As we dive deeper into the 2026 season of EA FC 25, the introduction of new gameplay mechanics continues to evolve the meta. However, one feature from the game's foundation remains a cornerstone of competitive play: PlayStyles. While the new 'Roles' system has certainly made its mark, understanding which PlayStyles reign supreme is just as crucial as ever for building a dominant Ultimate Team. I've spent countless hours on the virtual pitch, and I can tell you that knowing your PlayStyles is the difference between a good team and a truly great one. So, what are the must-have abilities for your squad in the current year?
7. Aerial
Let's start with a classic. Aerial is the signature PlayStyle of Virgil van Dijk, and in 2026, it remains an absolute game-changer for winning defensive and offensive duels in the air. Remember the December patch that made contested headers harder to control? This PlayStyle is your best defense against that nerf. I've found that it's exceptionally powerful on tall center-backs (CBs) who already have the physical stats to dominate. This PlayStyle essentially guarantees you win the initial header, providing a crucial advantage in set-piece situations and defensive clearances. While other players might struggle with the new heading mechanics, a defender equipped with Aerial feels like a cheat code. The question is, can you afford to have a backline without it?
6. Technical
If you love to dribble, this is non-negotiable. Technical is one of the best PlayStyles in EA FC 25 for any player you want to carry the ball through traffic. What does it do? It allows for close ball control at a speed faster than a jog, eliminating those frustrating, wild touches that happen when you're sprinting. Players like Lionel Messi and Phil Foden are the poster boys for this ability. When you're weaving through defenders with a player who has the Technical PlayStyle, it feels like the ball is glued to their feet. It makes them exceedingly difficult to dispossess and is essential for creating space in the final third. For any winger, attacking midfielder, or even a deep-lying playmaker who likes to carry the ball, this PlayStyle is a top-tier pick.
5. Incisive Pass
Vision on the pitch is one thing, but execution is another. Incisive Pass, which debuted strongly in FC 24, has solidified its place as the hallmark of the elite passer in Ultimate Team. This PlayStyle allows you to split defenders with laser-guided precision, delivering passes with perfect weight and speed right to your teammate's feet. The beauty of it? While a high Passing stat is always beneficial, the Incisive Pass PlayStyle alone can elevate a player's passing game dramatically. It makes those risky through balls and channel passes far more consistent, often bypassing even the best defenders with Anticipate. If your playstyle revolves around quick, decisive attacking moves, having at least one midfielder with Incisive Pass is a must in 2026.
4. Anticipate
Defending in EA FC 25 can feel like a daunting task, especially after the various gameplay updates. That's where Anticipate comes in. While it was a premier PlayStyle in FC 24, its value has arguably increased due to the general difficulty of manual defending. Here's the key: Anticipate doesn't guarantee you'll win the ball after a tackle, but it provides a massive boost to your defensive positioning and movement. For players who aren't defensive gods, this PlayStyle is a lifesaver. It helps you get into the right position to make a challenge and can be the difference between a clean tackle and a costly foul. If you find yourself struggling with defensive timing, equipping your center-backs or defensive midfielders with Anticipate is arguably the single most impactful defensive upgrade you can make.
3. Long Ball Pass
Now we're entering the elite tier. Long Ball Pass is, in my opinion, one of two incredible Passing PlayStyles to make the top three. Its utility has only grown since the December patch shifted the midfield battle. This PlayStyle is for the strategists, the managers who love to switch play instantly or launch a devastating counter-attack from deep. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold are built for it. Yes, there's a learning curve—you need the awareness to spot the run and the skill to execute it. Playing a careful possession game? This might feel risky. But as they say, there's no reward without taking some risk. Once mastered, a player with Long Ball Pass can completely change the geometry of the pitch, turning defense into attack in the blink of an eye.
2. Power Shot
The king of highlight-reel goals. Power Shot had its wings clipped a bit when EA adjusted the accuracy of first-time Power Shots. Let's be honest, though—those types of shots were unrealistically accurate and worked too often. The nerf brought it more in line with real football, where such a difficult technique requires perfect setup. However, make no mistake, Power Shot is still a top-tier offensive weapon in 2026. In one-on-one situations or when your central attacking midfielder finds space on the edge of the box, a triggered Power Shot is often a guaranteed goal. The ball rockets toward the net with such pace that keepers struggle to react. Players like Federico Valverde are phenomenal with it, though their premium cards command a premium price. It's the ultimate "get out of jail free" card when you need a goal.
1. Tiki Taka
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And finally, the indisputable champion for 2026: Tiki Tuka. How? Tiki Taka is the best PlayStyle in EA FC 25. It's a game-changer. It can take players with the worst passing attributes and elevate their accuracy to surprisingly precise levels. This PlayStyle is all about fast, one-touch football. It ensures your passes connect crisply and quickly, allowing for rapid ball movement that can dismantle any defense. Whether you're using it with a legend like Johan Cruyff to orchestrate play centrally or with a winger like Raphinha for quick combinations on the flank, the effect is the same: you retain possession effortlessly. In a meta where keeping the ball is essential, Tiki Taka lets you pick your passes in a split second, reacting to defenders before they can even think. It's the foundation of a dominant, possession-based playstyle and, in my experience, the single most impactful PlayStyle you can have on your team.
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