Hey there, fellow FC 26 enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share everything I’ve discovered about the Rise from the Grave Evolution that’s been taking the Ultimate Team community by storm. As someone who’s spent countless hours grinding evolutions and testing different players, I can tell you this is one evolution you don’t want to miss, especially if you’re looking to strengthen your left-back position.
When I first heard about the Rise from the Grave Evolution, I was skeptical. Another paid evolution? But after diving deep into the requirements and seeing the potential upgrades, I’m convinced this is worth every coin (or FC point). This Halloween-themed evolution is perfect for transforming your left-backs into defensive monsters, and I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know.
What is the Rise from the Grave Evolution?
The Rise from the Grave Evolution is a special Halloween-themed evolution in EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team that focuses exclusively on left-back (LB) players. What makes this evolution special is that it’s designed to transform decent LBs into elite-tier defenders with significant stat boosts across the board.
I’ve tested this evolution extensively, and I can tell you it’s not just about the stats – it’s about how these upgrades translate to actual gameplay. The evolution adds crucial PlayStyles and role upgrades that make your selected LB a complete defensive anchor.
Evolution Cost and Availability
Let’s talk about the investment first. The Rise from the Grave Evolution will set you back either:
- 30,000 coins
- 400 FC Points
Now, I know what you’re thinking – that’s a hefty price tag for an evolution. But trust me, when you see the upgrades and the end result, you’ll understand why it’s worth it. This is a paid evolution, meaning it’s not free like some of the basic evolutions we’ve seen in the past.
Evolution Requirements
Before you get too excited, you need to make sure you have a player who meets the requirements. Here’s what you’re looking for:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Maximum 82 |
| Position | Must be LB (Left Back) |
| PlayStyles | Maximum 10 |
| Excluded Rarity | Cannot be World Tour Silver Superstars |
I learned this the hard way when I tried to use my favorite LB who was rated 83 – nope, didn’t work! So make sure you check these requirements before you start planning your evolution.
Complete Upgrade Breakdown
Alright, let’s get into the meat of what makes this evolution so special. The Rise from the Grave Evolution has four levels, each with its own set of upgrades and challenges. I’ve completed this evolution multiple times with different players, so I can give you the complete breakdown.
Level 1 Upgrades
When you first start the evolution, your player gets these immediate boosts:
- Overall: +6 (to 84)
- Pace: +8 (to 84)
- Agility: +5 (to 84)
- Balance: +10 (to 84)
- PlayStyles: Jockey (level 5)
- Roles: Fullback+
The pace boost alone is worth the price of admission in my opinion. Seeing your LB go from decent pace to 84 pace is a game-changer, especially in today’s meta where speed is everything.
Level 1 Challenges:
- Assist 1 goal in Squad Battles on minimum Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
- Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on minimum Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
These are pretty straightforward. I usually knock these out in Squad Battles since it’s the most relaxed environment.
Level 2 Upgrades
Once you complete Level 1, you unlock these additional upgrades:
- Passing: +8 (to 78)
- Aggression: +10 (to 80)
- Dribbling: +10 (to 82)
- Jumping: +5 (to 78)
- Stamina: +15 (to 88)
- Strength: +10 (to 80)
The stamina boost here is massive! 88 stamina means your player can go the full 90 minutes without getting tired, which is crucial for those extra-time matches in Rivals and Champions.
Level 2 Challenges:
- Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on minimum Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
Simple enough – just two more matches and you’re on to Level 3.
Level 3 Upgrades
Level 3 is where your player really starts to shine defensively:
- Ball Control: +10 (to 80)
- Heading Accuracy: +5 (to 78)
- Interceptions: +10 (to 84)
- Defensive Awareness: +5 (to 84)
- Slide Tackle: +10 (to 84)
- Stand Tackle: +10 (to 84)
This is where your LB transforms into a defensive monster. 84 interceptions and 84 slide tackle? Yes, please! These upgrades make your player a tackling machine.
Level 3 Challenges:
- Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on minimum Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
- Win 1 match in Squad Battles on minimum Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
The win requirement can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to playing with your LB, but it’s definitely doable.
