MMOexp-FC 26: Flashback and Showdown SBCs Return With New Rules

[Chunzliu]

EA Sports have finally dropped their EA FC 26 Ultimate Team pitch notes, and they're packed with game-changing updates. From silver icons to Cornerstones promos, a return of Ultimate Scream, and a deliberate slowing of the power curve, this year's FUT cycle is shaping up to be one of the most balanced and exciting yet. Let's break it all down FC 26 Coins.

Early Access Content and Cornerstones Promo

During the first week of early access, players will see:

Team of the Week 1 & 2

Evolutions

World Tour Objectives

Squad Foundations

Flashback & Showdown SBCs

EA confirmed Flashback SBCs are returning right away. Past years have brought us Kevin De Bruyne and David Alaba; this year, someone like Pogba could headline the first wave. Showdown SBCs will be toned down, with only +1 upgrades to avoid runaway stat inflation.

The real centerpiece of launch content is Cornerstones, the first promo of FC 26. Cornerstones highlight players who are leaders, long-term signings, or breakout young stars that clubs have built around. These cards provide permanent upgrades and +2 chemistry links, which will massively help squad building in the early weeks when chemistry can be tricky.

Ultimate Scream Returns

One of the most beloved promos ever is officially back: Ultimate Scream.

While the name might shift, EA confirmed a Halloween-themed event is coming. For veterans, this promo brings back memories of wildly boosted cards and spooky designs that completely shook up the meta. Expect it to arrive around late October, right after Cornerstones runs its course.

Slowing the Power Curve

One of the loudest complaints in FC 25 was how quickly the power curve spiraled out of control. Insane cards dropped far too early, making teams obsolete within weeks. EA is trying to fix that.

This year, the focus is on longevity:

Rare Golds, Icons, and Heroes will remain competitive deeper into the cycle.

Early SBCs and promos will be more restrained.

Showdown winners will only see small stat bumps.

Seasonal content is designed to gradually escalate, not skyrocket overnight.

The goal is for cards you earn in September to still matter months later-something many FUT players have been asking for.

Chemistry Style Overhaul

Chemistry styles are being reworked with a 3-6-9 boost model, replacing the old 4-8-12 system. This narrows stat gaps between styles and keeps balance tighter. In short, no single chem style will completely break a card anymore.

For competitive players, this means more nuanced decisions rather than autopicking Shadow or Hunter every time.

Season 1: England World Tour

Themed seasons are back, and England 1966 headlines the first one. Every season will now celebrate a historic international tournament, building up to a Festival of Football in Season 8.

Season 1's premium pass rewards include:

Fikayo Tomori

Kevin De Bruyne (special version)

James Ward-Prowse

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Josh Sargent (a surprising inclusion)

Rewards and SBCs will revolve around building English squads, and the season will end with a one-nation tournament where you'll compete using your England-themed team. This focus on variety and squad identity is a welcome shift from the cookie-cutter meta teams of previous years.

Silver Superstars: The Return of Silver Content

Arguably the most exciting addition: Silver cards are back in a big way.

Silver Icons (yes, you read that right) will debut, featuring legends like Bobby Charlton, Eusébio, Yashin, and Garrincha.

Seasonal objectives will unlock Silver Superstars.

Live events will feature silver-only tournaments and leagues.

Completing the season pass can earn you themed silver rewards.

This is a massive win for long-time fans who loved Silver Stars and unique silver-only squads. Building competitive silver teams and grinding events for special rewards will bring back that nostalgic, fun side of FUT.More Variety: Tournaments, Gauntlets, and Events

Another major criticism of recent FUT cycles has been a lack of variety in game modes. EA seems to have listened:

Daily Knockout Tournaments return, giving players another route to earn rewards.

The Gauntlet debuts after launch, requiring full 18-player squads and refreshing every two weeks.

Weekly Live Events with custom rules and themes will provide variety beyond Rivals and Champs.

For players who were tired of the endless grind of just Rivals → Champs → SBCs, this injection of variety should make Ultimate Team feel more dynamic.

FUT Champs and Rivals Changes

Competitive FUT is also seeing a shake-up.

FUT Champs:

Playoffs removed.

Still 15 matches per weekend.

Ranks expanded from 10 to 15, with rewards after every single win.

Rank 1 rewards include 85k coins, two promo players, and strong packs (scaled down from last year's overpowered icons).

Rivals:

Bounties (division-specific challenges) added for extra rewards.

Win streaks give bonus points, meaning fewer games needed to climb.

Weekly requirement lowered from 35 to 30 points.

Checkpoints prevent instant relegation drops.

Squad Battles: Weekly matches increased from 14 to 18.

Draft: Rewards rebalanced and now scale with the game cycle.

Together, these changes make competitive play more rewarding and less of a grind, while still keeping progression meaningful.

Evolutions Adjusted

Evolutions were one of FC 25's biggest hits, but they also accelerated the power curve. In FC 26, EA is dialing them back.

Evolutions now focus on upgrading mid-tier and lower-tier items, not creating overpowered monsters.

Repeatable EVOs will allow more variety and squad depth.

Most incremental EVOs won't change card design, but the new EVO card design looks fantastic.

Instead of chasing the next broken EVO every week, players will use them to keep unique cards relevant and build creative squads-especially useful with tournaments and themed events.

Rewards, SBCs, and Market Changes

Some other notable tweaks:

Advanced SBCs like Hybrid Leagues will no longer be available right away; instead, they'll drop gradually throughout the year.

FUT economy is tuned to be less inflated, with coins and packs scaling more slowly.

Players who quit Rush matches repeatedly will now face matchmaking timeouts (starting with 15 minutes).

Returning players from FC 25 will receive loyalty rewards Fut 26 Coins for sale, and EA Play subscribers will get loan bonuses.

These small but meaningful adjustments should help balance the market and reward consistent play.

Final Thoughts

EA FC 26 Ultimate Team feels like a step toward sustainability and variety. By slowing down the power curve, reintroducing silver content, and diversifying game modes with tournaments, gauntlets, and knockout events, EA is giving players more reasons to log in daily without burning out.

The return of Ultimate Scream, the hype of Cornerstones, and the novelty of silver icons add just enough nostalgia and excitement to keep the mode fresh.

Of course, execution will be key-EA has promised restrained power creep before. But if they stick to their guns, FC 26 could bring back that classic FUT feel where every card mattered, silver squads thrived, and promos truly felt special.