In EA SPORTS FC 25, Live Friendlies in Ultimate Team™ are evolving to provide a better experience for players looking to experiment with new squads, try out Evolutions (Evo) players, and complete objectives in a more casual environment. The latest updates aim to make Live Friendlies a more enjoyable and competitive space by introducing form-based matchmaking, separating it from Rivals matchmaking.
Live Friendlies have always been a space in Ultimate Team™ where players can explore the game with a little more freedom than competitive modes. Whether you’re testing new formations, experimenting with newly evolved players, or simply trying to complete Objectives, Live Friendlies offer a more relaxed environment. However, that doesn’t mean it lacks competition.
The developers of FC 25 want Live Friendlies to strike a balance: giving players a way to try out different squads while still maintaining a level of challenge by ensuring matches are engaging and competitive. To achieve this, significant changes are being made to how matchmaking works within this mode.
One of the most important updates in FC 25 is the decoupling of Live Friendlies from Rivals matchmaking. Previously, matchmaking in Live Friendlies was tied to a player’s Rivals rating, meaning if you were ranked highly in Rivals, you could be matched against similarly skilled players in Friendlies, regardless of how competitive or experimental your squad was in that particular Friendly.
This system limited the fun and experimental aspect of Live Friendlies because it didn’t account for the fact that many players enter Friendlies with non-optimized teams. The new form-based matchmaking system, however, will change that.
In FC 25, Live Friendlies will now use a form-based matchmaking system. This system takes into account your wins and losses across all Live Friendlies, excluding House Rules matches. Here’s what that means:
Form-Based System: Similar to the system used in Champions, form-based matchmaking looks at your recent performance. Rather than matching you solely based on your overall skill or division, it matches you with players who have a similar record in Live Friendlies. Whether you’ve been on a winning streak or you’ve lost a few games, you’ll be paired against opponents who are on a similar run.
Improved Balance: By matching players based on form, you’ll have a much better chance of facing opponents that are currently on the same level of performance as you. This creates more balanced and enjoyable matches, particularly for those who are experimenting with new players or lineups.
Separate from Rivals: Since this matchmaking system is entirely decoupled from Rivals, your performance in the highly competitive Rivals mode won’t impact who you’re matched with in Live Friendlies. This means you can take a break from the pressure of Rivals while still facing opponents who present a fair challenge based on your recent form in Friendlies.
One thing to note is that House Rules matches will not affect your form-based matchmaking. House Rules, a more casual and fun-oriented mode with unique gameplay conditions, remains distinct from the rest of Live Friendlies. The form-based matchmaking system only tracks your wins and losses across standard Live Friendlies, giving you the freedom to enjoy House Rules without it impacting your future matchups.
Freedom to Experiment: Players now have the space to experiment with new tactics, Evolutions players, and different squad configurations without being at a disadvantage against highly competitive opponents from Rivals.
Fairer Competition: The form-based system levels the playing field, ensuring that even if you’ve been on a losing streak, you’ll be matched with players in a similar situation, making the mode more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Better for Objectives: Completing Objectives in Live Friendlies is a core part of Ultimate Team™, and with form-based matchmaking, you’ll find it easier to complete these tasks without running into players who are far more skilled or have significantly stronger squads.
Decoupling from Rivals: By separating Live Friendlies from Rivals matchmaking, FC 25 allows players to switch between competitive and casual modes more easily, making it simpler to transition between intense competition and more laid-back matches.
The introduction of form-based matchmaking in Live Friendlies is a response to the feedback from the Ultimate Team™ community. Players have often expressed frustration with being matched against highly skilled opponents in what is supposed to be a more relaxed and experimental mode. By decoupling Live Friendlies from Rivals and introducing this new system, FC 25 is delivering on its promise to make Friendlies more accessible, enjoyable, and fair for players at all skill levels.
For those players who are focused on developing Evo players or experimenting with chemistry and tactics, this new matchmaking system ensures that they can do so in an environment that doesn’t punish them with overly tough matchups. Similarly, for players who may be working through objectives or milestones, this more balanced approach offers an opportunity to progress without feeling overwhelmed by mismatched opponents.
The changes to Live Friendlies in FC 25 represent a major step forward in creating a more player-friendly experience within Ultimate Team™. With form-based matchmaking, players can now enjoy a competitive yet balanced environment where experimentation and fun take center stage. By decoupling this mode from the intensity of Rivals, FC 25 ensures that players can explore different strategies, develop new players, and complete objectives against opponents of a similar level, making Live Friendlies the perfect space to enjoy football without the high-stakes pressure of other modes.
As FC 25 evolves, this change will likely become one of the most appreciated features by casual and competitive players alike. Now, every Friendly match can be a true test of form, strategy, and adaptability—ensuring that every game remains both challenging and fun.