FC 26 is the sequel to the iconic football game series, where players must choose their club and lead them to divisional victories and numerous tournaments, including the Champions League and European competitions, as well as personal tournaments from EA Sports.

Several parameters influence your success in a duel, some of them physical, some abstract, but you still go through each one. Factors affecting success in matches:

• Performers
• Mood
• Understanding tactics and strategy

Performers

Players always start the game in EA SPORTS FC 26 with a weak squad and a basic set of 10 random players, with some luck, some not. You can always use the FC 26 coins to buy professional players to make your team stronger and replenish your supply of coins for more attempts for a more comfortable start.

Start with Bronze and Silver players

Bronze and Silver players are relatively good when you’re just starting, and you come across opponents with the same set of players, but in tournaments and higher divisions, you will come across strong players with good selection of performers, and they will be head and shoulders stronger, if not due to skills, then due to speed and accuracy of strikes for sure.

In order to win back the balls and generally prevent a situation where you are behind on goals, you should take care of your playing line-up of performers and strengthen them as soon as possible. Complete basic game tasks and earn coins, with which you will open sets with random players or buy specific performers from other players.

Don’t Rush for Gold and Cards

At the first stages, I do not advise chasing gold and special cards, because they are much more expensive, and for the amount of coins that you spend on a random special player, it will be enough for a basic silver composition, and it’s not a fact that you will come across a really valuable performer.

Invest in a good silver line-up that will take you to higher places in tournaments and gradually upgrade the performers one by one in one of the above ways – by buying in the transfer window, or by playing for luck.

If you are already in a falling behind situation, then exhale and move on to ball control and quick tackle tactics – this will require a reserve of strength from your players, but this way you can gradually shift the game to the enemy goal, which will add chances to win back the ball and with a repeat of the strategy, get out forward.

Mood

The mood in the spirit of everything is lost will not bring you victory; therefore, in this situation, control over the situation will help.

Exhale – a missed goal has already happened, and set yourself up for a cold-blooded fight. Make substitutions if necessary and take control of the game – it’s possible even against a very strong opponent if you do it right and follow simple rules.

Your movements must be precise, precise and make your opponent react to them. Step back from pressure, or kick the ball to the opposite flank – don’t be afraid to lose the ball, but don’t just give it away either. Playing football, and even more so virtual football, is a battle of character and mental forces; even with an inferior squad, you can win with a devastating score, and even more so, win back the balls.

Your main task is to control yourself and your actions, and infuriate your opponent, forcing you to make mistakes, fouls, and just make unnecessary mistakes. Football is a game of situations, and the more cold-blooded you are, the more and more often such moments will be in your favor.

Understanding tactics and strategy

Tactics and strategy play a key role in any match and allow you to control the course of the match and generally avoid most mistakes, simply by understanding what your players are doing and why.

Tactics

1. Attacking

Aggressive football with a lot of passing in the center of the field and, in general, the interaction between the players at all stages of the transfer of the game to the enemy’s goal. Bright representatives, for example, Barcelona at the time of Pep Guardiola. When the ball is lost, strong pressure is applied due to the number of players. Do not use tackles unless necessary – they very often lead to yellow cards, and within their gates to removal and penalties.

2. Defensive

Such a strategy holds back teams with strong performers and prevents them from shooting on goal, except for long-range shots, which are not effective in general. In an advantageous situation, the opposing team has control of the ball but cannot do anything offensively. The emphasis in this game is on the counterattack. A prime example is Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone.

Strategy

• 4-3-3 – classic
• 4-4-2 – aggression in the center of the field. 4 midfielders.
• 5-4-1 – defensive football. 5 defenders, 4 midfielders for counterattacks and control of the field, and one forward – the game leader and always ready to finish the counterattack with a goal.

Final Words

To increase your match-winning percentage in EA SPORTS FC 26, focus on building a strong silver squad early, mastering the gameplay, and applying smart tactics based on your opponent. Stay composed, adapt your strategy, and use every opportunity to outplay and outthink your rivals.

Key Takeaways

• Fortnite has over 700 emotes, but only a handful have become truly rare collectibles.
• Most rare emotes are gone due to copyright issues, limited-time events, or Epic Games vaulting them indefinitely.
• Spotting these emotes in 2025 is like finding a Fortnite OG flexing their legacy.

Introduction

There are over 700 Fortnite emotes and only 10 percent are used. This makes the rest 630 pretty rare. But here, we are talking about the rarest of all. Only the emotes used by the top 1% of people. 

10 Rarest Fortnite Emotes

Fresh

The Fresh emote takes its cue from Carlton’s iconic dance in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airm made its debut in Season 1 of Fortnite’s Item Shop. It was last seen in January 2018 before being taken down, probably due to copyright concerns. 

