EA Sports FC 25 has faced significant backlash, prompting a substantial "Gameplay Refresh Update." Criticisms extend beyond monetization concerns to encompass technical issues and gameplay mechanics. The update addresses over 50 areas, focusing on core gameplay systems: assists, shooting, goalkeeping, and defending.
Key improvements include: enhanced responsiveness in attacking maneuvers, smoother ball movement, reduced AI-driven reverse tackles and interceptions, and a decrease in the effectiveness of crossing passes. Defenders will less frequently catch up to ball carriers. Players in familiar positions will offer quicker support, and offside detection for AI-controlled players has been refined. Accuracy of long-range shots has seen a minor improvement.
Initial reception was overwhelmingly negative, with only 36% of the 474 player reviews at launch being positive. Common complaints cited EA's perceived greed, numerous bugs and crashes, and PlayStation controller compatibility problems. Furthermore, the game's anti-cheat measures render it incompatible with the Steam Deck.