EA Sports has confirmed that Rivals in EA FC 26 is getting its biggest shake-up yet. For years, Ultimate Team fans have wanted more variety and meaningful progression in Rivals, and it looks like EA finally delivered. With Bounties, Duels, and Limited Checkpoints being added to the ladder system, Rivals promises to be more engaging and rewarding than ever before.
Bounties are the most exciting new feature, bringing extra rewards mid-match. These are randomly triggered challenges that pop up before your next Rivals game. If you complete the objective — such as scoring a certain type of goal or keeping a clean sheet — you’ll instantly earn prizes. Rewards can include Rivals Points, Champions Qualification Points, Packs, Season XP, or even Rivals Stage Skips that let you move up the divisions faster. This mechanic makes every match feel fresh, and the chance to earn bonuses just by playing normally will encourage more players to grind Rivals regularly.
Duels add a competitive edge by letting players face off directly for promotion. Instead of simply climbing through Rivals divisions by accumulating points, Duels pit two players head-to-head in a match where the winner secures advancement. It makes reaching higher divisions more skill-based, and for players who thrive under pressure, it’s a welcome way to prove their ability. The added tension could also make Duels one of the most-watched formats for streamers.
Limited Checkpoints are designed to prevent burnout while rewarding consistency. In previous years, falling back down divisions after one bad streak was frustrating. With Limited Checkpoints, once you hit a certain stage, you won’t drop below it during the season. This system encourages players to push harder without the fear of losing all their progress. It’s especially good news for casual FUT players who don’t have the time to grind endlessly.
These Rivals changes tie directly into FUT rewards, making smart squad building even more important. Since Rivals will now deliver more diverse prizes, including Cheap FC 26 Coins and Packs, players will want to maximize their performance by having competitive squads. Many will turn to Buy FIFA 26 Coins early on to secure star players from five-star clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, or Manchester City to get a head start in the Rivals grind.
Overall, EA FC 26 Rivals feels like a step toward making Ultimate Team more fun and less repetitive. Bounties shake up individual games, Duels create must-win moments, and Limited Checkpoints remove unnecessary frustration. Whether you’re a hardcore grinder or a weekend player, these updates ensure Rivals is worth your time this season.