And we all loved busting it out to celebrate eliminations with a fun, nostalgic groove. Its rarity comes from Epic Games just one day deciding to pull it from circulation for good, meaning you can’t get your hands on it anymore. And plus, only the early players have it. It has turned into a badge of honor for OG Fortnite fans.

Tidy

The Tidy emote is inspired by Snoop Dogg’s iconic “Drop It Like It’s Hot” dance which made its debut back in April 2018. It was last seen in December 2018 before it was pulled due to copyright issues. It was basically a relaxed victory dance that happened after securing kills or wins. It had that cool, laid-back vibe. 

Its scarcity comes from Epic’s choice not to reintroduce it. This made Tidy one of the rarest and most memorable emotes.

Also Read: How Long Does it Take to Download Fortnite on PC

Rambunctious

It was released back in May 2018 in the Epic store. Rambunctious is a lively, high-energy dance that draws inspiration from Will Smith’s iconic moves in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It made its last appearance in the Item Shop in November 2018 and has since vanished indefinitely. 

It was fun to use it to comedic effect during downtime or to tease their opponents. Its rarity stems from ongoing legal battles over dance copyrights, which led Epic to pull it from circulation for good. 

On The Hook

The On the Hook emote made its epic debut back in June 2018 and was last seen in August 2019. It was basically a fishing-themed emote which became a favorite for trolling opponents, especially after taking them down. It playfully mimicked the act of “hooking” them in. 

Unlike some emotes that are restricted by copyright, its rarity comes from Epic not bringing it back for years, even with fans eagerly asking for its return. Its long absence has turned it into a coveted item, and many players think it might never come back, which only adds to its allure. Those lucky enough to have it are proudly showing a little piece of Fortnite history.

Hot Marat

The Hot Marat emote made its debut as a free promotional item back in December 2018, coinciding with the release of Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet. 

It was available for a limited time and was never put up for sale in the Item Shop. Players used it to show off its exclusivity, as it was part of a special crossover event. Its rarity stems from being free, time-limited, and exclusive to that event. Unfortunately, anyone who missed that brief opportunity will never be able to unlock it again.

Also Read: Why does Fortnite Keep Crashing? [7 Quick Fixes]

Kiss The Cup

Ahh, the legendary emote that was released back in July 2018 to mark the FIFA World Cup. Kiss the Cup allowed players to lift a shiny golden trophy and celebrate their hard-earned victories. This remote was only available for a limited time, directly linked to the event, and it hasn’t made a comeback since. Players showed off by winning matches, and famously flaunting their “champion” status. Its rarity stems from being exclusive to that one promotional period, if you missed out, well, that’s just too bad. Nowadays, spotting someone using Kiss the Cup is like finding a unicorn; it instantly shouts, “Yep, I’ve been around since the early days.” 

Rawr

The Rawr emote had players channeling their inner dinosaur with some hilarious clawing and stomping moves. Although it was a bit silly, it quickly became a go-to for taunting opponents and showcasing personality during matches. The last time we saw it was in November 2019, and for some mysterious reason, Epic just hasn’t brought it back since. Its rarity adds to its charm which makes it a fun little piece of Fortnite history. Anyone who pulls off the Rawr today will surely recognize the veteran stomping around the island for years! 

Flatfooted

Introduced back in 2019, Flatfooted was this super smooth breakdancing emote that brought style to the lobbies. It wasn’t linked to any promotion or legal issues, but for some reason, it just vanished from the Item Shop after early 2020. We loved busting it out to show off their rhythm and make a statement in matches. Its rarity isn’t due to any drama, it’s just Epic stashing it away in the vault and forgetting about it. And now it feels like running into an old friend who just dropped off the radar. 

Zany

The Zany emote made its debut back in May 2018. It’s bright, silly, and completely off-the-wall, which obviously made it a favorite for players looking to lighten the atmosphere or playfully mess with their opponents after a takedown. It last popped up in March 2019 and has been MIA ever since. It had a  vibrant appeal and eccentric moves, its scarcity seems almost deliberate, like Epic wants to keep it as a beloved cult classic. If you spot the Zany emote in a match today, consider yourself lucky; you’ve just uncovered a hidden treasure!

Also Read: Top 10 Fortnite Dropper Codes for Epic Challenges

Drum Major

Drum Major was a hilarious way to celebrate or just goof off with friends. The last time we saw it was in February 2019, and it hasn’t made a comeback since. What sets it apart is its sheer uniqueness, no other emote quite captures that wonderfully ridiculous vibe. Players who have it love to whip it out in lobbies to steal the spotlight, making Drum Major one of the flashiest rare emotes you’ll hardly ever come across these days. 

Conclusion

Now you know the rare but not forgotten emotes. Hopefully this tells you about what you lost overtime and how Fortnite became the topmost game in the industry.

