FUT Weekly Podcast

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even Mühlhaus, your hosts Josh and Ben convened, to cover what has been — an exciting start to Winter Wildcards.! Get these episodes in your podcast app: ⁠bit.ly/podfeedhelp⁠Discord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: ⁠bit.ly/poddiscordhelp⁠Improve your connection: ⁠bit.ly/connectionspecial⁠ Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Festive Kickoff and Content Overview 03:07 Pound for Pound Powerhouse Nominations 05:44 Player Analysis: Icons and Heroes 08:57 Value Players and Market Trends 11:41 EVOs and Player Versatility 14:58 SBCs & Other Content 24:55 Evaluating Ronaldinho's SBC 30:00 Strong Combo Evos 44:11 Menu Grind Strategies for FIFA 01:01:44 Upcoming Changes: AI Defending Update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coach Venny joins your regular hosts JoshXLS and Ben. This week they talk about the best playstyles for Strikers, Josh's manual experiment and how to break down an opponent who only controls their midfielders. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction 03:08 Are Body Types More Important Than We Give Them Credit For? 12:36 Shooting Mechanics and Game Changer Play Style 16:59 Building the Ultimate Striker With Playstyles 26:29 Josh's Manual Experiment 29:11 The Pros and Cons of Manual Controls 34:20 Debating Manual Play in Pro Settings 43:30 The Future of Manual Play in FIFA 47:11 What Do Pro's Do That You Should Copy 53:11 Breaking Down AI Defenses 01:00:09 The Impact of Goalkeeper Movement Nerf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben talk about the most anticipated SBC in FC 26, POTM Pina. They also cover your feedback on how you are prioritising which modes you play. Oh and Joga Bonito is happening. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 03:00 Pound-for-Pound Player Discussion 06:07 Content Review: Campaigns and Promotions 08:53 Jogo Benito Promo Insights 11:58 Player of the Month: Claudia Pina Discussion 33:33 Engagement Levels Post Black Friday 36:36 Market Trends and Player Value 44:09 Community Feedback on Game Modes 51:44 Champs vs. Rivals 59:38 The Future of Game Modes in FC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben are joined by NealGuides to talk about the demolition of keeper movement in the Holiday Patch. We also cover how best to player switch and how to attack more effectively. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction 03:07 The Impact of Goalkeeper Movement Nerf 06:02 Shifts in Goalkeeper Selection and Play Styles 09:02 Precision Shooting: Is It Back? 12:04 Is The Patch Better For AI Defenders? 17:59 Final Thoughts on Patch Changes 34:16 AI Defending and Gameplay Mechanics 50:16 Patching Strategies and Community Feedback 57:36 Gameplay Tips: Triggering Runs and Player Switching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Josh are joined by Nate to run down the FC Pro Opens runners and riders and which cards you should be picking up. With Black Friday looming, they also cover how to prepare for what is the first massive promo of FC 26. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Pound for Pound Powerhouse 04:49 FC Pro Players and Upgrade Paths 09:22 Investing in Team of the Week Players 13:32 FC Pro Groups A and B Rundown 25:02 When To Invest In FC Pro Cards 28:55 Group C Overview and Player Potential 33:32 Group D Analysis and Dark Horse Candidates 39:23 Thunderstruck Promo and Future Expectations 46:02 Is The Game Always "Dead" Before Black Friday 47:57 Evolutions Are Incredible At The Moment 55:22 How EA Have Botched Season Pass 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben chat about Josh's favourite new formation, how they're dividing their time and Ben leaning into the meta! 3421 Tactics - R5s34VB@n@?S Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 01:57 What Are You Prioritising Playing? 05:08 Silver League Issues 14:13 How Ben Is Dividing His Time On The Game 18:26 The 3421 That Has Sparked Fun For Josh 27:43 Why DM's Are Out of Favour 31:09 Ben's 4411 38:06 Is Simeone the Best Free Card So Far? 39:43 Is Intercept The Most Important Defensive Playstyle 47:08 The Most AI Assisted Role In FC 26 49:12 How We Are Creating Chances Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben are joined by previous EA employee ChuBoi to talk about content, community sentiment and whether the 99 scream stats are fake! Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction 01:21 Pound for Pound Powerhouses: Player Nominations 09:08 How Evolutions Work On Live Cards 14:38 Are 99 Stats On Scream Cards Fake? 20:25 The Role of Play Styles in Gameplay 23:34 Community Sentiment and Player Perception 25:26 Showdowns and UCL MOTM Cards 28:05 POTM Mbuemo 31:07 Dynamic Images and Their Importance 34:37 The Cycle of Community Sentiment 51:10 Should EA Even Listen to the Community? 