Finding the best FC 26 settings for your PC is surprisingly straightforward, especially if your gaming PC has been updated within the last five years. You won’t even need a top-tier graphics card to enjoy excellent performance. For example, our tests with an Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU demonstrated impressive frame rates, even when running the game at 4K resolution with the ultra graphics preset enabled.
The FC 26 system requirements are quite modest, which is understandable given that no significant engine overhauls have occurred since the previous year’s release. However, if you’re running on an older or less powerful gaming PC, and without the aid of advanced upscaling technologies like Nvidia DLSS or AMD FSR, you might need to adjust some settings downward to ensure FC 26 runs smoothly. Unfortunately, attempting to play FC 26 on a Steam Deck will present a considerably greater challenge.
Optimal EA Sports FC 26 Settings for PC Performance
- Rendering Quality: Ultra
- Stand Based Hair: On
- Grass Quality: High
- Crowd Quality: High
- Cloth Quality: High
- Ambient Occlusion Quality: High
- Motion Blur: On
- Frame Rate Limit: Unlimited
- VSync: On
- Cutscene Performance: Full Frame Rate
- Render Scale: 100
- Dynamic Resolution Scaling: Off
When we applied these settings on our RTX 4070 test system (with detailed specifications available in the “How We Test” section), the results were impressive. We observed an average frame rate of 153fps with 1% lows of 94fps at 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Stepping up to 2,560 x 1,440, the average frame rate remained strong at 132fps, with 1% lows of 90fps. Even at a demanding 4K resolution, the game maintained a smooth average of 92fps and 1% lows of 64fps.
These numbers are fantastic across all tested resolutions. While we didn’t push every single graphical setting to its absolute maximum, the game still looks superb. The slight trade-offs in grass and crowd quality are barely noticeable during gameplay, making them a worthwhile sacrifice for achieving such high performance in 4K on an RTX 4070.
Understanding EA Sports FC 26 Graphics Presets
EA Sports FC 26 offers four distinct graphics presets:
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Ultra
During active gameplay, it can be challenging to spot significant visual differences between the low and ultra presets, even with a zoomed-in camera. However, the most evident quality enhancements between these extremes appear in the lighting during night matches, the authentic motion of player kits (like shirts and shorts), and the overall fidelity of player textures.
Given that FC 26 is generally played with a more distant camera perspective, adjusting a few graphics settings for better performance often doesn’t feel like a major sacrifice. Our recommended settings strike an excellent balance between visual quality and smooth performance.
EA Sports FC 26 Accessibility Options
Unlike previous installments, when you first launch EA Sports FC 26, you’ll immediately encounter an accessibility menu. While this initial screen provides only subtitle and colorblindness options, a comprehensive accessibility menu can be found within the game’s main menu. This detailed menu includes a variety of helpful settings, such as controller remapping, simplified in-game actions, options to enlarge certain UI elements, a high-contrast mode, and many more features designed to enhance playability for everyone.
Our Testing Methodology for EA Sports FC 26
At PCGamesN, we rigorously test the optimal settings for performance and gameplay in new game releases using dedicated gaming setups. For EA Sports FC 26, our test rig featured an Intel Core i7-11700F processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, 32GB of DDR4 3,200MHz RAM in a dual-channel configuration, and an MSI B560 motherboard. All tests were conducted on Windows 11 64-bit.
Our standard testing procedure begins at 1,920 x 1,080 resolution to pinpoint the best settings for this common display size. We then repeat the tests at 2,560 x 1,440 using the exact same setup to observe performance variations. Finally, we push the system further by testing at 4K resolution. To accurately capture frame data and compare testing sessions, we utilize specialized benchmarking software.
Is an SSD Required for EA Sports FC 26?
According to the official system requirements, EA Sports FC 26 does not strictly demand an SSD. The game’s download size is just under 70GB, which isn’t massive, but it’s always wise to ensure you have sufficient storage, especially if you’re managing with a single drive. If you’re still relying on a traditional mechanical hard drive and considering an upgrade, or simply need more space, there are many excellent SSD options available to boost your gaming experience.
Monitoring Your EA Sports FC 26 Performance
If you’re keen to track your game’s performance in EA Sports FC 26, we have straightforward methods that work seamlessly for both Nvidia and AMD graphics card users.
For those with Nvidia cards, simply ensure the Nvidia App is installed and the in-game overlay is active. Then, press Alt + R during gameplay to access your performance monitor. If you’re using an AMD card, you can activate performance monitoring through the Radeon overlay by using the Ctrl + Shift + O shortcut.
Another excellent option is to download free tools like CapFrameX or Nvidia FrameView. These offer a streamlined and intuitive benchmarking experience compatible with any graphics card.
For handheld gaming PCs, most devices feature a dedicated button that grants access to a quick menu, where real-time performance monitoring options can typically be found.
Feel free to share your experiences with FC 26 performance and system discussions within our community. You can connect with our team members and fellow enthusiasts to chat about all things gaming.