FC 26: Mastering Bounties

In EA FC 26, competition is everything — but that doesn't mean every match has to be high-stakes. Sometimes, after a tough run in Rivals or a one-sided Ultimate Team matchup, it's nice to have a small victory to chase. That's where Bounties come in. These new, spontaneous in-game challenges add an extra layer of fun and reward to every match, turning even a losing effort into a meaningful opportunity for progress.

Whether you're building your dream Ultimate Team or grinding Rivals for seasonal rewards, understanding how Bounties work — and how to complete them efficiently — is key to maximizing your time and rewards. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about FC 26 Bounties: what they are, how to trigger them, the best strategies to complete them, and how to use their rewards to accelerate your Ultimate Team journey.

1. What Are Bounties in FC 26?

Bounties are randomized, match-based challenges that trigger at various points during your gameplay sessions across FC 26 modes — particularly in Ultimate Team Rivals, Squad Battles, and even casual friendlies.

When a Bounty triggers, you'll receive a pop-up or match notification describing a specific challenge — for example:

"Score two goals with a midfielder."

"Complete 10 successful tackles before halftime."

"Win with at least 60% possession."

Completing that Bounty during the match grants you instant or post-game rewards, such as:

Coins (ranging from 500–3,000 depending on difficulty).

Ultimate Team packs (small packs or reward bundles).

Rivals Stage Skips (letting you bypass progression blocks or fatigue losses).

Consumables (contract extensions, position modifiers, fitness items).

XP boosts toward Seasonal or Objectives rewards.

These mini-challenges are designed to make every game worth playing, even if you're outmatched or experimenting with a new lineup.

2. How to Trigger Bounties

While Bounties appear random, there's some hidden logic behind when and how they activate. Understanding these triggers helps increase your odds of getting more frequent challenges.

A. Match-Based Probability

Bounties have a set chance to appear at the start or mid-point of a match. The chance increases if:

You've played several matches without one triggering.

Your skill rating in Rivals hasn't increased recently.

You're playing non-competitive modes (like Squad Battles or Friendlies).

B. Performance-Weighted Activation

Some Bounties trigger as "comeback opportunities" — meaning the system detects when a match has tilted too far one way.

Losing by 2+ goals? You might get a Bounty encouraging you to score from outside the box or complete five tackles to earn FC 26 coins.

Winning too easily? The system might push you to score with defenders or avoid conceding to add an extra challenge.

C. Mode-Specific Chances

Ultimate Team Rivals: Highest Bounty frequency; Bounties are tied to matchmaking difficulty and division tier.

Squad Battles: Bounties are more objective-based (e.g., "Win by 3 goals or more").

Friendlies: Casual Bounties often give XP or pack bonuses.

In short: you can't force a Bounty, but consistent play, variety in modes, and mixed performance all increase their appearance rate.

3. Types of Bounties and What They Reward

Not all Bounties are equal — some test your skill, others reward creativity or consistency. Knowing the types helps you prioritize which ones to pursue during matches.

A. Skill-Based Bounties

These focus on specific gameplay actions that test player precision and timing. Examples include:

"Score a goal using a finesse shot."

"Make three successful through balls leading to shots."

"Win a tackle in your opponent's half."

Rewards: Usually coins or small XP boosts.

Tips: These are best completed with technically skilled players — think midfielders with high passing and composure stats or attackers with solid finishing traits.

B. Positional Bounties

These challenges test your ability to use your entire squad effectively:

"Score a goal with a defender."

"Assist with a goalkeeper throw."

"Get 3 successful headers with midfielders."

Rewards: Often include coin bonuses or Rivals stage skips.

Tips: Use set pieces smartly — defenders can score off corners or free kicks. Keep midfielders active in attacks to unlock these easily.

C. Match Flow Bounties

These tasks depend on your control over the match's tempo and tactics:

"Maintain 65% possession for 15 minutes."

"Concede no corners in the first half."

"Complete 50 passes without losing the ball."

Rewards: Packs or XP bonuses.

Tips: Use possession-heavy tactics — like Short Pass and Slow Build-Up — and prioritize safe play. Winning these Bounties also helps you refine your tactical control.

D. Event Bounties

During seasonal events or promos, special Bounties appear tied to the theme. For example, during a FUT Birthday or Road to the Knockouts event, you might see:

"Score using a special promo card."

"Win a match featuring at least 3 players from your favorite club."

Rewards: Limited-time packs, event tokens, or special XP.

Tips: Keep your squad flexible so you can field players that fit event-based Bounty requirements.

4. How to Efficiently Complete Bounties Mid-Match

When a Bounty triggers, your focus shifts — but you don't want to throw the game trying to complete it. Here's how to balance both.

A. Adjusting Tactics Quickly

Use the in-game Dynamic Tactics menu to adapt instantly. For example:

If your Bounty requires possession, switch to a 4-3-3 with slow build-up.