57:18 League SBCs and Evolution Changes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben are joined by TaZz from The Guide to discuss the debate around keeper movement as well as how to defend now Jockey is boosted as well as top tips for playing around the box. Get your own boost and turn your FC skill into a 99 with the best tutorials available: The FC 26 Season Pass from THE GUIDE+ now on a great discount with our full moon promo! Click Here for the exclusive offer! https://bit.ly/FW-TG-Gameplay Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction 01:05 EA's Quick Reversion of Gameplay Changes 05:55 Community Feedback and EA's Approach 10:03 The Complexity of Polling and Game Design 19:05 Goalkeeper Movement: Pros and Cons 41:08 Balancing Casual and Competitive Play 42:15 Defensive Strategies and Jockeying Techniques 52:23 Mastering Attacking Fundamentals 01:05:46 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben are joined by Brammers to discuss Ultimate Scream and all the SBC's it has brought. Which SBC's should you be completing? Who is this weeks PfP? And what does Josh make of the League SBC's? Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Where Is The EA Interview? 02:58 Pound for Pound Powerhouse 11:17 Thoughts on Ultimate Scream Design and Content 19:37 The Big Topic - SBC's 28:37 The Role of Party Bag Packs in the Current Game 40:37 What Did We Get From the Hero and Icon SBCs? 43:15 The Value of Heroes and Icons 46:04 Exploring Scarily Good EVOs 52:42 The Evolution of Player Stats 57:51 Josh Discusses League SBC's Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discord favourite and top NA player H00Bear joins Josh and Ben to discuss his favourite tactic and to debate the pro's and con's of Precision shooting in FC 26. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction 09:56 H00's 41212 Narrow: VxufGDPffhSX 15:47 What are the best roles for a midfield 4? 25:41 Formation and Role Analysis 29:01 Short, balanced or counter build up? 37:08 Ben's 4231 Wide: SZq8pC%ome%U 43:05 Game Updates and Community Feedback 51:05 Shooting Techniques: Precision vs Assisted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If a POTM SBC is released and nobody completes it, did it really get released? Nepenthez joins Josh and Ben to discuss this and everything else content in this weeks podcast. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Content 03:11 Pound for Pound Powerhouse: Player Nominations 06:02 Current Content and Player Evaluations 09:16 Discussion on Player of the Month SBCs 12:10 Community Reactions and Expectations 15:08 The Impact of Pricing on Player Accessibility 18:10 Exploring the Future of SBCs and Player Evolution 20:53 Closing Thoughts and Future Predictions 30:47 Market Dynamics and Player Performance 34:02 Champs Impact on Market Trends 39:41 Rewards and Player Value 41:53 Tournament Engagement and Gameplay 53:57 EVOs: A New Approach to Player Development Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben are joined by TaZz from The Guide to try and break down how you defend in FC 26? But also, how to attack set defences. Get access to 10+ structured courses with over 100 hundreds lessons across the FC 26 season with the THE GUIDE+ Season Pass. Early Bird offer for a hefty discount is ending on 3rd October. Check it out here: https://improve.theguide.gg/ Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Evolving Gameplay Experiences 04:28 Defensive Challenges and Strategies 08:28 Understanding Set Defenses 17:58 Attacking Set Defenses: Techniques and Tips 33:38 Mastering Calmness in Gameplay 42:12 The Art of Precision Shooting 42:13 Navigating Goalkeeper Movement 48:06 The Debate on Advanced Defending 58:56 Optimizing Player Switching Techniques Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben are joined by Nate The FUT Accountant to talk about the first week of FC 26. From SBC's, to the market, to controversial store packs, all the goings on of week one are covered! Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction to EA FC 26 and Early Game Experience 14:10 Pound for Pound Powerhouse 22:10 The Big Topic: Market Dynamics and Store Packs 25:12 Navigating Game Changes and Community Reactions 26:47 Market Dynamics and Player Value 31:51 Understanding the Current Market Trends 35:22 Exploring SBCs and Player Upgrades 35:33 Diving into EVOs and Their Impact 44:19 Evolving Player Cards: The Future of EVOs 47:18 Strategizing with EVOs: Choosing the Right Players 49:53 Tournament Requirements: The Importance of EVOs 50:57 Market Trends: The Rise of Silver Prices 53:41 Bounties and Rewards: Enhancing Gameplay Experience 54:10 Pre-Order Icons: Who We Got and Are They Good? 58:27 The Impact of Icons in Teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JAPES IS BACK! And he's been busy as Product Manager for Ultimate Team at EA! He joins Ben and Josh to chat all things content in Ultimate Team for FC 26. From power curve to promos, we get the inside info on all things new for next year. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Reunion and Excitement for FC26 Launch 02:59 Japes' Role at EA and Community Engagement 05:57 New Features: Gauntlets and Tournaments 09:02 World Tour and Squad Building Flexibility 11:55 Power Curve Changes and Community Feedback 14:10 Chemistry Styles and Their Impact 17:01 Evolutions: Intentional Player Development 20:14 Silver Superstars and World Tour 23:13 Cornerstones Campaign and Early Game Strategy 26:21 Champs and Rivals: New Competitive Dynamics 34:00 Rivals Reimagined: New Features and Changes 37:46 Champs: Understanding the New Structure 40:50 Draft Rewards: A Fresh Approach 43:46 Addressing Draw Quits: A Community Concern 46:57 Tournaments and Gauntlets: Enhancing Competitive Play 52:49 Looking Ahead: Heroes and Future Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben are joined by Nate The FUT Accountant and Brammers for the first FC 26 tips podcast! With focus on the Web App and the first few hours on the game, it's a must listen! Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for FC 26 03:03 Rating Reveals and Database Leaks 05:56 Web App Release and Two-Factor Authentication 08:51 Pre-Season Packs and Objectives in FC 25 11:54 Starter Squad Changes 15:57 Early Coin Making Tips 23:41 What Should You Be Looking For? 30:33 FC Points: Timing and Strategy 37:43 SBCs: Worth the Investment? 42:14 Preparing for Game Modes and Objectives 47:14 The Importance of Communication with Players 51:22 Navigating the Power Curve in FC 26 57:15 Final Thoughts and Future Content Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben are joined by Nepenthez to do a final look back on FC 25. We talk about our favourite SBC's, our highlights and lowlights, and what we hope changes in FC 26. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction to FC25 Review 01:03 Reflecting on the FC25 Cycle 04:31 Gameplay Mechanics and Power Curve 12:11 Rush Mode: Pros and Cons 18:28 Gameplay Innovations and Tactical Depth 27:32 The Evolution of Gameplay Mechanics 36:00 Engagement Strategies and Player Retention 42:41 Reflections on the Game Cycle and Promos 51:43 Top Highlights and Future Expectations 54:56 Evaluating Campaigns and Promotions 57:41 Top SBCs of the Cycle 01:01:39 Personal Favorites in Evolutions 01:06:55 Reflecting on Low Points of the Cycle 01:13:01 Looking Ahead to FC 26 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NealGuides joins Josh and Ben this week to discuss all things gameplay in FC 26. With Ben and Neal having played an early Beta, they review what's different and what you can do in FC 25 to help you prepare! Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 01:44 Gameplay Speed and Responsiveness Changes for FC 26 03:52 Is Tackling Actually Fixed? 09:01 Dribbling Changes and How It Effects Player Viability 12:10 PlayStyles vs Stats in FC 26 14:57 Shooting Mechanics and Precision Shooting 27:11 Are The Stamina Changes Good? 34:01 AI Movement and Defense 38:39 New Roles and Tactical Adjustments 40:50 Settings for FC 26 Preparation 52:36 Skill Moves and Gameplay Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FC 26 and FC 25 are both on the agenda this week as your hosts Ben and Josh take a look at the FC 26 pre order Icons and the new Season Pass. Get double the episodes, and keep FUT Weekly going (for just £3 a month) by becoming a Patreon over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/morepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This includes an exclusive supporter podcast this week! 00:00 Introduction 02:56 FC 26 Icons Overview 05:48 Pre-order Icons and Power Curve Discussion 08:59 New Icons Breakdown 11:59 Women's Icons and Their Ratings 14:57 Icon Ratings and Playstyles 18:03 Goalkeepers and Defensive Icons 20:59 Midfield and Forward Icons 23:50 Community Feedback and Pre-order Incentives 26:55 Conclusion and Transition to FC 25 Rewards 33:34 Exploring FC 25 and FC 26 Rewards 36:29 Season Pass Insights and Player Ratings 42:02 Evaluating the Season Pass Value 51:01 Dynamic Player Cards and Transfer Updates 58:36 Final Thoughts on FC 25 and Looking Ahead to FC 26 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former pod regular, turned EA Lead Product Manager on Live Content, FUT Economist (aka Jamey) and Richard Walz (FUT Game Design Director) join your host Ben to discuss FC 26 features and content strategy. They cover the following topics: Get double the episodes, and keep FUT Weekly going (for just £3 a month) by becoming a Patreon over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/morepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This includes an exclusive supporter podcast this week! 00:00 Intros 04:05 New Gauntlet Mode 07:52 Tournaments Revamped 11:32 Rivals Rework: Bounties System 16:43 Champions vs. Challengers Split 19:28 Evolutions Changes 24:12 Power Curve Strategy 33:25 Draw Quit Updates 38:38 Dev Transparency Promise 46:25 Rewards Economy Shift 56:11 Closing Comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Ben bring you the second half of the FC 26 Gameplay Pitch Notes, packed full of information about the new game, it covers the following topics: 01:41 Gameplay Responsiveness and Improvements 07:22 Fatigue Redesign 16:01 Input Processing and Gameplay Indicators 17:48 Competitive vs. Authentic Gameplay 23:05 Key Changes in Competitive Gameplay 27:21 Accessibility Features in Gameplay 29:00 Feedback-Inspired Features and Accessibility 30:44 Rebalancing Play Styles 42:59 FCIQ Changes and New Player Roles 50:31 Role Adjustments 52:58 Tactical Changes 56:42 Set Piece Additions 59:25 Skill Moves Changes 01:05:13 Player Name Bar Customisation 01:08:36 Other Changes 01:14:31 Final Thoughts on Gameplay Changes Get double the episodes, and keep FUT Weekly going (for just £3 a month) by becoming a Patreon over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/morepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This includes an exclusive supporter podcast this week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices