EA FC 25 offers a couple of interesting additions like FC IQ and 5v5 rush, but in the end, it feels more like an incremental update to EA FC 24 than a brand-new experience. The game is still fun for fans of the series, but the persistent bugs, lack of major innovation, and recurring frustrations make it feel like a missed opportunity. If you enjoyed last year’s version, this will likely satisfy you but don’t expect a revolutionary leap forward.
It’s that time of year again—football season is back, and with it comes EA FC 25, the latest entry in the beloved football franchise. While the game brings a few new elements to the table, much of it feels like a continuation of EA FC 24, for better or worse. If you were hoping for a groundbreaking update, this year’s installment may leave you with a sense of déjà vu.
One of the first things you’ll notice in EA FC 25 is that the persistent bugs in the menus haven’t been ironed out. Whether you’re navigating Ultimate Team, Career Mode, or Clubs, the interface remains a frustrating experience. Slow load times, unresponsive options, and occasional crashes are still part of the package, which detracts from what should be a smooth, streamlined experience.
At its core, the gameplay remains largely the same as EA FC 24. The biggest addition this year is FC IQ, a tactical revamp that promises more control over team setups and instructions. FC IQ allows you to switch between multiple tactics on the fly during a match, but its implementation is far from perfect. The system has issues when you make substitutions or change tactics mid-game, creating awkward situations where your tactical adjustments don’t work as intended. It’s a step in the right direction, but not at the final destination yet.
The other major addition is the 5v5 rush mode, a fast-paced and high-scoring game type that injects some excitement into EA FC 25. It’s essentially 4v4 with goalkeepers, and while it’s a minor mode, it creates spectacular moments that are especially fun when playing with friends. The matches are quick, action-packed, and available in larger modes like Ultimate Team, Career, and Clubs, making it a nice addition for players who want a change of pace. However, it doesn’t revolutionize the game; rather, it adds a brief but enjoyable diversion.
Ultimate Team and Career Mode return with few changes, and while features like FC IQ and 5v5 rush add minor wrinkles, many of the frustrations from EA FC 24 and even the older FIFA titles remain. The customization and progression in Ultimate Team, along with the return of female athletes and Evolutions, are welcome, but server issues and connection problems are persistent. Career Mode, while slightly more polished, doesn’t offer enough to feel significantly different from last year. FC IQ offers more agency in tactics, especially in Manager Career. But last year it was added that your team had to have a “tactical preset”. The tactical preset forces you to play one style of football, while FC IQ allows for more freedom in tactics. When both of these features meet, it creates an illusion of choice.
EA FC 25 offers a couple of interesting additions like FC IQ and 5v5 rush, but in the end, it feels more like an incremental update to EA FC 24 than a brand-new experience. The game is still fun for fans of the series, but the persistent bugs, lack of major innovation, and recurring frustrations make it feel like a missed opportunity. If you enjoyed last year’s version, this will likely satisfy you but don’t expect a revolutionary leap forward.