For years, it has felt like Clubs is the red-headed stepchild of the EA FC franchise, despite being one of its more enjoyable and competitive modes. Though EA has introduced a few new wrinkles into the mode every now and then, Clubs still feels like a shell of what it should be. But, from the looks of it, EA FC 26 is set to transform the Clubs experience with a radical overhaul of its Archetypes system. Replacing the Virtual Pro model, Archetypes now serve as the foundation for player identity, customization, and progression.
At launch, Clubs will feature 13 distinct Archetypes, each inspired by legendary football roles, from goal poachers to creative maestros. Each Archetype comes with its own Key Attributes, Signature PlayStyles, and Perks tailored to a specific playstyle.
How EA FC 26 Is Changing Archetypes In Clubs
Anyone familiar with Clubs mode in EA FC is likely aware that in the past, Archetypes have been no more than just different builds. And while PlayStyles helped give them a bit of a personal touch, players were mostly free to build them how they wanted. This isn’t a bad system per se, but it often meant that players would only do so much experimenting before they found a meta combination.
Now, I doubt that will change completely in EA FC 26 — metas are part of every game. That said, having different kinds of Archetypes can allow players and teams to forge their own unique identity.
In total, there will be 13 different Archetypes available to Clubs players in EA FC 26. All of them are specific to a certain position on the pitch, and have their own Signature PlayStyles.
Goalkeepers
Shot Stopper
Signature PlayStyles:
Sweeper Keeper
Signature PlayStyles:
- Cross Claimer
- 1v1 Close Down
Defenders
Progressor
Signature PlayStyles:
- Long Ball Pass
- Anticipate
Boss
Signature PlayStyles:
Engine
Signature PlayStyles:
Marauder
Signature PlayStyles:
Midfielders
Recycler
Signature PlayStyles:
Maestro
Signature PlayStyles:
Creator
Signature PlayStyles:
- Incisive Pass
- Inventive Pass
Spark
Signature PlayStyles:
Forwards
Magician
Signature PlayStyles:
Finisher
Signature PlayStyles:
- Low Driven Shot
- First Touch
Target
Signature PlayStyles:
- Power Shot
- Precision Header
Upon choosing one of these Archetypes, you will have the opportunity to level them up and build them out over time. Upon playing more of the game, you will accrue Attribute XP, which can be used to unlock Attribute Points to upgrade stats, PlayStyle+, signature perks, and custom PlayStyle slots.
Each Archetype has four highlighted Key Attributes, which cost fewer Attribute Points to upgrade. This should — in theory — encourage players to double down on their Archetype’s strengths while still allowing flexibility to make hybrid builds. Each Archetype also has its own height and weight ranges, so we’ll have to see what those are at launch. If I had to guess, I suppose Targets and defensive Archetypes will be the bigger players on the pitch, while creative midfielders and pacy wingers will be smaller. This might sound like me stating the obvious, but trust me, seeing 6’4 wide midfielders with 95+ pace over the last few years was the norm. So having these ranges is intriguing, at least on paper.
On the surface, these new Archetypes should encourage fluid tactics and for players to go into Clubs matches — be it 11v11 or small-man — with purpose and focus. My only concern is which of these new Archetypes will be a bit overpowered at launch, need nerfing, then become useless by November. Because while EA is promising hybrid builds, a lot of this seems to be a bit more restrictive than it typically has been over the years.
Now, that could very well be a good thing. But time will tell. And God knows us Clubs players have been burned before.