For defensive Bounties, tighten your lines using "Drop Back" and manual jockeying.

For goal-based tasks, activate "Constant Pressure" and bring on pacey forwards.

Knowing how to adjust your tactics mid-match is key to completing Bounties without losing your rhythm.

B. Prioritize High-Percentage Actions

Some Bounties only require you to perform an action a few times — focus on those with low risk and high reliability.

For example:

For "Score two goals with a midfielder," push an attacking CM forward during transitions.

For "Win 5 tackles," use players with high defensive awareness like Rodri or Rice.

Completing simple tasks first keeps your focus sharp.

C. Use Player Traits and Chemistry

Build squads that naturally fit common Bounty requirements. Players with Finesse Shot, Power Header, or Long Pass traits excel at triggering Bounty completions organically.

Chemistry Styles like Engine, Powerhouse, or Artist can also enhance success rates for specific Bounty goals.

5. Reward Structure and Scaling

One of the best features of FC 26 Bounties is their scaling reward system. The harder the Bounty, the more valuable the prize.

Basic Bounties: (e.g., complete 10 passes) reward ~500 coins or small XP boosts.

Intermediate Bounties: (e.g., score a hat-trick with the same player) grant coin bundles, small packs, or Rivals progress.

Advanced Bounties: (e.g., win a match after trailing by 2+ goals) offer premium rewards like 3,000+ coins, rare gold packs, or division skip tokens.

The Rivals Stage Skip reward is particularly powerful. If you're stuck at a certain skill tier or fatigue penalty level, completing these Bounties allows you to bypass a full Rivals stage instantly — saving hours of grinding.

6. Using Bounties to Progress in Rivals and Ultimate Team

Even when you're losing, Bounties ensure every game feels rewarding. Here's how to use them strategically in different modes:

A. Rivals Mode

Focus on Objective Over Outcome: If a match feels unwinnable, pivot to completing the active Bounty for guaranteed progress.

Skill Plateau Strategy: When Rivals matchmaking gets sweaty, deliberately play a few easier matches in lower divisions to trigger more frequent Bounties — then farm the rewards to boost your squad.

Stack Rewards: Some Bounties overlap with Rivals objectives (e.g., "Score with a midfielder" might also count toward seasonal goals).

B. Squad Battles

Offline play makes it easier to manipulate outcomes. You can deliberately:

Lower AI difficulty slightly for easier Bounty completion.

Focus on creative or positional tasks.

Farm consumables and coins safely.

Bounties here refresh more consistently, making Squad Battles one of the best places to grind low-stress rewards.

C. Friendlies and Co-Op Play

In casual or co-op modes, Bounties focus on teamwork and fun — like "Assist with a co-op partner" or "Win with all players touching the ball in a build-up." These are excellent for testing chemistry setups or grinding XP in a relaxed setting.

7. Advanced Tips and Tricks for Bounty Optimization

Track Common Patterns: Keep note of which Bounties you encounter most often. Some repeat weekly — build your squad around the recurring types.

Combine Objectives: Pair Bounties with Seasonal Challenges or Milestones (e.g., scoring headers while chasing both objectives).

Time Management: Some Bounties require completion within a half — play aggressively early, then secure results later.

Exploit Squad Rotation: Having versatile players (like João Cancelo or Bellingham) who can play multiple roles makes it easier to adapt to different Bounty goals.

Reward Stacking: If you complete multiple Bounties in a week, the final one of that cycle sometimes grants a bonus reward — typically an Ultimate Pack or Jumbo Premium Gold Pack.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forcing Bounties Too Early: Don't overcommit in the first minutes trying to fulfill the objective — losing possession or shape can cost you the match.

Ignoring Player Roles: Trying to score with a center-back who has 30 finishing is rarely worth the effort; pick achievable Bounties.

Neglecting Difficulty Balance: In Squad Battles, playing too high a difficulty can prevent completion of technical challenges (like 80% pass accuracy).

Not Wearing Your Squad Badge: Some themed Bounties require your club or nation badge to qualify for special event bonuses.

EA FC 26's Bounties system is one of the most underrated quality-of-life additions in the series' history. It gives every match — win or lose — a sense of purpose. Whether you're grinding in Rivals, testing new players in Squad Battles, or playing casually with friends, Bounties keep your sessions fresh and rewarding.

By mastering how to identify, prioritize, and complete them efficiently, you'll earn more FC 26 coins, packs, and progression boosts without burning out. For players stuck at a skill plateau, Bounties also provide a lifeline — ensuring your time spent on the pitch always leads to improvement and tangible rewards.

So next time a match starts slipping away, don't rage quit — chase the Bounty. That last-minute finesse shot or defensive clearance might not just save your pride… it could unlock your next Ultimate Team breakthrough.

MMOexp FC 26 Team