EA Sports FC 26 Editions: Standard vs Ultimate Explained

EA SPORTS FC 26 is the third entry in EA Sports’ new football franchise, which replaced the legendary FIFA series after decades of dominance. Just like its predecessors, the game lets you play realistic football matches across various modes.

The title hasn’t launched yet — it’s set to release in just a few days, on September 26, 2025. And if you’re considering buying it, there’s one thing you should definitely know: like many other big releases, EA Sports FC 26 will be available in more than one version. So what’s the deal with FC 26 Standard vs Ultimate? And are there any tasty pre order bonuses? Let’s dive in!

EA Sports FC 26 — What Kind Of Game Is It?

If you’ve ever played FIFA or any of the earlier EA Sports FC entries, you already know the vibe. FC 26 is a sports simulation dedicated to the world’s most popular game — football.

Just like the earlier titles, EA Sports FC 26 pushes hard for realism: it features over 20,000 licensed players from 750 clubs and national teams, 120 real-world stadiums, and more than 35 authentic leagues.

You can play solo or online, taking on other players in different modes like Ultimate Team, Tournaments, Kick Off, Rush, Online Seasons, etc. — or, of course, the iconic Career Mode. As with every new installment, the devs are also adding some fresh updates: improved dribbling mechanics, smarter AI, and Live Events.

EA Sports FC 26 Editions

The game is launching simultaneously on PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, plus both the Switch and Switch 2. It’ll come in two versions — the Standard and the Ultimate Edition — with different content. Pre-orders have already been open for a while, and both editions come with some juicy extras if you grab them early.

EA Sports FC 26 Standard Edition Features

As you’d expect, the Standard is the no-frills option. It comes with the full base game of EA Sports FC 26, and that’s about it if you buy it after release.

But if you pre-order before September 26, you’ll also get:

• Football Ultimate Team™ 92 OVR ICON Player Item (untradeable) for EA Sports FC 25 (sold separately) (not available for physical pre-orders),
• Bonus Career items: 3x ICONs for Player and Manager Careers, 5-Star Coach, 5-Star Youth Scout, Manager Live Challenge content,
• Bonus Clubs items: 1 Archetype Unlock Consumable, 2 Double Archetype XP Consumables.

Price tag for the Standard is: $69.99.

EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition

If you go for the beefed-up version, the Ultimate Edition, you’ll obviously get the full game plus:

• Bonus Career items: 3x ICONs for Player and Manager Careers, 5-Star Coach, 5-Star Youth Scout, Manager Live Challenge content,
• Bonus Clubs items: 1 Archetype Unlock Consumable, 2 Double Archetype XP Consumables,
• 6,000 FC Points over two months,
• An additional Football Ultimate Team™ Player Evolution Slot available right away in EA Sports FC 26.

And if you pre-order, the rewards get even sweeter:

• Up to 7 days of early access
• Untradeable ICON Player Item from day one (upgraded later once they’re recognized as a Champion)
• Season 1 Premium Pass
• Two EA Sports FC 25 rewards: FUT™ 1 of 5 Player Pick 93 OVR ICON Player Item (untradeable) for EA Sports FC 25 (sold separately) & FUT™ Player Evolution for EA Sports FC 25 (sold separately)

Price tag for the Ultimate? $99.99.

FC 26 Standard vs Ultimate — Which One Should You Choose?

That really depends on what kind of player you are. If you only care about the game itself and don’t bother with digital extras or cosmetic goodies, the cheaper Standard will do just fine. But if you love stacking up on extra content, bonuses, and perks — and the higher price doesn’t scare you — then the Ultimate Edition is definitely the way to go!

One thing worth noting: pre order bonuses. No matter which edition you grab, buying before release will get you some neat extras at no extra cost. And if you pre-order the Ultimate, you even get early access — meaning you can hit the pitch days before everyone else.

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