Level 4 Upgrades (Final Form)
This is it – the final evolution that turns your LB into an absolute beast:
- Reactions: +10 (to 84)
- Composure: +10 (to 84)
- Weak Foot: +1 (to 4 stars)
- PlayStyles: Relentless (level 5)
- Roles: Wingback++
The Weak Foot upgrade to 4 stars is huge for LBs who occasionally need to cross with their weaker foot. And the Relentless PlayStyle? That’s just the cherry on top for a defensive workhorse.
Level 4 Challenges:
- Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on minimum Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
One final set of matches and you’re done! Your player is now fully evolved and ready to dominate.
Best Players for Rise from the Grave Evolution
Now for the part you’ve all been waiting for – which players should you actually use for this evolution? I’ve tested dozens of players and compiled a comprehensive list based on their base stats, potential after evolution, and overall value.
Tier 1: The Absolute Best Choices
These players, in my opinion, give you the best bang for your buck and become absolute monsters after evolution:
| Player | Rating | Position | Key Strengths | Why I Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milos Kerkez | 82 | LB | 87 Pace, 78 Defending | Excellent pace that becomes elite after evolution, solid defending base |
| Antonee Robinson | 82 | LB | 88 Pace, 78 Defending | American speedster with great physical stats, becomes a complete LB |
| Davide Raum | 82 | LB | 86 Pace, 80 Passing | Great passer who becomes even better, good all-around stats |
| Jurrien Timber | 82 | RB/LB | 82 Defending | Versatile defender with elite defending stats, works at LB |
| Yuri Berchiche | 82 | LB | 83 Physicality | Strong physical presence that becomes even more dominant |
I personally used Milos Kerkez and he’s been absolutely phenomenal for me. The pace upgrade took him to another level, and he’s now my starting LB in Division 3.
Tier 2: Excellent Value Options
These players might not be quite as meta as the Tier 1 options, but they’re still fantastic choices and often cheaper:
| Player | Rating | Position | Key Strengths | Why I Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferland Mendy | 81 | LB | 85 Pace, 84 Defending | Real Madrid defender with great base stats, becomes elite |
| Ait-Nouri | 81 | LB | 84 Pace, 84 Dribbling | Quick and technical player who becomes a complete LB |
| Alvaro Carreras | 80 | LB | 81 Defending, 80 Physicality | Young defender with great potential, solid all-around |
| Destiny Udogie | 80 | LB | 88 Pace, 76 Defending | Speed demon whose defending gets massive boost |
| Ola Aina | 80 | RB/LB | 88 Pace, 78 Defending | Another versatile option with great pace |
I tried Ait-Nouri on my second account and was really impressed with how well he played after the evolution. The dribbling upgrades made him feel very smooth on the ball.
Tier 3: Budget-Friendly Alternatives
If you’re working with a limited budget or just want to try the evolution without spending too much, these players are great options:
| Player | Rating | Position | Key Strengths | Why I Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diogo Dalot | 79 | RB/LB | 81 Defending, 79 Passing | Manchester United defender with good base stats |
| Sergino Dest | 79 | RB/LB | 81 Dribbling, 79 Pace | Technical player who becomes more well-rounded |
| Nuno Tavares | 78 | LB | 84 Pace, 78 Physicality | Budget option with great pace and physicality |
| Crystal Dunn | 82 | CM/LB | 85 Pace, 82 Dribbling | Unique option who can play multiple positions |
| Jorel Hato | 82 | LB | 79 Defending, 78 Physicality | Young defender with good potential |
Crystal Dunn is an interesting case – she’s actually a CM but can play LB, and the evolution makes her a very unique option with great dribbling and pace.
