An image of Jude Bellingham on EA FC 25 cover
Image via EA Sports

EA FC 25 will introduce relegation in Division Rivals to improve matchmaking

A much-needed change.

The Division Rivals are all set to get a huge makeover in EA FC 25, and relegation will be introduced.

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In an official community update, EA Sports has announced several major changes coming to EA FC 25 across different game modes. Division Rivals will continue to be one of the most competitive modes in Ultimate Team. However, the way you progress will change, especially in the higher divisions.

EA FC 25’s Division Rivals will be different from EA FC 24

In EA FC 24, Division Rivals have different checkpoints, and you can get promoted by getting a certain number of consecutive wins (varies across divisions). There’s no relegation until the season reset takes place. In EA FC 25, there will be relegation, and the number of checkpoints will be reduced.

According to EA Sports, this will help players free themselves from being stuck at a level where they’re unable to win matches. The relegation system is expected to help players maintain a level that matches their skill sets. If you’re good enough, you can reach the Elite Division and maintain your place. If you’re not, relegating to a lower division could help you get more wins and complete objectives.

Talking of wins – you’ll no longer require a certain number of wins every week (like the seven wins required in EA FC 24). Instead, you’ll be rewarded once you hit a certain number of points each week, and your draws will also contribute towards that.

Additionally, friendlies will no longer have matchmaking based on the system used by Division Rivals. Instead, it will use the same W-L formula in EA FC 25, which is used in Champions Finals mode. Also, EA Sports will enable players to evolve their cards in the Friendly modes.

While I like these changes on paper, it’s best to wait and see how the new system actually works in the game when it goes live on September 27. The initial receptions from the community seems positive, especially since the divisions of a player in the new game will depend on their existing ranks in EA FC 24.

While most Reddit users on this thread has positive comments, user u/rtgh pointed out that the new system will save a lot of time, and ensure fairer experience for the players. “Starting in Div 10 and working your way to the higher divisions is just wasting your time and giving unnecessarily hard matches to people only learning how to play the game.”

Recognized FC trader TheFUTAccountant also showcased how the new system will work in Ultimate Team.

Popular community-based FC outlets like FUTBIN had positive feelings about the change, as shown by their X handle.

For the time being it’s better to wait and watch for the deep dives that EA Sports has in plans for the community.


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