Madden 26: Ultimate Team Players Rejoice As Solo Play Gets Much-Needed Boost

It is always nice when game developers listen to their fans. The Madden franchise is such a behemoth that the developers could do very little and still be successful. EA Sports decided it was time to overhaul one of its most popular modes. Ultimate Team is getting an overhaul in Madden 26. Here is what the developers had to say with the announcement trailer. 

We heard the feedback from our solo player and we’re excited to share that Madden NFL 26 Ultimate Team is giving solo play the overhaul it deserves. We’ve rebuilt our Solo reward structure from the ground up with a focus on progression, pacing, and rewards. We’re also introducing Solo Champions, a new, choose-your-difficulty mode to showcase your solo prowess.

We are bringing all-new Live Events to the table this year for a new way to play in Ultimate Team. Expect to see events that look to celebrate our theme teamers out there, other events will set constraints that encourage creative team-building.

We’re also introducing Leaderboard Campaigns for both online and solo players. These are smaller-leaderboard, limited-time, focused competitions with reworked placement design where every game matters.

To make the mode simpler, the new Pack Helper brings critical decision-making info directly to your pack openings. You’ll be able to see if a new player is better than your current starter, see Auction House information, know if they help you complete a set, and see Chemistry tier impacts all without leaving the pack opening screen. Every insight is optional, and if you want to act on it, a single button press gets it done.

Those who do not want the grind of trying to beat people online can still experience Ultimate Team. There are some extremely highly skilled players out there. If you aren’t one of them, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in the game, but modes like this one that require players to grind online are frustrating. For many, this meant avoiding the mode altogether. EA Sports wants this mode to be more accessible in Madden 26.

What To Expect

Players can now customize their difficulty, like they can in Franchise Mode or in a pickup game. Short competitions throughout the season allow players to jump in when they want to and compete against others for rewards. The addition of more themed roster events gives players more fun challenges in crafting their perfect team.

All of the changes sound good. So much of what EA Sports does every year is minor. There are small tweaks here and there, but often not many major changes. With Ultimate Team going under major changes, this will feel like a whole new mode for many long-time players of Madden.

Final Thoughts

There’s a little bit of pressure on Madden 26. Fans were lukewarm on Madden 25, and it has caused many to sour on the franchise. It will be interesting to see if the improvements EA Sports makes will be well-received.