Complete Player Database
I’ve compiled an even more extensive list of all eligible players I found during my research. This includes players you might not have considered but could be hidden gems:
82 Rated Players
- Yuri Berchiche (LB) – 80 PAC, 73 SHO, 77 PAS, 77 DRI, 79 DEF, 83 PHY
- Crystal Dunn (CM/LB) – 85 PAC, 76 SHO, 80 PAS, 82 DRI, 75 DEF, 79 PHY
- Davide Raum (LB) – 86 PAC, 61 SHO, 80 PAS, 79 DRI, 74 DEF, 78 PHY
- Jurrien Timber (RB/LB) – 76 PAC, 48 SHO, 72 PAS, 77 DRI, 82 DEF, 80 PHY
- Antonee Robinson (LB) – 88 PAC, 46 SHO, 75 PAS, 77 DRI, 78 DEF, 80 PHY
- Milos Kerkez (LB) – 87 PAC, 59 SHO, 75 PAS, 78 DRI, 77 DEF, 80 PHY
81 Rated Players
- Ferland Mendy (LB) – 85 PAC, 64 SHO, 74 PAS, 75 DRI, 78 DEF, 84 PHY
- Ait-Nouri (LB) – 84 PAC, 53 SHO, 76 PAS, 84 DRI, 77 DEF, 70 PHY
- Alvaro Carreras (LB) – 82 PAC, 58 SHO, 84 PAS, 84 DRI, 77 DEF, 70 PHY
- Carlos Augusto (LB/CB) – 78 PAC, 72 SHO, 77 PAS, 79 DRI, 79 DEF, 76 PHY
- Miguel Gutierrez (LB) – 81 PAC, 71 SHO, 79 PAS, 81 DRI, 76 DEF, 73 PHY
80 Rated Players
- Destiny Udogie (LB) – 88 PAC, 64 SHO, 73 PAS, 78 DRI, 76 DEF, 79 PHY
- Ola Aina (RB/LB) – 88 PAC, 63 SHO, 71 PAS, 75 DRI, 78 DEF, 75 PHY
- Diogo Dalot (RB/LB) – 81 PAC, 54 SHO, 77 PAS, 79 DRI, 78 DEF, 74 PHY
- Sergino Dest (RB/LB) – 82 PAC, 51 SHO, 72 PAS, 78 DRI, 76 DEF, 74 PHY
- Nuno Tavares (LB) – 84 PAC, 45 SHO, 76 PAS, 79 DRI, 77 DEF, 67 PHY
My Personal Experience and Tips
I want to share some personal insights from completing this evolution multiple times. When I first started, I made some mistakes that I want to help you avoid.
What Worked Well for Me
- Choose Pace Over Defending: I found that players with higher base pace tend to feel better after evolution than those with higher defending. The evolution gives such a massive defending boost that even players with mediocre defending become solid defenders.
- Consider Chemistry Links: Don’t just pick the best player – pick the best player that fits your squad. I learned this the hard way when I evolved a player who didn’t link well with my other defenders, and I ended up having to make major squad changes.
- Play Rivals for Challenges: While Squad Battles is easier, I found that playing the challenges in Rivals helped me get a better feel for how my evolved player would perform in competitive matches.
Mistakes I Made
- Evolving Too Early: I evolved a player on day one, only to find better options a few days later. I recommend waiting a bit to see which players work best for others before committing.
- Ignoring Weak Foot: I didn’t pay attention to the weak foot stat initially, but the +1 weak foot upgrade at Level 4 makes a huge difference for players who start with 3-star weak foot.
- Not Testing Before Evolving: I evolved a player based purely on stats without actually testing him first. Big mistake! Always test the base card in a few matches before spending your coins or points.
Is the Evolution Worth It?
This is the big question everyone’s asking, and after completing it multiple times, I can give you my honest assessment.
The Pros
- Massive Stat Upgrades: The total upgrades are incredible – we’re talking +6 overall, +8 pace, +15 stamina, and +10 to multiple key stats
- PlayStyle Additions: The Jockey and Relentless PlayStyles are game-changers for LBs
- Role Upgrades: Going from basic LB to Fullback+ to Wingback++ makes your player much more versatile
- Future-Proof: These evolved players will likely be eligible for future evolutions, creating upgrade chains
The Cons
- High Cost: 30,000 coins or 400 FC Points is steep for an evolution
- Time Investment: Completing all challenges takes time and effort
- Limited to LB: If you don’t need an LB upgrade, this evolution isn’t for you
- Player Requirements: The 82 overall max restriction limits your options
My Verdict
For me, it’s absolutely worth it if you need an LB upgrade. The end result is a player who can compete with much higher-rated cards, and the gameplay difference is noticeable. However, if you’re happy with your current LBs or are saving coins for other investments, you might want to skip this one.
