EA FC 26 Patch 1.2.0 Breakdown | AI Tweaks, Shooting Nerfs, And Market Impact Explained
Posted: Nov 11, 2025 Views: 73
EA FC 26 Patch 1.2.0 has been released, and this patch once again adjusts the player AI. Players may still remember the disruption the last patch caused to gameplay and the transfer market.
This patch focuses primarily on improving offensive and defensive AI, as well as some quality-of-life optimizations. There are no revolutionary changes to the core gameplay. Let's take a look at the key changes.

Patch 1.2.0 Highlights
Patch 1.2.0 is the second major update after 1.1.0, and it is expected to be released between Tuesday and Wednesday, no later than Thursday.
Acrobatic Shots Nerfed
Acrobatic shots allow you to use flashy techniques to break through defenders and create space for shots or passes. In the current game, these shots are too effective and almost impossible to defend, so this is an effective nerf.
AI Teammates' Running Frequency
Patch 1.2.0 slightly increases the frequency of AI teammates' offensive runs into the penalty area. While this change is small, it's still an enhancement for the offensive AI. Ideally, AI players should learn to move according to the space on the field, rather than simply sticking to their assigned roles.
AI Defender Marking Tightness
AI defenders will slightly reduce their marking tightness against passers at the edge of the penalty area. This is a nerf to AI defense and may make the already popular cutback meta tactic more effective.
Through Passing And Crossing
The patch also improves through passing and crossing to better respect player aiming input. This may reduce passes that are misaimed but overpowered by the game system.
Goalkeeper Saves
The logic for goalkeepers when saving first-time far-post shots has been improved. This is undoubtedly a successful change, as this is a way for players to exploit game mechanics, especially in corner kicks.
Other Bug Fixes
There are also some bug fixes for player switching. The patch fixes for issues like switching, animation errors, and referee logic are all standard fixes that cycle through gameplay improvements and deteriorations.
Current Major Issues
While the main fixes in this patch have a positive impact on the game, they don't address key player concerns such as server instability, lag and errors in Transfer Market and Packs interfaces. Ultimate Team mode, in particular, has more areas for improvement.
Unbalanced Offensive And Defensive AI
The current defensive AI is overly powerful and aggressive, especially in attack. Opposing AI-controlled players mark the ball carrier from midfield onwards, lacking a proper counter-strategy.
The offensive AI doesn't utilize space effectively. Even with large gaps in midfield, players like Wide Playmaker won't actively cut inside to exploit them.
Due to the different player AIs, most players currently only use a few formations, such as 4-4-1-1, 4-2-3-1, and 4-4-2 formations, among others, have overly linear player roles and instructions, limiting attacking movement variations.
Operational Errors
Player feedback regarding inaccurate through-pass and crossing signals, and the occasional uninstructed sliding tackles, remains unresolved.
Furthermore, the lack of foul calls for players being physically challenged from behind is unfair. Other issues include incorrect player indicators, unresponsive player switching, goalkeeper logic problems, and weak corner kick defense.
Impact On The Transfer Market
The adjustments in this patch are very minor and unlikely to cause significant fluctuations in the transfer market. EA FC 26 market has seen the same 79+ x2 upgrade packs for four consecutive weeks, disappointing players. However, there are still some cards worth considering if you're looking to invest.
UEFA Primetime Cards
These UEFA Primetime cards saw a slight drop in value on Monday, but demand may pick up slightly after Weekend League rewards distribution, presenting a good opportunity for short-term investment.
Fodder Cards
Currently, due to decreased demand for gold cards, many players have stockpiled them, resulting in low market value for fodder cards with high overall ratings of 89 OVR and 88 OVR.
This can be viewed as a long-term investment opportunity, as Black Friday may bring more attractive SBCs to deplete player inventory, allowing these items to be sold for more FC 26 coins.
Ultimate Scream Cards
These discontinued cards experience significant value fluctuations, making them a viable investment with the potential to generate some profit. However, for Ultimate Scream cards, such as Débora C. de Oliveira, Vinícius José de Oliveira Júnior, and Joshua Kimmich and others, where demand and value have already surged, the value remains high. It is strongly recommend selling them to lock in profits, as they are currently nearing their peak and a sharp drop is imminent.
TOTW Cards
Tuesdays are usually a good time to invest in TOTW cards, as their value is low. They can be used to complete SBCs that require TOTW players.
Overall, this is a summary of Patch 1.2.0 and its current impact on gameplay and the market. It only offers minor optimizations in details such as passing, positioning, and defensive marking, but issues like lag and poor offensive/defensive balance still exist. For casual players, it may bring a slight improvement to the experience, but for long-term or competitive players, the patch's effect is limited.
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