The long-awaited EA Sports FC 26 Update v1.3.0 has been released, and for UT players on PS, it has a significant impact on gameplay. My experience of testing different matches and various modes in PS has brought to light some of the major changes that will be directly reflected in players’ abilities to dribble, defend, and shoot. Additionally, the patch also made AI reactions in penalty areas to be more natural, thus, making offense and defence tactics more complicated. If you're one of those gamers that want to make their Ultimate Team more powerful quickly after the release of a new patch.
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Dribbling and Ball Control Are Sharper Than Ever
he very first factor that caught my attention was dribbling which felt so much more responsive. Super dribblers like Alvarez and Pina are now almost able to make direction changes instantly while still maintaining their great speed. The dribbles made with left stick are now more fluid and the skill moves like ball rolls or stepovers are executed faster thus giving better control in tight areas.
For Ultimate Team matches this means you will be able to get through the defence more easily even if it's crowded. I did a testing with 5* skillers against AI defenders in Squad Battles and the difference was easily spotted: there used to be a slight delay in turning but now every touch feels like it was made instantly. Even a low-rated winger feels like he is more than capable of winning the battle in one-on-one which has altered my fast-break approach significantly.
The patch also reduced ball magnetism on a tackle slightly, which makes timing more crucial. What it means is that a defender won't necessarily win the ball if he/she is close to a player-no they need to be very precise and this would also mean skilled flocking is rewarded.
If you are among those who need more coins or FC Points to try out the new players after the update, then LootBar is the perfect place to get that done.
Defending AI Improvements Change Match Dynamics
The defending AI has taken a significant leap forward. In UT matches, the players on defence are now comprehensively aware of the situation and are taking their actions accordingly, they are cutting the passing lanes as well as anticipating the positioning in the face-off situations. This was most noticeable to me when I switched to the manual control of the center-back defenders: more interceptions were happening subsequently, not the way defenders used to stand still and wait till the ball came to them.
Goalkeepers' performance has improved, and they are also viewed as more trustworthy now. The near-side shots that previously used to get through without being blocked are now getting blocked more frequently. This has an impact on the finishing tactics, especially in the case of close matches like Rivals or Champs where every goal scored is crucial.
Changes in tactical defence also implied that counterattacks would become less predictable. Prior to version 1.3.0, a single through ball could effectively cut the defence in two. Now, the defenders are aware of the runs and they are able to cover the space left so that it results in a build-up of play instead of relying on fast counters.
If you are a gamer who likes to try out different defensive arrangements after this patch, then it is good to know that topping up guarantees you the means to acquire better defenders and quick adaptation.
Shooting and Finishing Feel More Rewarding
Finishing has also been adjusted. Highly regarded players in finishing skills are now able to score more in the case of even when they are congested in penalty spots. Outside shots continue to be tough, making the diligent use of the right power and the right positioning a must, which in turn develops the influence of the midfield even more.
I have been testing various top-class strikers in Ultimate Team, among them Mbappé and Haaland and I have noticed a much clearer separation between elite finishers and average ones. Long-range shooters now ask for a precise timing, while one-touchers are surer. This pretty much alters the game strategy: you cannot depend on just one or two shooting patterns, you have to make real chances.
The patch also enhances player animations for volleys and shooters at first. With previous versions, some volleys seemed to be awkward or unsteady, but now they just seem to be smooth and natural, bringing a realistic sense to competitive UT matches.
Pack Opening and Squad Customization Insights
While not a gameplay tweak, v1.3.0 indirectly affects how you build your Ultimate Team. Faster dribbling, smarter defenders, and more precise finishing mean some previously underrated players now perform better. I tested mid-tier wingers and noticed their effectiveness increased dramatically in Division Rivals matches.
If you want to capitalize on these shifts, topping up via LootBar is the fastest way to access new packs and SBC opportunities. This allows you to quickly adapt your squad and explore fresh strategies introduced by the update.
Conclusion
EA Sports FC 26 Update v1.3.0 is a considerable upgrade for the UT gamers on PS. The modifications in dribbling, defending, and finishing not just change the performance of the individual but also the tactics of the whole team during the match. Dribbling is smoother now, AI defending is cleverer, and shooting in the game gives points for accuracy.
For those who are concerned about losing their competitive edge, the use of LootBar to buy fc 26 coins will guarantee that you have the means to swiftly adjust your team according to the update. The testing of new forwards or the trying out of different defensive setups is possible thanks to this patch, making Ultimate Team more tactical and rewarding than ever before.
