EA FC 26 Archetypes – new Clubs and Career Mode feature as all 13 Archetypes explained

The way players progress in Clubs and Player Career Mode has been completely overhauled in EA FC 26, with the skill tree being replaced by a new upgrade feature, Archetypes.

EA Sports has started to reveal all about EA FC 26 over the last few weeks, with excitement starting to build ahead of the newest EA Sports FC release. From deep dives into EA FC 26 Ultimate Team, EA FC 26 gameplay and EA FC 26 Career Mode, EA has confirmed every new feature coming to the new game, but one of the biggest updates, Archetypes, was first announced in the EA FC 26 Clubs deep dive.

Replacing the long-standing Skill Tree feature, EA FC 26 Archetypes are the new way to evolve your players in Clubs and Player Career Mode, defining how your player grows with each Archetype having signature PlayStyles, gameplay perks, unique attributes and weaknesses, along with three specialisations.

This is everything you need to know about EA FC 26 Archetypes, including all 13 Archetypes and what each one does.

READ MORE: EA FC 26 beta – how to get a closed beta code and when codes will be released

READ MORE: EA FC 26 hands-on first impressions – I played the new game early, and EA has delivered

How EA FC 26 Archetypes work

When you first enter EA FC 26 Clubs, you'll be prompted to select one of 13 Archetypes as your first Archetype. Don't worry, this won't be the only Archetype you have for the rest of the game - the other 12 Archetypes can be earned with Clubs Coins, FC Points, or Archetype Unlock consumable items that can be found as rewards.

You will earn Archetype XP (AXP) from every game of Clubs you play, both regular games and Clubs Rush. The more you play, the more AXP you can collect.

The following factors decide how much AXP you earn:

• Your Role Rating - The majority of your AXP earnings will come from your Role Rating. The higher rating, the more AXP you earn.
• Your Gameplay Actions - You will earn a small amount of AXP for every action you complete in a match.
• Match Type - Your AXP earned depends on whether you’re playing a Clubs League, Playoffs, Friendly, Drop-In, Clubs Rush, or Live Event match.

AXP can also be earned by playing Skill Games, though this will be very limited compared to other match types. Once you’ve earned enough AXP, your Archetype will move up to the next level.

As you level up, you can earn rewards that will help you upgrade your attributes and abilities. These include the following:

• Attribute Points (AP) - AP can be spent to upgrade your attributes, taking you one step closer to unlocking more PlayStyles or even a Specialisation.
• Signature Playstyles Upgrades - Each of your Signature PlayStyles will upgrade to a PlayStyle+
• Unlock Signature Perks - Unlock extra Signature Perks
• Customizable PlayStyles Slots - Gain additional slots to further personalize your Archetype’s PlayStyles.

When EA FC 26 is launched, each Archetype can be upgraded from level 1 to level 50, but throughout the season, the maximum level will increase along with more changes and updates to Archetypes.

Every Archetype has a set of unique PlayStyles, with these automatically unlocked and ready to use, and as you progress, these will upgrade to PlayStyle Plus'. Customisation is still available, though, because even though these signature PlayStyles can't be removed, they can be swapped once you unlock and equip different Specialisations for those Archetypes.

You can upgrade any attributes you want with Archetypes. When you level up your Archetype, you receive Attribute Points (AP) to upgrade attributes. Once you increase an attribute, the AP cost for further upgrades will also increase, making it harder to reach those higher levels.

Upgrades made are permanent, but if you want to reallocate your points, you will need to request an Archetype Reset (using Clubs Coins or a Reset Consumable), which returns all previously spent AP to your wallet.

All EA FC 26 Archetypes explained

Here's a list of all 13 EA FC 26 Archetypes, along with a description of each and the signature PlayStyles that come with them.

Goalkeeper Archetypes Shot Stopper

Unphased when faced with an attacker one-on-one, can be relied upon to make difficult saves.

Signature PlayStyles: Footwork and Far Reach.

Sweeper Keeper

Description: A modern-day ''keeper, comfortable with the ball at their feet, and with a high defensive line.

Signature PlayStyles: Cross Claimer and 1v1 Close Down.

Defensive Archetypes Progressor

Description: A modern centre-back capable of stepping out of the backline to start attacks with progressive passing.
Signature PlayStyles: Long Ball Pass and Anticipate.

Boss

Description: Wins the ball with imposing physicality. Willing to put everything on the line for the team.
Signature PlayStyles: Bruiser and Aerial Fortress.

Engine

Description: This player's incredible stamina allows them to maintain maximum effort throughout the match. Even while others are tiring, the Engine keeps on going and going...
Signature PlayStyles: Jockey and Relentless.

Marauder

Description: A defensive specialist whose pulsating pace means they're also comfortable and effective going forward.
Signature PlayStyles: Whipped Pass and Quick Step.

Midfield Archetypes Recycler

Description: This passing machine is critical to taking the ball from the backline and giving it to your most dangerous attackers.
Signature PlayStyles: Press Proven and Intercept.

Maestro

Description: Orchestrating the game from deep, this player can unlock a defence to create chances for their forwards.
Signature PlayStyles: Tiki Taka and Pinged Pass

Creator

Description: Capable of delivering precise and incisive passes that can dismantle even the most organised backlines.
Signature PlayStyles: Incisive Pass and Inventive Pass.

Spark

Description: Exels in short, explosive bursts - getting to the byline and pulling back tantalising crosses for teammates.
Signature PlayStyles: Rapid and Trickster.

Attacking Archetypes Magician

Description: Combining remarkable control, dribbling and vision, this player creates chances out of very little, both for themselves and teammates.
Signature PlayStyles: Technical and Finesse Shot.

Finisher

Description: Possesses a killer instinct in front of goal - a beast when one-on-one with the 'keeper.
Signature PlayStyles: Low Driven Shot and First Touch.

Target

Description: Classic hold-up player that harnesses their physicality in duels both on the ground and in the air.
Signature PlayStyles: Power Shot and Precision Header.

Unlike in EA FC 25, you can't just have any PlayStyle you want. Now, to unlock a PlayStyle, you need to upgrade the relevant attributes to a certain level. For example, to unlock Dead Ball, you must first upgrade the attributes below.

• FK Accuracy - 75
• Crossing - 80
• ShotPower - 80

While Signature PlayStyles cannot be removed, you do have the option to swap them out for a different PlayStyle+ once you unlock and equip a Specialisation for that Archetype, giving you some flexibility in customising your items as you advance.