Evolutions in EA FC 26: The best early upgrades and who to pick

Three live EVOs can shape your first weeks in Ultimate Team; here’s how they work and the smartest cards to target now.

By Shivam Malani 3 min read
Evolutions in EA FC 26: The best early upgrades and who to pick

Evolutions return in EA FC 26 with a slower power curve, emphasizing value from base cards early. Launch EVOs offer modest, targeted stat increases, strict eligibility caps, and quick in-game tasks. Used smartly, they enable chained upgrades across the season.

How Evolutions Work (Launch)

  • You select an eligible base card (eligibility is set per EVO with caps like Overall, Pace, or excluded rarities).
  • You complete simple in-game tasks to unlock one or more stat increases.
  • Some EVOs are repeatable and a few can be used more than once across your squad.
  • EVOs at launch focus on targeted attributes; some raise Overall by +1 while others keep Overall unchanged and raise a single category.

Note: Exact eligibility text for a given EVO can vary by listing. Always rely on the in-game EVO panel as the source of truth before you commit a player.

Note: Always check the in-game EVO panel for exact eligibility before committing.

Intro to Evolutions (Starter EVO)

What it Does Broad beginner boosts: +1 Overall, +1 Pace, +1 Shooting after 1 match with EVO player.
Eligibility Max Overall: 81; no special items; some sources exclude goalkeepers.
Task Requirement Play 1 match with the EVO player.

Smart Early Picks

Player Why it Works
Paul Pogba Strong Passing/Dribbling; extra Pace/Shooting = better box-to-box play.
Christopher Nkunku Hybrid attacker benefits from even small boosts to Pace and finishing.
Estevão High base Pace = noticeable gain from finishing boosts on the wing.
Randal Kolo Muani Striker pace matters early; finishing bump adds consistency.
Nicolas Jackson Similar benefit: more speed, more reliable finishing.
Marcus Rashford, Rayan Cherki, Lucas Bergvall Flexible attackers/mids; benefit from tiny shot and pace nudges.

Intro to Rewards (Long-Run Utility)

What it Does Technical upgrades for playmakers and finesse shooters.
Objective Link Venturing Out (unlocking the Transfer Market).
Requirements 3 Rush matches to access; 2 more matches for EVO levels.
Eligibility Overall ≤ 82; Pace ≤ 84; no special items.
Availability Runs through most of the FC 26 cycle.

Stat Upgrades

Attribute Increase
Overall+1
Dribbling+4
Long Passing+4
Long Shots+4
Reactions+4
Short Passing+3
Free Kicks+4
Shot Power+3
Vision+3
Volleys+3

Best Fits

Player Why it Fits
Rayan CherkiDribbling, Vision, finishing gains amplify his CAM/RW strengths.
Angel Di MaríaPassing and long-shot boosts keep him relevant as creator.
Paul PogbaPassing/Reaction upgrades improve midfield control.
JoelintonBecomes steadier as a ball-progressor.
Benjamin ŠeškoBoosts to finishing moves make him sharper in front of goal.
Dean HuijsenReactions/Passing help CB build-up play.
Timber, Havertz, Rogers, EdersonEach gains from improved control and distribution.

Tip: This EVO favors playmakers and hybrid attackers more than sprinters. Pick players with strong animations where small boosts have big in-game impact.

Rising Guard (Free Defensive EVO)

What it Does Free defensive upgrade (usable twice); +1 Defending (cap 82).
Eligibility Overall ≤ 82; no Silver Stars; goalkeepers excluded.
Tasks Play 3 matches (≥ Semi-Pro) and win 2 with your EVO player.
Availability Expires October 10.

Best Defensive/Hybrid Picks

Player Why it Works
Rúben Loftus-CheekDefensive boost improves coverage as tall CM.
Warren Zaïre-EmeryBecomes stronger early ball-winner with boost to 82 cap.
Matteo GuendouziImproved interceptions/positioning help at CDM/CM.
Paul PogbaPart of a defensive upgrade chain for midfield stability.
Dean Huijsen, Manuel Akanji, Pau CubarsíCBs benefit from edging closer to meta defending numbers.
OtávioRare CAM/CM with defensive value; extra point makes him balanced.
Others viableKalulu, Lacroix, Herrera, Andrey Santos, Mendy, Kerkez, Guéhi, Timber.

How to Think About EVO Chains

Guideline Explanation
Aim for ThresholdsSmall boosts help hit critical cutoffs (e.g., Dribbling mid‑80s, Def Awareness into the 80s).
Use Starter EVOs FirstEarly boosts from Intro to Evolutions and Rising Guard set up long-term upgrades.
Prioritize CreatorsIntro to Rewards serves technically skilled attackers/mids more than sprinters.
Plan AheadVersatile players repeat across EVO lists; be mindful of rating caps so cards don’t age out too quickly.
EA Sports FC 26

Shivam Malani