FC 26 Ultimate Edition Release Times
FC 26 Ultimate Edition provides 7 days of early access, meaning players who purchase the Ultimate Edition will experience the game before those who buy the standard version. The Ultimate Edition launches on September 19, 2025, with release times varying by region:
- New Zealand (Auckland): September 19 at 11:00h
- Australia (Sydney): September 19 at 09:00h
- China (Beijing): September 19 at 07:00h
- Romania (Bucharest): September 19 at 02:00h
- France (Paris): September 19 at 01:00h
- United Kingdom (London): September 19 at 00:00h
- United States (New York): September 18 at 19:00h
Console versions across Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo follow a different schedule with a global launch:
- September 19 at 00:00h (your local time).
The staggered PC release allows players in different regions to access the game at midnight local time, while console players worldwide can start playing simultaneously when their local clock strikes midnight on September 19.
Standard Edition Release Times
The Standard Edition follows a direct release schedule with straightforward timing across all platforms. Players who choose the standard version will have access to the full game experience one week after the Ultimate Edition launch.
Standard Edition release times:
- Console (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo): September 26 at midnight local time
- PC: September 25 at 1 PM BST
The console release maintains the traditional midnight launch approach, allowing players worldwide to start playing when their local time reaches September 26. PC players get slightly earlier access, with the game becoming available during afternoon hours in British Standard Time on September 25.
Ultimate Edition Benefits
The Ultimate Edition comes at $99.99 versus $69.99 for the Standard Edition, making it $30 more expensive. However, this premium price includes several valuable benefits that can justify the cost for dedicated players.
All Ultimate Edition benefits include:
- 7 days early access (starting September 19, 2025)
- 6,000 FC Points distributed over 2 months
- Season 1 Premium Pass
- Additional Ultimate Team Player Evolution Slot
- Untradeable Icon Player Item (93+ OVR) for EA Sports FC 25
- 3x Icon Players for Manager and Player Career modes
- 5-Star Coach available for hire in Manager Career
- 5-Star Youth Scout for hire in Manager Career
- Manager Live Challenge content
- 1 Archetype Unlock Consumable for Clubs mode
- 2 Double AXP consumables for 10 matches in Clubs mode
The 6,000 FC Points alone are typically valued at around $49.99 when purchased separately, making the Ultimate Edition financially attractive for players who regularly spend money on in-game currency. The additional Player Evolution Slot provides immediate gameplay advantages in Ultimate Team, while the Premium Pass unlocks exclusive rewards throughout Season 1.
Final Words
FC 26 Ultimate Edition launches September 19 with 7 days early access, while Standard Edition follows on September 26 for consoles and September 25 for PC. The $30 price difference delivers 6,000 FC Points, Season 1 Premium Pass, and additional Ultimate Team benefits that make financial sense for regular FC Points buyers. Standard Edition players get identical gameplay without the premium bonuses.