EA Sports FC 25: A Deep Dive into Squad Battles, Rewards, and the Ultimate Team Experience

Since EA Sports rebranded its popular football simulation series, EA Sports FC 25 (formerly FIFA), the game has continued to captivate players around the world with its immersive gameplay, cutting-edge graphics, and compelling game modes. A standout feature of the Ultimate Team (UT) experience has always been the Squad Battles, a PvE (player versus environment) mode where gamers take on AI-controlled squads to earn rewards based on EA FC 25 Coins their weekly performance.

While some players lean towards the competitive nature of FUT Champions or Division Rivals, Squad Battles offer a more casual but still rewarding experience. As you progress, you earn packs, coins, and even special cards to improve your squad, leading to excitement with every reward tier achieved. One of the most engaging aspects of Squad Battles is the way it fosters a sense of community among players, something that’s particularly noticeable in EA Sports FC 25.

Let’s explore how this game mode operates, the emotions that come with pack openings, and why Squad Battles remain a core component of Ultimate Team in EA Sports FC 25.

 The Mechanics of Squad Battles

Squad Battles are fairly straightforward: you compete against AI-controlled teams assembled by other players from around the world or special squads curated by EA. These matches can be played on various difficulty levels, which directly impacts the points you earn after each game. The more difficult the setting, the more points you accumulate—though a loss on higher difficulties can set you back significantly compared to a win on an easier level.

Each week, players are ranked based on their total points, and at the end of the week, rewards are distributed. The reward tiers range from Bronze to Elite, with additional ranks such as Top 200 for the highest-performing players worldwide.

In EA Sports FC 25, many players aim to hit the Elite ranks—specifically Elite 1, Elite 2, and Elite 3—for the best rewards, including rare packs and high coin payouts. In this system, it’s not just about how well you perform on the pitch but also how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in grinding matches to boost your ranking.

 The Thrill of Pack Openings

One of the most exhilarating aspects of Ultimate Team, and especially Squad Battles, is the reward packs you get to open. The promise of potentially packing a top player like Mbappé, Haaland, or even an Icon like Marco van Basten creates a rollercoaster of emotions. In Squad Battles, depending on your rank, you can open a variety of packs, ranging from Rare Gold Packs to Mega Packs and Team of the Week Packs.

In the heat of a Squad Battle rewards session, players often express a mix of hope and frustration. For example, when opening packs like the Rare Mega Pack, there’s a rush as the pack animation plays. But not all packs deliver. You might get a "walkout" animation, indicating a top-rated player is coming, only to find out it’s someone like Pedri—solid, but not groundbreaking for your squad.

It’s not uncommon for players to go through multiple packs, only to be left disappointed when they don’t pull a special card from a promo event or a high-value player. As one player reflected after a rare walkout: "It’s an 85+, but honestly, I expected more." However, there are those magical moments when you finally pack an Icon or a high-rated player like Ruben Dias or Allison, making the grind worth it.

The addition of consumables like Hunter and Shadow chemistry styles in packs also adds value, as these cards can boost players' performance in key areas, making even a seemingly mediocre pack feel like a win.

 Elite Rewards: Chasing the Best

Ranking in Elite 1 or Elite 2 in Squad Battles often feels like the pinnacle of PvE competition in EA Sports FC 25. While the rewards may not include a Team of the Week pack at the Elite 2 level, players still receive a substantial amount of coins and high-end packs like the Rare Mega Pack—a favorite among the community due to its high player count and good chance of yielding a walkout.

However, even among top-tier players, there's an ongoing debate about whether the grind for Elite 1 rewards is worth it compared to Gold 1. Many argue that the difference in rewards between Elite and Gold tiers isn't always as substantial as it should be, considering the effort required to maintain an Elite ranking.

In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear comments like: "Gold 1 rewards might even be better than Elite." This sentiment speaks to the randomness of pack openings. One player who reached Elite 1 mentioned opening packs for nearly an hour, only to pack a series of low-tier cards, prompting the exclamation: "EA, what are you doing with these packs?"

 The Community Aspect

One of the most endearing aspects of Squad Battles is the sense of community that develops among players. Unlike FUT Champions, where the competitive edge can lead to tension and frustration, Squad Battles foster a more relaxed environment. Players can share their experiences, compare pack openings, and offer tips on how to improve their squads without the high-stakes intensity of playing against other human opponents.

For example, after opening a disappointing pack, one player reflected: "I feel like Squad Battle rewards are like a proper community...Champs rewards just don’t hit the same." This sentiment highlights how Squad Battles serve as a more laid-back way to engage with Ultimate Team, allowing players to bond over their shared love of football and gaming.

Additionally, community streamers often get involved in Squad Battle pack openings, sharing the highs and lows of rewards with their audience. During live streams, you might see a streamer open pack after pack, reacting with over-the-top excitement when they finally pull a top-tier player—or with playful disappointment when another 85-rated center-back appears.

 Improvements in EA Sports FC 25

EA Sports FC 25 has made several improvements to Squad Battles and the overall pack-opening experience. The addition of more dynamic lighting and player animations has heightened the suspense of each pack opening, making it a visually engaging experience. The introduction of new promo events and special cards—like Road to the Knockouts—also keeps the pack content fresh and exciting.

Additionally, EA has made the Squad Battle mode more accessible, with better matchmaking for players of all skill levels, ensuring that even newcomers can enjoy the mode without feeling overwhelmed. The rewards have also been slightly adjusted to ensure that the grind for Elite ranks feels worthwhile, although the randomness of packs remains a point of contention for many.

 Conclusion: Is Squad Battles Worth the Grind?

Ultimately, whether or not Squad Battles are worth the time and effort in EA Sports FC 25 depends on your goals in Ultimate Team. For those who enjoy a more relaxed, PvE-oriented experience with the thrill of opening packs, Squad Battles offer a rewarding way to engage with the game without the pressure of competing against other players in real-time.

While the rewards can be hit or miss, the sense of community and the excitement of potentially packing a top player make Squad Battles a mode that continues to draw in players week after week. Whether you’re chasing Elite 1 or just aiming for a solid Gold 1 finish, Squad Battles are a vital part of the EA Sports FC 25 experience—one that rewards dedication, patience, and just a bit of luck.

So, if you’re looking to improve your squad and enjoy the grind in a laid-back setting, give Squad Battles a shot. Who knows? Your next pack could contain the Icon orbuy FC Coins walkout you’ve been dreaming of.