EA Sports has introduced the FC 26 Born to Shine Evolution in Ultimate Team, giving players an exciting opportunity to transform their strikers into more complete and competitive attackers. This new Evolution fits perfectly into the current Ratings Reload Team 2 promo, which focuses on enhancing players who fans believe deserve stronger overall ratings.

The Born to Shine Evolution is a paid EVO, requiring either 25,000 FC 26 Coins or 400 FC Points to unlock. While it isn't free, the boosts on offer are substantial enough to make this investment worthwhile—especially if you choose the right striker to evolve.

What Is the FC 26 Born to Shine Evolution

Evolutions are one of the most exciting features introduced in the EA FC series. They allow you to take specific players and improve their attributes, skills, and even PlayStyles through a series of objectives. The Born to Shine Evolution focuses on upgrading low-rated strikers and turning them into well-rounded attackers capable of competing against elite FC 26 Players.

This Evolution marks the first one released during the Ratings Reload Team 2 event. With the promo centered on giving justified upgrades to underappreciated talents, the Born to Shine EVO fits seamlessly into the theme. For players who don't have enough FC 26 Coins to buy top-rated forwards like Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappé, this Evolution provides a cost-effective alternative to build a high-performing striker.

Requirements for the Born to Shine Evolution

Before diving into the challenges, you'll need to make sure your chosen player meets the eligibility criteria. EA Sports sets specific restrictions for every Evolution to maintain balance in Ultimate Team.

To qualify for the FC 26 Born to Shine Evolution, your player must:

Be a striker (ST) position player

Have a maximum overall rating within the allowed limit for the EVO (typically a lower-tier player)

Fit within the attribute caps outlined in each level's upgrade structure

Once you select an eligible player, they will become your active EVO player, meaning all progress will be tied to them as you complete the in-game challenges.

All Levels and Upgrades in Born to Shine Evolution

Like many recent Evolutions, Born to Shine is divided into four levels, each granting progressively better attribute boosts and PlayStyle additions. Below is a detailed breakdown of what each level provides.

Level 1 Upgrades:

Low Driven Shot PlayStyle

Pace +10 (Max 85)

Finishing +20 (Max 85)

Passing +5 (Max 77)

Stamina +20 (Max 82)

Level 1 immediately makes a big difference, particularly for attackers who rely on quick bursts of speed and precise finishing inside the box. The Low Driven Shot PlayStyle also adds consistency in front of goal, making your striker far more reliable.

Level 2 Upgrades:

Skill Moves +1 Star (Max 4-Star)

Balance +10 (Max 81)

Agility +15 (Max 82)

Shot Power +20 (Max 85)

Reactions +10 (Max 82)

Positioning +20 (Max 84)

At this stage, your evolved striker starts to feel smoother and more responsive. The added agility and balance help tremendously in tight dribbling situations, while the Shot Power and Positioning boosts enhance finishing efficiency against top defenders.

Level 3 Upgrades:

Strength +5 (Max 80)

Jumping +10 (Max 78)

Long Shots +20 (Max 82)

Penalties +20 (Max 82)

Aggression +10 (Max 78)

Volleys +20 (Max 80)

Level 3 expands your striker's attacking versatility. The improvements to Long Shots, Volleys, and Penalties make them dangerous in various goal-scoring scenarios. Even though Strength and Aggression increases are modest, they add some physical presence up front.

Level 4 Upgrades:

Advanced Forward+ PlayStyle

Strength +5 (Max 80)

Ball Control +15 (Max 84)

Dribbling +10 (Max 85)

Composure +15 (Max 85)

First Touch PlayStyle

The final level gives your striker a massive finishing touch—literally. With Advanced Forward+ and First Touch PlayStyles, your player becomes a refined, clinical attacker who feels smooth and confident in front of goal. For FC 26 Players who specialize in fast, technical gameplay, this level is where the investment truly pays off.

All Challenges to Complete the Born to Shine EVO

Each level requires specific in-game objectives to be completed in Squad Battles, Rivals, Champions, or Rush modes. These are the challenges you'll need to complete:

Level 1 Challenge:

Play 3 matches in Squad Battles (minimum Semi-Pro difficulty) or Rivals/Champions/Rush using your active EVO player.

Level 2 Challenge:

Win 3 matches in the same modes using your active EVO player.

Level 3 Challenge:

Play 2 matches again with your EVO player on Semi-Pro or higher.

Level 4 Challenge:

Win 2 matches with your active EVO player to finalize all upgrades.

Overall, the challenges are straightforward and can be completed in just a few gaming sessions. Players who prefer offline gameplay will find Squad Battles the easiest route to success.

Final Thoughts

The FC 26 Born to Shine Evolution is one of the most rewarding paid Evolutions released so far in Ultimate Team. It offers an excellent balance between cost and reward, allowing players to spend their FC 26 Coins wisely while gaining a striker who can rival some of the game's elite attackers.

Whether you're new to Ultimate Team or a veteran building your dream squad, completing this Evolution ensures you stay competitive during the Ratings Reload promo. For any manager looking to create a team full of powerful and well-rounded FC 26 Players, the Born to Shine EVO is a perfect place to start.