EA Sports has finally done it. With the release of the Max 87 Rated Evolution-Inside Edge, EA FC 26 officially takes its first meaningful step toward loosening the power curve. After weeks of conservative upgrades and tight restrictions, this evolution feels like a statement: evolutions are no longer just filler content-they're becoming legitimate endgame tools FC 26 Coins.
Priced at 75,000 coins or 500 FC Points, this paid evolution isn't cheap, but the sheer quality of boosts, playstyles, and flexibility make it one of the most impactful EVOs we've seen all year. More importantly, it hints at where EA wants evolutions to go as we move deeper into Team of the Year and toward the next season.
Let's break down why this evolution matters, what it offers, and which players benefit the most.
What the Inside Edge Evolution Offers
At its core, this evolution targets right-wingers, with boosts heavily focused on pace, shooting, and dribbling, plus smaller improvements to passing. The headline stat is obvious: up to 93 pace, which instantly makes many previously "almost usable" cards feel explosive again.
But stats alone don't tell the full story.
This evolution introduces a massive shift in playstyle density. For the first time, EA allows a card to reach up to eight base PlayStyles, alongside one PlayStyle+, while still being capped at 87 overall (or 90 after upgrades, depending on the card path).
Key PlayStyle Additions:
 Low Driven Shot (PlayStyle+)
 Technical
 Game Changer
 Tiki Taka
 Incisive Pass
 Finesse Shot
 Base Tech upgrades
 Weak Foot boost up to 4★
 Skill Moves boosted to 5★
That combination is absurdly meta, especially for attacking wide players. Low Driven Shot alone makes this evolution elite, particularly for right-footed right-wingers cutting inside. Add Game Changer and Technical, and suddenly these players feel far more responsive and dangerous in tight spaces.
Why PlayStyles Matter More Than Ever
One thing EA FC 26 has made crystal clear is that PlayStyles are everything. Raw stats still matter, but PlayStyles define how a player actually feels in-game-how they move, how they shoot, and how consistent they are under pressure.
This evolution leans fully into that design philosophy. Even without multiple PlayStyle+ options (which many players hoped for during Team of the Year), the sheer number of base PlayStyles compensates heavily. Eight base PlayStyles on a single evolution is something we simply weren't seeing earlier in the cycle.
While it's disappointing that this evolution only includes one PlayStyle+, the overall package still pushes cards into elite-tier territory-especially when combined with five-star skills and high pace.
The Overall Rating Jump: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the most controversial aspects of this evolution is that many cards end up reaching 90 overall.
On one hand, that's exciting. For months, evolutions felt artificially capped, preventing creative builds from competing with promo cards. Seeing EA finally relax those limits feels refreshing.
On the other hand, pushing a card to 90 overall can lock it out of future evolutions, which means this EVO needs to be used carefully. It's no longer a casual upgrade-you're committing.
This is why patience matters. Some players may benefit from fine-tuning stats with earlier or free evolutions before finishing with Inside Edge as the final step.
Best Players to Use in the Inside Edge Evolution
The real magic of this evolution lies in player selection. Because the boosts are so aggressive, many cards-both old SBCs and live items-suddenly feel reborn.
Marcus Rashford (Ultimate Scream RW)
Rashford is arguably the most obvious choice. With 93 pace, 91 shooting, and elite dribbling, he becomes a nightmare on the right flank. While he doesn't gain Tiki Taka or Incisive Pass by default, smart EVO chaining beforehand can fix that. If you have this card, it's almost a no-brainer.
Phil Foden (SBC)
Foden shines as a central attacking option after this evolution. With 91 pace, 91 shooting, and 91 dribbling, he becomes an elite playmaker who feels smooth, agile, and lethal. His PlayStyle mix suits central CAM or attacking CM roles perfectly.
Jérémy Doku
This evolution turns Doku into a five-star skiller with explosive pace and improved end product. While he lacks a second PlayStyle+, his stats and PlayStyle density make him one of the most exciting dribblers available.
Julián Duranville
A fan-favorite for Road to Glory players, Duranville benefits massively here. The combination of finesse shot, five-star skills, and elite pace makes him incredibly fun-and very effective.Lionel Messi (Special Card)
Yes, Messi. This evolution produces a 91+ pace Messi with 90 shooting and 92 dribbling, which is honestly ridiculous. Only one PlayStyle+ holds him back, but the stat boosts alone make this one of the best-value uses of the EVO if you already own the card.
Desire Doué
One of the sleeper picks. With 94 dribbling, 91 pace, and 90 shooting, Doué becomes a versatile attacker capable of playing centrally or wide. Just be cautious if you're using a live card-future upgrades can sometimes remove PlayStyle+ bonuses.
Live Cards: Use With Caution
A recurring warning with this evolution is live cards. If a player receives an upgrade through real-life performances, it can sometimes override or remove PlayStyle+ effects from evolutions.
Players like Estêvão and other live items look incredible after Inside Edge, but it may be smarter to wait until their upgrades are finalized before committing. Timing matters more than ever.
Is the 75K Price Worth It?
At 75,000 coins, this is one of the most expensive evolutions EA has released recently. However, compared to SBCs or promo packs, the value is undeniably strong-especially if you're upgrading a player you already love or one central to your squad identity.
This evolution feels less like a luxury and more like an investment. Used correctly, it can save you hundreds of thousands of coins by turning an existing card into a top-tier attacker.
What This Evolution Means for EA FC 26
More than anything, the Inside Edge EVO signals a shift in EA's philosophy.
 Higher overall caps
 More base PlayStyles
 Stronger stat boosts
 Greater positional freedom
This feels like the beginning of a new evolution era-one where creativity is rewarded and older cards aren't instantly obsolete. While it's still frustrating that Team of the Year didn't introduce a two PlayStyle+ evolution, this is still a massive step forward.
Final Thoughts FC Coins
The Max 87 Inside Edge Evolution is easily one of the best evolutions EA FC 26 has delivered so far. It's not perfect-one PlayStyle+ still feels limiting-but the combination of pace, shooting, dribbling, and PlayStyle density makes it genuinely game-changing.
Whether you're upgrading Rashford, reviving an old SBC, or turning Messi into a speed demon, this evolution offers insane value if used wisely.​FC Coins​