EA FC 25 Gameplay Refresh Update Offers a Complete Overhaul to In-Game Mechanics

With EA FC 25 in the thick of its life cycle and gearing up for Team of the Year promo in the near future, EA Sports has decided to give the game a complete overhaul as it pertains to its in-game mechanics. Branded as a “Gameplay Refresh,” this latest patch promises to be “the most significant mid-season gameplay overhaul” the game has ever made based on player feedback.

The full patch notes are quite extensive and cover a ton of ground, but we’ll do our best to summarize the changes being implemented in EA FC 25 in the coming days.

EA FC 25’s Gameplay Refresh Patch

The EA FC 25 Gameplay Refresh will apparently include the following changes:

• Major updates to core gameplay systems like passing, shooting, goalkeeping, and defending.
• More offensively fluid gameplay enabling you to move the ball easier.
• Reduced tacklebacks and AI interceptions.
• Addressed issues like defenders catching up to dribblers too often.
• Updated Rush Club Search in Football Ultimate Team.

One big change that’s being made is the catch-up mechanics for defenders. Previously, FC 25 players had reported issues with defenders catching up to attackers way too easily, even when clear in-behind. Using a video demonstration, EA has highlighted how this upcoming patch will reduce a defender’s chances of catching up with a ball carrier when they are through on goal. This will mostly effect slower defenders who lack in pace and acceleration.

Another big change being made is to attacking positioning and supporting runs. “We’ve seen your feedback about the balance between how effective attacking and defending feels in EA SPORTS FC 25, so we’ve decided to make some changes to the attacking side of the game to make it more effective and fun,” the patch notes read.

These changes include:

• Improved AI teammate attacking run quality when trying to beat the offside line.
  • AI teammates can now better hold their runs when near the line and get back onside more quickly.
• Increased intelligence of attacking and supporting runs made by AI teammates.
• Improved effectiveness of Inside and Advance Forwards.
  • They can move farther up the pitch.
  • They can better evaluate when to run into space or occupy a position.
• Offensive players can now operate in attacking spaces near other attackers instead of stopping their runs.
• Players are now able to provide quicker support when they are familiar with their Role.

Other than these changes, other gameplay overhauls include reducing “tacklebacks” from attacking player after a defending player has won the ball (hopefully reducing the amount bundles you see around the attacking third), improved goalkeeping AI on near-post shots, quicker passing, more effective shooting, better defensive positioning, and improved matchmaking in Rush.