EA introduced a genuinely game-changing Evolution in FC 25 called "The Last Step," capable of pushing eligible players all the way to 99 Pace—including, surprisingly, center backs. The Evolution reshaped the Ultimate Team meta for the period it was active, with players experimenting with new overpowered combinations and the transfer market reacting sharply to demand for eligible cards. This guide breaks down exactly how the Evolution worked, which players benefited most, and the unusual center back trick that caught the community off guard. If you're building your current squad, you can buy FC coins from MrGeek to help fund whatever Evolutions or SBCs you're working on now.
How "The Last Step" Pace Evolution Worked
"The Last Step" was one of the more powerful Evolutions released during the FC 25 cycle. It offered:
- Pace Boost: The standout feature, capable of turning even slower players into genuine speed demons.
- Rapid+ and Low Driven Shot+ PlayStyles: These enhanced acceleration, movement, and finishing, making eligible players considerably more dangerous in transition.
- Five-Star Skill Move Upgrade: A significant boost for dribbling and creating chances in tight spaces.
- Improved Dribbling Stats: Well suited to players who relied on agility and close control.
The Evolution wasn't without limitations, though. Passing was capped at 86, shooting at 86, and physical stats at 80. This meant the best candidates were players who were already strong in those areas beforehand, since the upgrade couldn't compensate for weak base stats. One of the most talked-about picks at the time was Bryan Gil's Winter Wildcards card, which already carried 99 shooting—combined with the 99 Pace boost, he became one of the most dangerous cards of that period.
The Surprise 99 Pace Center Backs
While most players applied the Evolution to wingers and attackers, the real surprise was the emergence of 99 Pace center backs. This came down to a quirk involving earlier Evolutions that had given certain defenders an alternate left-wing position, making them eligible for "The Last Step" despite being defenders by trade.
Examples included Jules Koundé and Éder Militão, both of whom could receive the 99 Pace boost if they'd previously been evolved into a left-wing position through an earlier Evolution. Any defender who'd picked up alternate wide-position eligibility from older Evolution paths could benefit the same way. This briefly reshaped defensive gameplay, since a 99 Pace center back could match strides with even the fastest wingers in the game.
Market Impact at the Time
The release of "The Last Step" sent the FC 25 transfer market into a genuine frenzy, with prices for Evolution-eligible players climbing sharply as the community scrambled to find the best candidates. The most sought-after picks included Bryan Gil's Winter Wildcards card (thanks to his existing 99 shooting), Pedro Neto as a winger option, and Jules Koundé for players chasing the 99 Pace center back trick. Bronze and silver players eligible for a subsequent Bronze Evolution also saw price increases from investors anticipating the next wave of demand.
FAQ: FC 25 "The Last Step" Pace Evolution
Could any player be upgraded to 99 Pace with this Evolution?
No. Only players meeting the Evolution's specific eligibility requirements could receive the full pace boost—it wasn't a universal upgrade path available to any card in your club.
Were center backs actually eligible for the 99 Pace boost?
Yes, but only indirectly—a defender needed to have already gained an alternate left-wing position through a separate, earlier Evolution before "The Last Step" would apply to them.
Was the 125,000-coin cost worth it?
For the right player—someone already strong in passing, shooting, and physical stats before the caps applied—it produced one of the most powerful cards of the period. For a poorly chosen base card, the stat caps limited the overall value relative to the cost.
What PlayStyles did this Evolution add?
It granted Rapid+ and Low Driven Shot+, two of the strongest PlayStyles available in FC 25 at the time, on top of the pace and skill move upgrades.
Is "The Last Step" Evolution still available?
Evolutions in Ultimate Team are typically available for a limited window before being retired, and this guide reflects how the Evolution worked during its active period. Check your current Evolutions tab in-game for what's actively available now.
Conclusion
"The Last Step" was one of the most significant Evolutions of the FC 25 cycle, meaningfully reshaping the meta and creating real opportunities for both squad building and market trading during its run. From producing genuinely overpowered attackers to the unexpected emergence of 99 Pace center backs, it demonstrated how much a single well-designed Evolution could shift the game. Whether you experienced it live or are looking back at how it worked, it remains one of the more creative Evolution paths EA has released in Ultimate Team.
.webp)
