First Impressions of EA Sports FC 25: Rush Mode, Tactical Revamps, and FC IQ
We’ve had the chance to test out EA Sports FC 25 ahead of its release, and our initial impressions are mostly positive. This year’s installment feels like a significant leap from its predecessor, with new features like the 5v5 Rush mode, a smarter AI system called FC IQ, and a complete tactical overhaul.
Rush Mode: Simplified Fun with Intensity
Rush mode is EA’s latest offering, replacing the street football vibe of Volta. With a smaller pitch and 5v5 gameplay, Rush is fast-paced, relying heavily on quick decision-making, clever dribbling, and passing combinations. The matches are intense and thrilling, with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities packed into a shorter time frame.
Rush takes inspiration from the Kings League, a smaller-pitch football format created by ex-Barcelona star Gerard Piqué. Like the Kings League, it has a smaller roster of players, but EA adds its own twist with a blue card for serious fouls. Offending players are temporarily benched, and if the opposing team scores while the player is sidelined, the penalty time decreases—a fun addition that encourages strategic fouls.
Despite its excitement, Rush leaves room for more creativity. Unlike the Kings League, which includes wacky rules like cards that double goals or give immediate penalty shots, Rush sticks to traditional gameplay, which might feel a little underwhelming for those hoping for more unpredictability.
Tactics Revamp: A New Way to Play
The real star of EA FC 25 is its revamped tactical system, which is evident right from the start. As soon as you log in, Zinedine Zidane himself stresses the importance of tactics in football while highlighting his three Champions League wins as a coach.
This year’s game removes some of the micro-managing tactical settings from the previous edition in favor of a simpler, more streamlined approach. Instead of setting detailed instructions for each player, you now assign each player a specific role, such as a false nine or inverted fullback. You also get to see how your formation changes both with and without the ball, helping you find the right tactical balance.
FC IQ: Bringing Realism to the Pitch
Supporting the new tactical system is FC IQ, an AI upgrade that enhances how players act and react on the field. According to EA, FC IQ mimics the thinking of real-world football pros, which adds a layer of realism that long-time fans will appreciate.
In our playthrough, we noticed subtle but impactful improvements in positioning, especially in how our team shifted between attack and defense. These changes help combat the repetitive strategies that often emerge in previous editions, giving players more creative control over their playstyle.
Smart Tactics: Room for Improvement
Another new feature is the in-game messaging system, called Smart Tactics, which suggests substitutions and provides tactical feedback. While this is a neat concept, we found it lacking in some areas. For example, it often recommended substituting a center-back with a midfielder, which wasn’t helpful at all.
Still, it’s a feature that could grow in future updates, especially if it becomes more accurate in assessing real-time match needs.
A Fresh Perspective: The POV Camera
One of the coolest features is the new POV (point-of-view) camera for goal replays. This camera angle lets you see goals from the perspective of the player who scored them, adding a fresh cinematic experience to the action. While we only triggered it twice—both times after long-range shots—it’s a unique addition that we hope to see more of.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Future for EA FC 25
It’s too early to declare EA Sports FC 25 a massive improvement over its predecessor, but the early signs are promising. The combination of FC IQ, tactical freedom, and new game modes like Rush make for an exciting and potentially game-changing experience. EA is clearly trying to give fans more creativity, and the revamped systems hint at a deeper, more immersive football simulation.
