EA SPORTS FC 25 is getting another update soon, and this one feels like EA is trying to clean up some of the mess left by the game’s rocky launch. After FC 25 underperformed and EA’s stock took a nosedive, the company seems to be in damage control mode, rolling out updates that address long-standing player frustrations. Title Update #9 isn’t a major overhaul, but it does introduce some useful tweaks, especially for Football Ultimate Team (FUT) players.
What’s New in Title Update #9?
More Active Evolution Slots
One of the most requested changes is finally happening: players will soon be able to have two active Evolutions at a time instead of just one. Evolutions, introduced in FC 24, allow players to upgrade certain cards through in-game objectives, but the restriction of one at a time has been a common complaint. This change should make squad building a bit more flexible.
Starter Pack Updates
New FUT players will receive slightly updated Starter Packs that better reflect the current state of the game. While this doesn’t mean newcomers will get a massive head start, it should make the early grind feel a little less frustrating.
New OVR Search Filter in FUT
Searching for specific player ratings in FUT just got easier. A new Overall Rating (OVR) filter is being added, allowing players to sort by OVR ranges when searching their Club, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), Rush, and Evolutions. It’s a small change, but one that will save time, especially when building squads or completing SBCs.
Improved Match Outcomes in FUT
One of the biggest frustrations in FUT has been how match results are handled when an opponent quits. Players who were tied when their opponent quit didn’t receive a win, which felt unfair. With this update, EA is introducing a new system that can grant wins under specific conditions:
- If an opponent quits via the Pause Menu after 45 or more in-game minutes.
- If the quitting player concedes a penalty or receives a red card.
However, there’s a catch. Players can only receive up to five of these ‘win rewards’ per day (resetting at midnight GMT). This limit is likely to prevent abuse, but it also means that in certain cases, a player might still be left without a deserved win.
EA says this is just a first step, and they’ll be monitoring the system before making further adjustments. The ultimate goal is to address all instances of quitting, including disconnects, but they want to see how this change plays out first.
No Major Gameplay Changes This Time
After the Gameplay Refresh Update, which significantly changed online play, EA is opting not to make further balance adjustments in this patch. However, they are addressing a stability issue during throw-ins and tweaking Simulation Mode slider presets to better align with recent gameplay tuning.
Why EA is Suddenly Listening
It’s no coincidence that EA is rolling out updates that directly address player feedback after its stock dropped by 18% due to FC 25’s underperformance. The game’s sales haven’t met expectations, and Ultimate Team revenue is showing signs of slowing down. With EA’s financial projections taking a hit, they seem to be shifting their approach, at least for now.
Title Update #9 isn’t a game-changer, but it’s a step in the right direction. However, there’s still plenty of work to be done, especially for offline players, who once again seem to be left behind in favor of FUT updates.
EA’s full earnings report on February 4 could give us a clearer picture of what’s next for FC 25. Until then, at least players can enjoy a few quality-of-life improvements in Ultimate Team.
