expect in UFL?
Players can look forward to themed events like a Halloween celebration and collaborations with brands like Adidas for unique in-game items.
Excited for the changes in UFL? Keep following for more updates and explore related content on Moyens I/O.