What to know
- Five brand-new skill moves debut in FC 26: Explosive Stepover, Advanced Heel Flick, Drag to Chop, Elastico Variation, and Trickster Rainbow Flick.
- Each move has unique inputs and is rated from 3-star to 5-star, requiring players with appropriate skill ratings to use them effectively.
- Moves boost attacking options—learn them for dribbling, beating defenders, and surprise attacks.
- Use the Simplified Skill Moves setting for easier execution if new to skill move mechanics.
Mastering the latest skill moves in FC 26 transforms attacking possibilities and helps break through tough defenses. A mix of familiar controls and new techniques makes these tricks accessible to every player willing to practice, while the star rating system ensures only skilled players can pull off the flashiest moves.
Below is a breakdown of each new move, how to perform it (for PlayStation / Xbox), and ideas for when to use it effectively.
New skill moves available in FC 26
The game introduces five new skill moves to spice up matches, all with distinct animation and usage:
| Skill Move | Star Rating | Control Input (PlayStation) | Control Input (Xbox) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explosive Stepover | 3 | Hold L1 + rotate RS | Hold LB + rotate RS | Speed boost when exiting stepover |
| Advanced Heel Flick | 4 | Flick RS forward/back + LS | Flick RS forward/back + LS | Wrong-foot defenders, unpredictable turn |
| Drag to Chop | 4 | Hold L2 + roll RS 180° | Hold LT + roll RS 180° | Sharp direction change from standstill |
| Elastico Variation | 5 | Hold L2 + rotate RS | Hold LT + rotate RS | Rapid direction changes |
| Trickster Rainbow Flick | 5 | Flick RS back, forward | Flick RS back, forward | Flashy way to beat a defender |
How to perform new skill moves in FC 26
Here are the five new skills in FC 26 that you must check out:
Explosive Stepover
Gone is the predictable stepover boost from last year; in its place, this 3-star move delivers a burst of acceleration right at the outset. It mimics a feint into a sharp pivot, ideal for shaking markers in midfield or along the wing. Players with at least a 3-star skill rating pull it off seamlessly, but agility stats amplify its punch.
Step 1
Check your player's skill rating (needs 3 stars or higher).
Step 2
On PlayStation, hold L1 and rotate the right stick forward to the left or right.
Step 3
On Xbox, hold LB and rotate the right stick the same way.
Step 4
Push the left stick in your chosen exit direction for a speed burst.
Advanced Heel Flick
This 4-star gem adds a deceptive back-heel pass with a forward flick, perfect for wrong-footing fullbacks on the overlap. It shines in 1v1 duels, where the animation's subtlety buys precious seconds. Only 4-star or higher skillers can execute it, making it a staple for creative midfielders.
Step 1
Use a player with at least 4-star skills.
Step 2
Flick the right stick forward, then backward.
Step 3
Simultaneously push the left stick diagonally or forward for a swift exit in your desired direction.
Drag to Chop
This one's like a 3-star drag-back met a chopping pivot, condensing two actions into one for tight-area escapes. It's forgiving on inputs yet devastating against aggressive pressing, especially for wingers hugging the touchline. Accessible to most attackers, it rewards precise joystick flicks.
Step 1
Make sure the player is at a standstill.
Step 2
Hold L2 (PlayStation) or LT (Xbox).
Step 3
Roll the right stick 180 degrees from left-to-right or right-to-left.
Step 4
Release the stick when the animation completes for a sharp change of direction.
Elastico Variation
Building on the classic, this 5-star twist adds a ball-roll feint mid-animation, accelerating the exit for blistering direction changes. Reserved for top-tier skillers, it dominates 1v1s with its tightened speed, outpacing even the Reverse Elastico.
Step 1
Pick a 5-star skiller for best results.
Step 2
Hold L2 (PlayStation) or LT (Xbox).
Step 3
Rotate the right stick rapidly in the desired direction for speedy ball movement changes.
Trickster Rainbow Flick
This 4-star rainbow flick amps the height and arc, lobbing over outstretched legs with emphatic flair. It's riskier but unmatched for creating chaos behind lines, especially on counterattacks. Four-star minimum, but five-star users get the crispest execution.
Step 1
Use a player with a 5-star skill move rating.
Step 2
Flick the right stick backward then quickly forward to initiate the animation.
Step 3
Practice timing for best effect—the move is flashy and best used for style points and breaking defensive lines.
Taking new moves into matches
Adding these new moves to gameplay lets you vary attacks and beat opponents with surprise. High-skill players especially benefit with the Elastico Variation and Trickster Rainbow Flick, while the Explosive Stepover and Drag to Chop offer excellent tools even for mid-tier skilling. Switching on Simplified Skill Moves makes it easier for beginners to experiment without memorizing complex inputs.
When to pick each move during a match
- Use Explosive Stepover to force defenders to shuffle and then change direction.
- Try Advanced Heel Flick in tight corridors (near the box or wing).
- Deploy Drag To Chop when defender is directly ahead and expects a straight approach.
- Save Elastico Variation for moments when momentum and balance are right (i.e. full sprint).
- Use Trickster Rainbow as a surprise over-the-head flick to split defenders.
The new skill moves in FC 26 bring freshness to dribbling and attacking patterns. Some require higher star ratings, so selecting the right players matters. By practicing in controlled settings and chaining moves together, these tricks can become potent weapons in your arsenal.
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