Standard vs Ultimate: Which EA FC 26 edition should you buy?

Every year, far before the release, the first big question amongst EA FC players is the same: Which version should I buy? With EA FC 26 (FIFA 26) coming up, we are here to help you out. We'll tell you everything you need to know about the Standard Edition and Ultimate Edition, including their differences and which one we recommend you get.

True to tradition, developer EA Sports offers multiple EA FC editions. Like last year, there will be two EA FC 26 editions available. These are the Ultimate Edition and the Standard Edition. Both versions of the popular soccer game have their advantages, cover art, and price tag. The versions are equivalent in content.

EA FC 26 Standard Edition

The EA FC 26 Standard Edition is the basic version of the new football game. If you pre-order this version, you will receive the game on the day of its release, and you can enjoy all the new features and updated game modes within EA FC. In addition, you will most likely simultaneously receive some bonuses. For example, based on EA FC 25:

• Ultimate Team Player Loan Item

• One Ambassador Loan Item

• Clubs PlayStyles Slots

• 250000 Clubs Coins

• Player Career Personality Points, 3 ICONs in Player Career, a 5-star Coach in Manager Career, and a 5-star Youth Scout in Manager Career.

Fans can purchase the EA FC Standard Edition for various platforms, including the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Windows).

EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition

There is the EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition for gaming fans who want that little extra. This version of the football game is identical in content to the Standard Edition. The difference, however, is in the bonuses you receive with a pre-order or regular purchase. Here are all the expected extras:

• Up to 7 Days of Early Access

• 4600 FC (FIFA) Points

• One Player Evolution Slot

• Early Access Rush Rewards in Football Ultimate Team and Clubs

• Untradeable Ultimate Team Hero Player Item (see pre-order)

• Untradeable Ultimate Team Player Item in EA FC 25 (see pre-order)

• Access to Nike Ultimate Team Campaign & a Nike x EA FC Ultimate Team Kit

• All other bonuses that the Standard Edition gets

Pre-order EA FC 26 for Limited-Time rewards

Players who pre-order the Ultimate Edition before August 20th receive extra limited-time rewards. They receive an untradeable ICON Player Item in EA FC 25 and an Untradeable Hero Player Item in EA FC 26.

EA Play Early Access in EA FC 26

The EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition provides players with a 7-day head start, starting on September 19th. EA Sports has added an early access trial, which includes precisely 10 hours of playtime, starting on Thursday, September 18th. This is only available for console players. PC players will have to wait for the full early access, starting a day later.

Which EA FC 26 edition is the best choice?

It's entirely up to you what the best EA FC 26 edition is. Do you play EA FC daily, and are you a real EA FC fanatic? Then, purchasing the EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition is worth considering. Even if you expect to switch to the current generation of consoles shortly, you should buy the Ultimate Edition.

However, in terms of content, it's not optimal. All features, game modes, and seasonal content are identical in both editions. Do you already have a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or a PC and don't care about the bonuses? Then the standard version will also suffice. Even if you have no plans to switch consoles, you should opt for the cheaper version.

More EA FC 26

EA FC 26 is the newest game from developer EA. The game has not changed fundamentally, but it is still different enough compared to previous iterations. Overall, we recommend checking how to get a head start with the EA FC 26 Web App & Companion App, and which EA FC 26 Edition to choose. When you already purchased the game, we recommend you to check out the best formations in EA FC 26, our EA FC 26 shooting & finishing tips and the best skillmoves of EA FC 26.

Another key factor in having a great start in EA FC is the EA FC 26 Web App & Companion App, which allows you to open packs and assemble your team on the go on iOS, Android, and Windows.