Destructoid's guide covers the new Hard Yards Evolution in FC 26, which players can unlock by reaching level 8 on the free Season 10 pass. The evolution lets players apply significant endgame upgrades to a card of their choosing, provided it meets certain eligibility criteria, making it a useful tool for boosting Ultimate Team squads without spending extra resources.

Eligible cards must have a maximum overall rating of 97, no more than 10 PlayStyles and 4 PlayStyles+, and cannot be goalkeepers. The evolution offers two upgrade tiers, each unlocked simply by playing one match with the card, boosting stats such as pace, passing, defending and physicality, plus new PlayStyles like Bruiser, Jockey, Intercept, Pinged Pass and Quick Step. The guide recommends several specific cards well-suited to the evolution, including Lacroix (Conference League Winners), Toure (FUTTIES), Xhaka and de Jong (PTG), Pacho (Phenoms), Laporte (Summer Stars), Davies (PTG), Carragher (Prime Hero) and Pubill (TOTS), while noting that any eligible existing club card can also be used.