Every year, EA promises significant changes to Career Mode, claiming that this will be the year the mode gets the overhaul it deserves. However, these changes have often been minimal, leaving fans underwhelmed. But this time, things are different. FC 25 brings sweeping changes that almost completely overhaul Career Mode, potentially returning it to its rightful place among the game's flagship modes.
We had the opportunity to visit EA Romania in Bucharest, the home of Career Mode, and spend several hours previewing the mode hands-on. While we couldn't explore everything FC 25 offers, the improvements we did see are leagues ahead of what we've experienced in recent years. It might finally be time for Career Mode fans to get excited again.
FC IQ: Making Tactical Mastery Accessible to All
One of the most significant new features in FC 25 is FC IQ, which revolutionizes how tactics work in Career Mode. Players now have specific roles that dictate how they perform on the pitch, with each player's familiarity with a role affecting their effectiveness. This change is immediately noticeable. For example, my starting striker was most comfortable as a False 9, but the rest of my team was built for wing play, leaving me without a reliable finisher in the box. By switching my striker to an Advanced Forward and adjusting my winger's role to an Inside Forward, my attacks became far more effective.
Every tweak you make to your tactics has a real, tangible impact on gameplay. This is a game-changer for the series, allowing even casual players to engage with tactics in a meaningful way.
Simulation: Making Every Match Unique
Perhaps even more impressive than FC IQ is the introduction of new Simulation settings, which deliver some of the most realistic gameplay ever seen in the series. Errors are more common, with sloppy passes and missed opportunities becoming a regular part of the game. Strategies that were once overpowered, like controlled dribbles or cutting inside, are no longer foolproof. Weather conditions now have a tangible impact on gameplay. For instance, strong winds can send long balls off course, while rain slows down players and makes dribbling more challenging.
This means you can't rely on the same strategy for every match. During one game, I struggled in the rain, having to abandon my usual tactic of using pacey wingers and instead work the ball around patiently, waiting for a through ball opportunity. This adaptability extends to your opponents as well. For example, in one of my first matches, I faced a low block defense that shut down my attack. In previous versions, you could exploit a controlled dribble to break through, but that's no longer an option. Instead, I had to switch tactics, focus on possession, and find that killer pass to break through.
Each match feels unique in FC 25. Gone are the days of finding one tactic that works and sticking to it. Now, you have to think about each game, adapt to different teams, and alter your approach based on the situation.
Youth Development: A Fresh Approach
Youth development has received a significant overhaul in FC 25, and it's quickly become one of my favorite parts of Career Mode. The tedious training drills are gone, replaced by the new Rush mode, which is the primary method for developing young talent. This mode allows you to participate in youth tournaments, playing five-a-side matches in a knockout format. These tournaments provide a change of pace from the first-team matches and allow you to get to know your youth players before they make it to the main squad.
Your performance in these tournaments directly affects your players' development. Winning the tournament results in significant growth, especially for your best-performing players. Scouting has also been enhanced, with more countries available for scouting missions. While star players will still primarily come from Europe or South America, there's now a chance to discover hidden gems in unexpected places like the Solomon Islands or Fiji. This adds an element of fun and fantasy to building your team.
Women's Leagues: A Long-Awaited Addition
One of the most anticipated features in FC 25 is the inclusion of women's leagues in Career Mode. The top divisions in the USA, England, France, Germany, and Spain are all represented, and I spent my preview managing TSG Hoffenheim in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The development team worked closely with former professionals to ensure the mode is as representative as possible.
Finances in the women's game are more realistic compared to the men's game, with star players commanding fees in the hundreds of thousands rather than millions. This decision reflects the current state of women's football and highlights the challenges it still faces. Additionally, you can seamlessly switch between coaching men's and women's teams throughout your career, reflecting the growing trend of women breaking into managerial roles in the men's game.
Final Thoughts
There are still many aspects of FC 25 Career Mode that we haven't covered, such as the Live start points that let you take over mid-season, Snapshots that allow you to relive key moments in your career, and the introduction of Icons in Player Career. However, from what we've seen, FC 25 might finally deliver the Career Mode experience that fans have been waiting for. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this year's changes make Career Mode more exciting and immersive than ever before. To get ahead of others in FC 25 Career Mode, you need to make full use of FC 25 coins to give your team the upper hand.
MMOexp FC 25 Team