Consider what comes to mind when you think of what makes a video game memorable, and it is not necessarily the graphics, the controls, or even the boss battles. Naturally, all that does count. Nevertheless, it is the moments that we can remember that are linked to the story. We recall the manner in which the plot develops, the decisions we make, and how we feel about them.

In-game storytelling is not just about keeping players entertained. It is about shaping the player’s psychology. Every narrative beat, dialogue choice, and plot twist can affect how players perceive the game. Let’s dive into how storytelling influences player psychology. So keep reading to learn how modern games are pushing the boundaries of emotional engagement.

Why Storytelling Matters in Games

At their core, interactive story games are unique experiences. They do not just tell a story. They let you live it. That is what makes game narratives uniquely powerful. When players are drawn into a story, they actively participate. This creates immersion. So, players feel like they are part of the world. The more invested players are in the story, the deeper their emotional connection to the game becomes.

The Psychology of Choice

The illusion of choice is one of the most interesting traits of in-game storytelling. Game programmers are aware of the fact that players enjoy having a sense of control. When the game contains choices, it exploits the sense of agency of a player.

• Branching narratives make players feel like co-authors of the story.
• Moral dilemmas force players to reflect on their own values. Do you save the village or chase the villain?
• Consequences create emotional weight. A choice that comes back to haunt you hours later reinforces the idea that your actions matter.

This creates a sense of ownership over the story. It is no longer the developer’s narrative. It is your story. That is a huge reason why players get so attached to certain games and characters.

Emotional Engagement

Good storytelling does not just entertain. It manipulates emotions. And games have a unique advantage. They mix narrative with interactivity.

• Empathy — Players step into a character’s shoes. They develop empathy not just for the protagonist but for side characters and even villains. 
• Suspense — Timed choices or quick-time events heighten stress and mirror real-world adrenaline. This makes players sweat over every decision.
• Catharsis — Emotional releases are stronger when you have worked toward them. 

These emotional highs and lows are not accidental. They are carefully crafted psychological experiences.

Player Archetypes and Storytelling Hooks

Not every player approaches a story the same way. Psychologists and game researchers often categorize players into archetypes. Storytelling can target each type differently:

• The Explorer — Loves lore, backstories, and hidden details. Elden Ring or Skyrim hook them with world-building.
• The Achiever — Wants goals and recognition. Narrative-driven achievements motivate them.
• The Socializer — Focuses on relationships. Dragon Age or Persona shine here. They offer deep character bonds.
• The Killer/Competitor — They are more into mastery. Still, they are influenced by the story when it adds stakes to battles.

Developers understand these archetypes. Thus, developers can craft narratives that resonate across a wide gaming audience.

The Impact of Narrative Design on Behavior

Storytelling does not just affect emotions. It can also influence player behavior. Here is how that works:

• Moral alignment systems are used to guide players to think about ethical choices.
• Role-playing immersion helps the players to think about their actions in the real world. 
• Multiplayer games have social storytelling to create a shared cultural moment. It causes players to have the sense that they are members of a larger whole.

These mechanics demonstrate how the narration can influence not only the way the players think but also make them behave inside and outside the game.

Storytelling That Shaped Players

Let’s take a look at the most prominent examples where storytelling deeply influenced player psychology:

• Spec Ops: The Line — A modern military shooter that flipped expectations. It forced players to confront the morality of violence in games. Many players reported genuine guilt after key narrative choices.
• Life is Strange — With its time-rewind mechanic, the story explored themes of regret and responsibility. Players re-evaluate how much control they really have.
• Disco Elysium — A role-playing game where your inner thoughts become characters. The narrative literally reflects your psychology back at you.

The Future of In-Game Storytelling and Psychology

We can say for sure that storytelling in games is developing so fast. There are many directions to follow:

• Procedural narratives — So games use AI to create unique player-driven stories. This personalization deepens psychological investment.
• Virtual reality storytelling — VR intensifies immersion. It makes emotional experiences feel more “real.” Imagine crying during a VR narrative because the character looked you in the eyes.
• Adaptive narratives — Future games may tailor stories dynamically based on biometrics or player behavior. Scary game too easy? The plot twists harder. You seem sad? The game offers uplifting character arcs.

The line between player psychology and story design is only going to blur further.

Final Thoughts

Game storytelling does not work as a narrative add-on. It is a psychological playground. It defines our emotional experiences, our behaviours, and our relatedness to fictional worlds. When properly executed, it turns games into experiences that are highly personalized. To realise that the future of gaming is not only about a faster processor or beautiful graphics. It has to do not only with knowing the human mind, but its narratives must do the same with the players to a great degree. We do not simply play stories in games at the end of the day. We live them. And they change us.