This week’s article will delve into the recently updated Grassroots Heroes event in FC 25, focusing on player card designs, SBCs, the Evolution system, and an evaluation of this week’s player pool. Centered around the theme “Grassroots Legends,” this week has introduced numerous player cards that align with the theme. I believe the overall quality of the card pool is high, featuring both cards with nostalgic appeal and those with strong practical utility. Player feedbacks on the SBCs and Evolution system updates has been mixed; some cards have sparked controversy due to pricing or design issues. However, I feel the overall sentiment leans towards positive.
In the SBC section, while Bastian Schweinsteiger’s stats are well-rounded, his high cost and low cost-effectiveness have deterred many players from completing his SBC. Joshua Kimmich’s quality is recognized, but his inflated price makes him less attractive compared to top-tier cards at a similar price point, such as Kylian Mbappé. Patrick Kluivert’s design is deemed more style than substance, lacking practical in-game value, and is often described as a “display piece.” In contrast, the 83+ x10 Upgrade SBC has been widely praised for its high cost-effectiveness and favorable pack weight, leading to high player satisfaction.
The progression of the Evolution system has also sparked considerable discussion. Łukasz Piszczek, after undergoing three stages of evolution, has transformed into a top-tier Box-to-Box midfielder card, becoming a focal point for players. The Maradona Evolution, completable on its first day, offers a 60-minute trial version. Although the 500,000 FUT coin price tag has been debated, it’s undeniably rich in sentimental value. However, the Cameroonian RB has been jokingly referred to as an “ICU patient” due to model and stat issues, implying that even after evolution, he remains largely ineffective. The evolution of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa has been somewhat “undercut” by the subsequent release of stronger cards like Hakan Çalhanoğlu, prompting players to advocate for careful consideration when choosing evolution paths.
This week’s player pool features Jamie Vardy as a representative of Grassroots Legends. His stats are comprehensive, and the design with 99 Pace and the “Golden Rocket” PlayStyle+ is touching, but his 2 million FUT coin price tag is considered steep. Ian Wright, after a significant “overhaul” or “buff,” has risen from a “lower-tier” card to an all-around forward. His Gold PlayStyles cover the attacking spectrum, offering excellent value. Bruno Fernandes, positioned as an attacking midfielder (CAM), sees the return of his signature “Spin Top” (Rabona) skill move, appealing to nostalgic players. Jaap Stam represents a defensive powerhouse; his defensive PlayStyles are maxed out, his player model and nationality (“linkage”) are excellent, and his high price of 2.9 million FUT coins, while substantial, is considered justified.
Among the high-value recommendations, the evolved Hakan Çalhanoğlu becomes a top-tier, playmaking CDM. His “Interceptor” and “Through Ball Passer” PlayStyle combination is practical, only needing the “Relentless” PlayStyle to be perfect. Dino Lonzano, as a Serie A Right Back, features a “Golden Hook” (Finesse Shot) PlayStyle and the “Crab Walk” (Stepover) Skill Move, making him budget-friendly and well-suited for the Evolution system. Ethan Pinnock, boasting 99 Physicality, can make up for his shortcomings in Pace and Defending through evolution, fitting well into “chemistry-free” squads.
However, this week’s player pool also includes some disappointing cards. Roy Keane’s PlayStyle design deviates from his player archetype, lacking key defensive Gold PlayStyles and possessing poor finishing stats, making him suitable only for low-stakes, casual play. Pelé (Ligue 1 version) suffers from excessively low finishing stats and a vague player role, relegating him to a winger utility role. Marek Hamšík has not been adjusted to address version downgrades and lacks key defensive PlayStyles. Relying heavily on his player model, his competitiveness is insufficient.
Overall, this week’s player pool is of excellent quality, balancing nostalgia and in-game effectiveness. The Grassroots theme design has been well-received by players. In future updates, players hope for optimized SBC pricing, reduced “undercutting” risks from the Evolution system, and enhanced usability for less popular player cards. As the host, I encourage players to select cards based on their individual needs and look forward to next week’s update.
This Grassroots Heroes card pool is undoubtedly an update filled with both controversy and pleasant surprises. On one hand, we see cards that blend nostalgia with in-game strength, feeling the sincerity from the game design team. On the other hand, issues like overly expensive SBCs and “undercutting” within the Evolution system do exist, sparking considerable discussion among players. This perhaps reflects the game’s attempt to strike a balance between depth and commercialization. As players, we both enjoy the gameplay brought by the quality card pool and look forward to the game’s continued refinement and improvement. Where will future FC 25 events lead? These are questions perhaps worth further in-depth reflection and discussion. Let us continue to follow FC 25 updates and witness its development and evolution together.
Robert Griffith is a content and essay writer. He is collaborating with local magazines and newspapers. Robert is interested in topics such as marketing and history.
