EA Sports FC 24’s Ultimate Team has taken a refreshing turn with the introduction of PlayStyles, expanding on Traits from previous years. This season, players now exhibit distinct characteristics, making them feel unique even when their stats are similar. Anticipate defenders, Rapid wingers, and Finesse Shot strikers are among the sought-after styles, but the beauty lies in making unconventional styles work.
The game has evolved beyond the pace-centric meta, and players like the initially doubted Thiago Silva shine due to the influence of PlayStyles, aligning the gameplay more closely with authentic football simulation. Yet, while PlayStyles diversify individual play, team building has remained somewhat stagnant, with certain players dominating each position.
Enter Evolutions, a novel addition to Ultimate Team, allowing players to upgrade chosen players with new PlayStyles and enhanced stats. Through completing challenges, players gradually elevate their chosen players, transforming overlooked assets into key contributors. For instance, evolving Joel Matip compensated for his initial lack of pace, turning him into a formidable defender with boosted stats and additional PlayStyles.
However, Evolutions are not without their challenges. The best upgrades often require virtual currency or real money, introducing a pay-to-win element. Additionally, time limits on completing Evolutions hinder strategic planning, requiring players to adapt on the fly.
Community opinions on Evolutions are mixed, with some critical of paywalls limiting access to certain upgrades. The one-at-a-time restriction for completing Evolutions has also sparked debate, as players grapple with the time-consuming nature of fully upgrading a player.
Despite these concerns, Evolutions provide a welcome break from the meta-focused gameplay, allowing players to experiment with and enjoy underappreciated talents. Hurry up and use your FUT 24 coins to improve the talent of your players and have a great game. The decision now lies in whether to commit to a lengthy grind for a specific player or opt for a more accessible upgrade. The era of PlayStyles+ dictating the meta is here, but Evolutions offer a chance for players to inject some fun and diversity into their Ultimate Team experience.