The Ultimate Gauntlet 5 objective has landed in EA FC26, bringing one of the most rewarding limited-time events of the season. With an 86-rated Moments Lukas Podolski as the grand prize, plus coveted Evolution items like Bruiser+ EVO and DLP+ EVO, this objective set delivers premium rewards for players willing to grind the innovative Gauntlet mode. Timing perfectly with Black Friday festivities, these 12 tasks offer packs, coins, and special items that can transform your Ultimate Team. Here’s your complete breakdown.
EA FC26 Ultimate Gauntlet 5 Quick Reference
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize | 86-rated Moments Lukas Podolski |
| Mode | Ultimate Gauntlet (3-squad format) |
| Total Tasks | 12 objectives |
| Key Rewards | Bruiser+ EVO, DLP+ EVO, 5,000 coins |
| Availability | Limited-time (check in-game expiration) |
| Best Reward | Power Shot+ PlayStyle on Podolski |
What is Ultimate Gauntlet Mode?
Ultimate Gauntlet represents EA’s innovative take on Ultimate Team challenges. Players must create three unique squads and use each one in consecutive matches during a Gauntlet round. The goal? Win all three matches in a single round without losing—a perfect run unlocks the best rewards.
Unlike traditional modes where losses simply cost you a match, Gauntlet defeats reset your perfect-run progress. This high-stakes format creates intense gameplay where every decision matters, from squad building to in-game tactics.
Complete Task List & Rewards Breakdown
Participation Tasks (Easy)
Play 1 Match: Complete one Gauntlet match
Reward: 81+ x2 Players Pack
Play 2 Matches: Complete two Gauntlet matches
Reward: 81+ x3 Players Pack
Play 3 Matches: Complete three Gauntlet matches
Reward: 80+ x7 Players Pack
Scoring Challenges (Moderate)
Score in 3 Matches: Score at least one goal in three separate Gauntlet games
Reward: DLP+ Evolution (Deep-Lying Playmaker upgrade)
Score in 5 Matches: Score at least one goal in five separate Gauntlet games
Reward: 5,000 Coins
Score in 6 Matches: Score at least one goal in six separate Gauntlet games
Reward: Exclusive EVO Cosmetic Badge
Score in 9 Matches: Score at least one goal in nine separate Gauntlet games
Reward: Additional pack rewards
Victory Requirements (Hard)
Win 1 Match in a Round: Win at least one match during any Gauntlet round
Reward: Pack reward
Win 2 Matches in a Round: Win two matches during a single Gauntlet round
Reward: Enhanced pack reward
Win 3 Matches in a Round (Perfect Run): Win all three consecutive matches in one round
Reward: Contributes to unlocking Podolski
Win 5 Total Matches: Accumulate five wins across all Gauntlet attempts
Reward: Pack rewards
Complete All 12 Tasks: Finish every objective
Ultimate Reward: 86-rated Moments Lukas Podolski + 85+ Rare Player Pack
Lukas Podolski Card Review
The 86-rated Moments Podolski celebrates the German striker’s legendary career with impressive stats that make him viable for multiple formations:
Key Stats:
- 85+ Pace (enough to threaten defenses)
- High Shooting stats (clinical finishing)
- Strong Physicality for hold-up play
- Power Shot+ PlayStyle (devastating long-range finisher)
Why He’s Worth It: Podolski’s Moments card offers nostalgic value for fans while providing competitive performance. His Power Shot+ makes him lethal from distance, perfect for cutting inside and unleashing bombs from 25+ yards. At 86-rated, he also serves as excellent SBC fodder if he doesn’t fit your starting XI.
Evolution Potential: As an 86-rated card, Podolski can’t access most Evolution programs (typically capped at 85). However, he’s ready-to-use without requiring further upgrades.
Strategy Tips for Gauntlet Success
Squad Building: Create three balanced teams rather than one super squad and two weak ones. You need all three to perform consistently for perfect runs.
Formation Consistency: Use the same formation across all three squads to maintain tactical familiarity during pressure moments.
Focus on Easier Tasks First: Complete participation and scoring objectives before attempting perfect runs. This ensures you claim rewards even if perfect runs prove challenging.
Patience Pays: Don’t force the perfect run early. Complete 8-10 easier tasks first, build confidence, then attempt the all-win round when you’re warmed up.
For more EA FC 26 Ultimate Team strategies, explore our EA FC 26 Web App guide and FUTTIES Daily Cup breakdown.
Why Ultimate Gauntlet 5 Timing Matters
Releasing during Black Friday week makes Ultimate Gauntlet 5 especially valuable. The packs earned through objectives can be saved and opened during Black Friday promo, potentially landing special cards worth hundreds of thousands of coins. The 5,000 coin reward also provides liquid currency for Black Friday market opportunities.
Additionally, the Bruiser+ Evolution reward is one of the season’s most coveted EVOs, typically boosting defensive midfielders and center backs into meta-defining cards. Combined with DLP+ EVO for playmakers, these Evolution items offer long-term squad-building value far exceeding their “free” cost.
How to Watch Ultimate Gauntlet Gameplay
Master the mode by watching expert gameplay:
- EA Sports FC YouTube: Subscribe to EA Sports FC’s official channel for Gauntlet mode tutorials and highlights
- FUT Content Creators: Search “Ultimate Gauntlet 5 guide” on YouTube for squad recommendations and tactics from top Ultimate Team players
- Twitch Streams: Watch EA Sports FC on Twitch for live Gauntlet runs showing real-time decision-making
Check our EA Sports FC transition coverage for more Ultimate Team insights.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to complete a perfect 3-win round to unlock Podolski?
No! While winning all three matches in a single round is one objective, you don’t need the perfect run specifically to unlock Podolski. Completing all 12 tasks combined (including participation, scoring, and accumulating wins across multiple attempts) unlocks the 86-rated Moments card. The perfect-run objective contributes to the overall completion but isn’t mandatory by itself. This means even less-skilled players can eventually grind out Podolski through persistence.
Q: Can I use the same players across all three Gauntlet squads?
No, Ultimate Gauntlet mode requires three completely unique squads with no overlapping players. Each squad must have 11 different starters, forcing you to dig deep into your club or make strategic purchases. This restriction is what makes Gauntlet challenging—you can’t rely on your best XI for all matches. Build three squads around different leagues or nations to maximize available players while maintaining chemistry.
