Kalixo Blog Content

Author: David L

  • Why Skipping the FC 26 Ultimate Edition Pre-Order Is a Huge Mistake

    Why Skipping the FC 26 Ultimate Edition Pre-Order Is a Huge Mistake

    Every year, EA Sports packs its Ultimate Edition with enough perks to tempt even the most casual players. But for FC 26, the pre-order bonuses go beyond minor upgrades—they’re a real step up from last year’s FC 25. If you’re on the fence, here’s why skipping the Ultimate Edition this year could leave you at a serious disadvantage.

    1. Icon Player Pick Instead of Just a Hero

    The biggest headline change: an Icon Player Pick. Pre-ordering FC 26 Ultimate Edition grants you one untradeable Icon, chosen from a pool of 15. That’s a massive upgrade compared to FC 25’s perk, which only gave you a Hero card. Icons carry more weight in Ultimate Team, offering better chemistry links and often game-changing stats. For anyone building a competitive squad from day one, this perk alone sets FC 26 apart.

    2. More FC Points (6,000 vs. 4,600)

    Another major improvement is the extra FC Points. FC 26 Ultimate Edition gives you 6,000 points delivered over two months. By comparison, last year’s offer was only 4,600 points. These points translate into packs, Draft entries, or whatever your preferred method of grinding coins may be. It’s not just free currency—it’s a faster path to building a stacked team without opening your wallet again right away.

    3. Season 1 Premium Pass Included

    For the first time, EA is including the Season 1 Premium Pass in the Ultimate Edition. Normally, players would have to buy this separately to unlock faster progression through objectives and rewards. Getting it bundled with your pre-order makes it a no-brainer, especially since most players would have purchased it anyway. It’s essentially early access to progression and exclusive rewards without the added cost.

    4. Two Player Evolution Slots vs. One

    Evolution cards are a fan-favorite addition, letting you develop lower-rated players into usable beasts. FC 25’s Ultimate Edition gave you one Evolution slot; this year, EA has doubled it to two. That means you can evolve multiple players at the same time, giving you flexibility and a huge early-game advantage when building your squad.

    5. Seven Days Early Access (Same as Last Year)

    Some things don’t change—and that’s a good thing. FC 26 Ultimate Edition still grants you seven days early access, launching on September 19, 2025, instead of the standard September 26 release date. For dedicated Ultimate Team players, that week makes all the difference. It gives you a head start on squad building, trading, and grinding objectives before the general player base floods in.

    Bonus Perks Carried Over from FC 25

    The Ultimate Edition still carries over some Career and Clubs extras, including:

    • Three ICONs for Player/Manager Career
    • A five-star coach and youth scout
    • Manager live challenges
    • Clubs consumables (Archetype Unlock + Double AXP)

    These bonuses may not grab headlines, but they provide depth across FC’s other modes outside of Ultimate Team.

    Final Thoughts

    When stacked against last year’s offer, the FC 26 Ultimate Edition clearly comes out on top. You’re getting more FC Points, better pre-order rewards, double the Evolution slots, and the Premium Pass—all bundled with early access. If you’re serious about Ultimate Team or just want the best start possible, skipping the pre-order this year would be a mistake. The value is there, the FOMO is real, and the competitive advantage starts on day one.

    Sources: EA Help (X/Twitter), RadioTimes, 90min, The Sun, Reddit, YouTube

  • Why Everyone’s Talking About Split Fiction

    Why Everyone’s Talking About Split Fiction

    Every year there’s that one co-op game that dominates conversations, sparks memes, and becomes the go-to recommendation for anyone looking to play with a friend. In 2025, that game is Split Fiction. Developed by Hazelight Studios, the minds behind the award-winning It Takes Two, this latest release has managed to raise the bar for cooperative storytelling in gaming.

    The Premise

    Split Fiction throws players into the lives of two writers, Mio and Zoe, who suddenly find themselves trapped inside their own novels. Mio writes science fiction, Zoe writes fantasy—and as the game progresses, their worlds start to collide in ways neither of them expected. The only way forward is by working together, navigating through environments that constantly shift between futuristic landscapes and magical realms.

    It’s a concept that sounds ambitious on paper, but Hazelight has a track record of making wild ideas work. Just as It Takes Two seamlessly blended genres and mechanics, Split Fiction goes even further, offering players experiences that range from high-tech space battles to enchanted forests full of mythical creatures.

    Gameplay That Demands Cooperation

    What sets Split Fiction apart from most co-op titles is how deeply it integrates teamwork into every aspect of the game. This isn’t just about solving puzzles together or taking down enemies in tandem; it’s about using the unique strengths of sci-fi and fantasy to progress. One player might be hacking futuristic security systems, while the other wields enchanted tools to clear obstacles in a forest. The game constantly forces you to think creatively and communicate with your partner.

    The result is a co-op experience that feels fresh, challenging, and endlessly surprising. There’s no “carry” option here—you succeed or fail as a team. For players who love true cooperation, this is exactly what makes Split Fiction so satisfying.

    Visuals and Storytelling

    Running on Unreal Engine 5, Split Fiction looks stunning. The contrast between the sleek, neon-lit sci-fi backdrops and the lush, magical fantasy settings creates a visual rhythm that keeps the game exciting. One minute you’re sneaking through a futuristic cityscape, the next you’re battling through a kingdom of dragons.

    As for the story, it’s immersive and layered, though not without its criticisms. Some players feel the rivalry between sci-fi and fantasy leans a little too heavily into clichés. Still, the writing shines when it focuses on the evolving bond between Mio and Zoe. Their journey from rivals to reluctant partners—and eventually allies—is what makes the experience resonate on an emotional level.

    The Impact So Far

    Since its launch earlier this year, Split Fiction has sold millions of copies and quickly earned critical acclaim. Reviewers have praised its creativity, genre-bending gameplay, and emotional payoff. Some even argue it could be the best co-op game ever made.

    Of course, not everyone agrees. While many players love the constant variety, others feel the story takes a while to find its footing. The sci-fi levels, in particular, have been described as less inspired than the fantasy ones. But even critics who point out flaws admit that the cooperative gameplay itself is unmatched.

    Final Thoughts

    Split Fiction isn’t just another co-op game—it’s a bold step forward for the genre. Its willingness to blend two very different worlds, demand true teamwork, and constantly surprise players makes it a standout release. The narrative might not be perfect, but the gameplay magic more than makes up for it.

    If you haven’t tried it yet, grab a friend, dive in, and see for yourself why this game has become the co-op experience everyone is talking about.