EA Sports is rolling out a new promo in EA Sports FC 26 called Ratings Reload, and it has the community buzzing. In this blog post, we’ll break down what this promo is about, when it’s coming, the leaked players, meta impact, and tips to make the most of it.
What Is “Ratings Reload”?
Ratings Reload is a fresh promo concept in FC 26 Ultimate Team that gives a second chance to players who many fans believe were underrated at launch. Rather than changing every player’s base rating, this event focuses on specific players who will receive upgraded special cards to reflect their real-world form or in-game performance.
Key features:
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The base (regular) card of a player remains unchanged — only the promo version gets the upgrade.
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It’s similar to an early “refresh,” rewarding players who have exceeded expectations since launch.
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Community feedback helps determine which players deserve the boost.
In short, this isn’t a full-scale ratings reset — it’s a curated spotlight on underappreciated or over-performing stars.
Release Date & Promo Timing
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Team 1 of Ratings Reload drops on October 10, 2025 at the usual content update time.
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The event is expected to run for six days, followed by Team 2 the next week.
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Packs opened during the active promo can include these upgraded cards, even if you earned the packs earlier.
EA usually uses these limited promo windows to create excitement and drive fresh activity in the transfer market — and Ratings Reload fits that perfectly.
Leaked / Confirmed Players & Upgrades
Early leaks show the first wave of Ratings Reload players and their potential upgrades. While not officially confirmed, here’s what’s being discussed in the community:
Some players will reportedly appear as SBC exclusives rather than in packs:
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Arda Güler (CAM ~86 OVR)
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Malick Diouf (LB ~86 OVR)
So far, every leaked player appears to be getting an upgrade — no downgrades have been mentioned.
Meta & Market Impact
The Ratings Reload promo is expected to cause noticeable ripples across both the transfer market and gameplay meta.
Market Behavior
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Players featured in the promo will likely rise in price before release as hype builds.
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It might be smart to sell early if prices spike sharply — many cards dip again once the promo settles.
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Linked players (same club, league, or nationality) could also see secondary price boosts, especially those used in popular SBCs.
Gameplay / Meta
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Underused players could suddenly become viable in competitive squads.
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Because upgrades are selective, squad-building dynamics may shift — chemistry and linking options will be key.
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Expect a fresh round of experimentation with hybrid squads featuring these boosted cards.
Tips & Strategy for Players
Make the most out of this promo with these strategic moves:
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Save Your Packs and Coins
Build up your resources early so you can open during the promo window or invest wisely once prices stabilize. -
Monitor Leaks for Team 2
Early information helps you anticipate market shifts and plan accordingly. -
Invest Wisely — Don’t Overcommit
Leaked players often get overhyped. If you invest, focus on short-term flips rather than long holds. -
Be Ready for SBCs
Keep untradeable fodder and squads prepared — some of the best cards will come via Squad Building Challenges. -
Avoid Panic Selling
Don’t rush to sell cards the moment prices dip; most markets rebound once initial promo hype settles. -
Revise Your Squad Setup
Be flexible — upgraded cards might unlock new chemistry links or make certain formations more effective.
Final Thoughts
The Ratings Reload promo is one of EA’s most exciting new ideas for FC 26, offering redemption to players who deserved better stats and injecting fresh energy into Ultimate Team gameplay. It rewards performance, fan opinion, and smart trading.
As always, remember:
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Leaked ratings may change before official release.
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All current leaks show upgrades only — future teams could expand or vary.
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Timing your buys, sells, and SBC completions will make a real difference in how well you benefit.
This event is shaping up to be a fun and unpredictable chapter in FC 26’s promo calendar — and a great opportunity to reshape your squad.