Catalyst EVO vs End of an Era Press: Which Boosts Your FC 26 Squad?

In FC 26 Ultimate Team, Evolutions and SBCs continue to define the early-game meta. Two recent additions, the Competitive Catalyst Evolution and the 88 End of an Era Press SBC, have quickly become talking points among players. Here is a breakdown of what each offers, who benefits most, and whether they are worth completing.

FC 26 Competitive Catalyst Evolution: Strong Potential

The Competitive Catalyst Evolution introduces a CAM-focused upgrade path with notable stat boosts and an automatic Long Ball+ PlayStyle+. While Long Ball+ is not considered a top-tier PlayStyle+ compared to Incisive+ or Tiki Taka+, it is still usable, and the overall improvements across dribbling, passing, and reactions make this EVO appealing for certain cards.

What the Evolution Offers

• Upgrades across speed, passing, dribbling, and key attacking stats
• CAM-only (cannot be a striker)
• PlayStyle+: Long Ball+
• Added PlayStyles such as Pinged Pass, Tiki Taka, Playmaker +, Technical, Incisive (depending on the player)
• Strong synergy with chains from previous Evolutions

For players running multiple EVO projects at once, the process can become time-consuming. Many FC veterans use resources from m8x(formerly fifacoin), such as updated EVO lists, recommended upgrade paths, trustable coin supplier, and optimized player picks, to plan longer chains more efficiently.

Top Community Picks

Based on early testing and FootGG trending selections:

1. Adrien Rabiot

One of the most popular choices due to compatibility with physical-boosting EVO chains. When fully evolved, he becomes a Hullet-gang midfielder with well-rounded stats and valuable PlayStyles. However, he requires a long and expensive chain.

2. Lucas Paqueta

A standout attacking option. With Footwork Mastery applied and major boosts to speed, shooting, and passing, he becomes a five-star, four-star CAM with elite PlayStyles such as:

• Incisive Pass
• Pinged Pass
• Tiki Taka
• Technical
• Trickster

While Long Ball+ isn't ideal, Paqueta still emerges as one of the best value picks for the EVO.

3. Dolan

A surprisingly strong option. His base version sits low due to free kick and long-shot stats, but once evolved, he becomes an explosive CAM with elite passing PlayStyles. If players can later apply a PlayStyle+ like Finesse+, he becomes even more competitive.

Other Notable Mentions

• Gomez: Balanced, smooth on the ball, and strong PlayStyles
• Taylor: Previously used by pro players
• Garnacho: Great long-term project with room for future EVO chains
• Bergvall: A massive grind but attractive due to powerful base PlayStyles

Conclusion on the Evolution

The Competitive Catalyst Evolution isn't the strongest of the season, largely due to the mandatory Long Ball+. However, several players—especially Paquetá, Dolan, and high-potential EVO-chain cards—benefit greatly. For those with the right club stock, it can produce top-level CAMs without breaking the bank.

FC 26 88 End of an Era Press SBC

The End of an Era Christen Press (88) is an SBC that has impressed players with its value. It costs around 65k FC coins depending on platform and remains available for 1 weeks. Requiring only an 86-rated squad and an 84-rated squad, with no special cards needed, she offers Icon Chemistry and a meta-relevant PlayStyle+.

Key Strengths

• Finesse Shot+ — one of the strongest finishing PlayStyles
• Icon chemistry, making squad building significantly easier
• Elite finishing and close-control dribbling
• Excellent off-the-ball movement
• Dangerous in tight spaces

Despite having only a 3-star weak foot and low balance, her on-pitch performance far exceeds expectations thanks to Finesse Shot+ and strong technical stats.

In-Game Impressions

Early gameplay tests show:

Very responsive in tight areas

• Strong left-stick control despite the balance flaw
• Consistent finishing from both feet due to precision shooting
• Reliable link-up play and intelligent movement
• Quick enough in short bursts, though not elite in long sprints
• Effective with Finisher chemistry style to patch agility and balance

Across multiple matches, she delivered hat-trick performances and displayed the same finesse-shot dominance that made last year's Alex Morgan card so popular.

SBC Conclusion

For the price, Press is exceptional:

• Cheap
• Chemistry-flexible
• Meta-friendly PlayStyle+
• Highly effective finisher

She stands out as one of the best value SBC strikers released so far in FC 26.

Both releases show EA continuing to push Evolutions and SBCs as core progression tools in FC 26. Whether building an evolved CAM or adding a budget-friendly star striker, players have solid opportunities to improve their squads this week.