EA Sports FC 25: Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade, Explained
EA Sports has always been known for adding fresh and exciting content to FIFA (now EA Sports FC), especially when it comes to Ultimate Team. One of the most anticipated features each year is the Icon program, which introduces legendary players from the history of football. In EA Sports FC 25, the addition of the Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade has got the community buzzing, as it offers players a chance to unlock some of the most revered football icons in the game.
But what exactly is the Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade, and how can you maximize its value in EA Sports FC 25? In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about this feature, how it works, what to expect, and whether it's worth your time and resources.
What Is the Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade?
The Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade is a special upgrade SBC (Squad Building Challenge) that allows players to obtain a Base Icon with a maximum rating of 90. In EAFC 25 Coins, Icons are special, legendary players from the past, each with different versions of their cards — including base, mid, and prime. The Base Icon refers to the earliest version of these icons, typically representing their earliest peak in their career, such as their first standout season or their best known moments.
In previous years, players could obtain Icon cards that range across several rating tiers, including Base, Mid, Prime, and sometimes Moment cards. The base card is usually the lowest-rated version of an Icon, though it still carries a massive amount of value due to the player's legacy, unique stats, and their special status in Ultimate Team.
The Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade essentially puts a cap on the potential rating of the Base Icon you'll receive. The pack you receive will guarantee that the Icon is at most 90 rated, meaning you won't end up with an Icon that exceeds this rating. This ensures that while you may get a legendary player, you won't be pulling a ridiculously high-rated card (for example, a 91-rated or higher Base Icon).
How Does the Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade Work?
1. SBC Requirements
Like most Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), the Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade requires you to complete specific squad requirements. These SBCs typically require players to submit a set number of players in exchange for a pack or a specific player item.
For the Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade, the requirements are likely to involve:
Team Rating: An overall rating requirement for the squad you submit. For example, you may need to submit a squad with an overall rating of 85, 87, or 88.
Specific Player Requirements: Certain SBCs may ask for you to include at least one Team of the Week (TOTW) player, or even an Icon from a previous SBC, in your squad.
Chemistry: Similar to other SBCs, the squad must meet the chemistry requirements to ensure the players link properly. This often means getting the right combination of players from the same league or nation.
You can expect EA Sports to release an SBC for this Icon Upgrade, and it will likely require a significant number of coins, FIFA points, or player trading to complete. If you're aiming to open this SBC with your coins, you'll want to make sure you're prepared to spend a substantial amount of in-game currency.
2. Guaranteed Rewards: Max. 90 Rated Base Icon
Once you complete the SBC, you will receive a Base Icon player card with a maximum rating of 90. This means that, while the card may be one of the most popular legends in football, it won't exceed the 90-rating threshold.
Icons are divided into different categories in the game:
Base Icons: The lowest-rated version, usually representing their early years.
Mid Icons: A slightly upgraded version, usually from their peak years.
Prime Icons: The highest-rated version, representing their most successful seasons.
Since the Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade only offers Base Icons, you will receive a player from the lower tier of their Icon cards, but with the added benefit of ensuring you don't get one that's rated above 90. Some of the most notable icons at or below this 90 rating include Ronaldo Nazário (his base card is rated 90), George Best (89), and Hernán Crespo (87).
3. What Are the Chances of Getting a Top Icon?
While you are guaranteed a Base Icon with a max rating of 90, there are still a number of variables that determine the value of the card you will receive. The Icon pool is filled with both highly sought-after legends and others who are not as useful in the meta or whose ratings may feel underwhelming in comparison.
Some of the more popular and valuable Base Icons in the 90 rating range include:
Ronaldo Nazário (90): A Brazilian icon known for his incredible dribbling, pace, and shooting stats, making him a solid forward option.
Alessandro Del Piero (90): The Italian forward and playmaker, renowned for his finesse shots and passing abilities.
Zinedine Zidane (90): Oneof the best midfielders of all time, with exceptional vision, passing, and dribbling.
However, there are also Base Icons below 90-rated that might not provide as much value to your team, such as:
Roberto Carlos (89): While he's an iconic left-back, his 89-rated Base card might be less useful compared to other available defenders.
Michael Owen (89): The English striker's pace might still be useful, but his other stats may feel underwhelming compared to more modern cards.
George Best (89): A legend on the wing, but not as versatile or valuable as some of the higher-tier cards in the game.
The value of these players will also depend on the current meta, which can shift throughout the season. Some icons might be more valuable when the meta favors their style of play, such as players with high dribbling or pace stats.
4. When Should You Complete the SBC?
Timing your Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade completion can greatly influence the reward you get from the SBC. Here are some factors to consider:
Promo Events: During special promotions like Team of the Year (TOTY) or Icon Swaps, there could be specific players in demand. For example, if EA is releasing new Prime Icon Moments or Icon SBCs, the chances of getting a highly coveted player might be lower than usual.
Market Fluctuations: Icon prices can fluctuate depending on supply and demand. If a particular Icon is currently in high demand, their value will spike, making it a good time to complete this SBC if you can get a high-demand Icon for relatively cheap.
FUT Birthday: Icon upgrades are sometimes more rewarding during events like FUT Birthday, which may boost the chances of getting more valuable or meta-relevant Icons.
5. Is It Worth It?
The Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade can be a fun way to add an Icon to your team without spending tons of FIFA points on packs. However, whether it is worth it depends on several factors:
Your Budget: If you have the coins or players to spare, this SBC can be a good opportunity to try your luck with a legendary player, especially early in the game cycle when base Icons are still relatively expensive.
Your Team Needs: If you need a new player for a specific position and there's an Icon who fits your squad, this could be a solid investment.
Risk vs. Reward: The odds of getting a high-rated or meta-relevant Icon are always a gamble. You could end up with a high-tier player who improves your squad, or you could end up with an Icon that doesn't fit your team or isn't as valuable in the current meta.
Conclusion
The Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade in cheap FC Coins is an exciting and highly anticipated SBC that offers a unique chance to obtain one of football's legendary figures. While it guarantees a Base Icon player with a maximum rating of 90, the real question is whether it's worth your time and resources. As with any SBC in Ultimate Team, the potential rewards come with a level of risk, and your decision should depend on factors like your squad needs, current market trends, and overall budget.
For those with the resources to spare and the desire to add an Icon to their team, this upgrade could prove to be an excellent value, especially if you land a high-rated player like Ronaldo Nazário or Zinedine Zidane. On the other hand, if you're looking for a guaranteed way to acquire top-tier players, this SBC may not always be the most reliable route. Ultimately, the Max. 90 Rated Base Icon Upgrade adds an extra layer of excitement to the Icon experience in EA Sports FC 25 — and for many, that's reason enough to take the gamble