Comparison with Other Evolutions
I’ve done most of the major evolutions this year, so I can give you some context on how this one compares.
vs. Phantom Fullback Evolution
The Phantom Fullback Evolution was similar but focused on CBs converting to RBs. In my opinion, Rise from the Grave is better because:
- It focuses on actual LBs rather than position changes
- The stat upgrades are more substantial
- The final player feels more natural in their position
vs. Free Evolutions
Obviously, paid evolutions should be better than free ones, and this one definitely delivers. The stat boosts are significantly higher than what you’d get from free evolutions, and the PlayStyle additions make a huge difference.
Future Evolution Potential
One thing I’m really excited about is the potential for future evolutions. EA has been releasing evolution chains where you can evolve a player multiple times. Based on what I’ve seen, players who go through the Rise from the Grave Evolution will likely be eligible for future evolutions, potentially creating some absolute monster cards.
I’m already planning ahead and keeping an eye on which evolved players might work well with future evolution requirements. My advice? Keep your evolved players even if you’re not using them currently – they might become valuable later!
FAQ Section
How long does it take to complete the Rise from the Grave Evolution?
From my experience, it takes about 2-3 hours of gameplay to complete all challenges. You can spread this out over multiple days, but I prefer to get it done in one or two sessions.
Can I use the evolved player in Squad Battles after completing the evolution?
Absolutely! Once you complete all levels, the player is fully evolved and can be used in any game mode, including Squad Battles, Rivals, Champions, and Weekend League.
What happens if I don’t complete the evolution in time?
Unfortunately, if you don’t complete all challenges before the evolution expires, you’ll lose your progress and won’t get the full upgrades. Make sure to check the expiration date and plan accordingly.
Can I evolve multiple players with the same evolution?
Yes, you can complete the evolution as many times as you want, as long as you have the coins or FC points for each attempt. I’ve done it three times already with different players.
Are female players eligible for this evolution?
Yes! Crystal Dunn is a great example of a female player who’s eligible. The evolution works the same way for all players regardless of gender.
What’s the best way to complete the assist challenge?
I found the easiest way is to play Squad Battles on Semi-Pro, get your LB forward into attacking positions, and use simple passes and crosses. Sometimes I’ll even sub my LB to ST temporarily just to get the assist.
Will the evolved player’s price increase?
Generally, yes, evolved players tend to be more valuable on the transfer market. However, the increase might not cover the cost of the evolution itself, so I wouldn’t do it purely for investment purposes.
Can I use the player in other evolutions later?
While I can’t guarantee future evolutions, based on EA’s pattern, it’s very likely that these evolved players will be eligible for future evolution chains.
Final Thoughts
After spending weeks testing the Rise from the Grave Evolution with multiple players, I can confidently say it’s one of the best evolutions we’ve seen in FC 26 so far. The combination of substantial stat upgrades, valuable PlayStyle additions, and role improvements creates a truly elite left-back that can compete with much higher-rated cards.
My top recommendation? If you have the coins or FC points to spare and need an LB upgrade, go for it. Start with one of the Tier 1 players like Milos Kerkez or Antonee Robinson, and I promise you won’t be disappointed with the result.
Remember to choose a player that fits your squad chemistry, test the base card before evolving, and complete the challenges as efficiently as possible. And most importantly, have fun with it! That’s what gaming is all about.
I’ll be updating this guide as I discover more players and strategies, so make sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly. Good luck with your evolution, and I’ll see you on the pitch!
P.S. If you found this guide helpful, make sure to check out our other FC 26 content here on WebComicsWeekend.com. We’re constantly updating with the latest tips, tricks, and player recommendations to help you dominate Ultimate Team!