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FM 26 hardware demands rise with Unity

A first look shows higher system needs as the series shifts to Unity 3D. Check official thresholds when the Steam page goes live.

August 15, 2025 at 09:50 AM
blur Want to play Football Manager 26? This time, you might need a gaming PC upgrade

A first look at the Unity powered FM 26 hints at higher hardware demands and a wider upgrade path.

FM 26 raises the hardware bar with Unity 3D match engine

Football Manager 26 exists and shows its first gameplay in the Unity engine. This follows FM 25's proposed system requirements, which suggested a higher bar than FM 24, including a recommended GPU such as an RTX 2060, 12GB of RAM, and a larger file size. There is no official Steam page for FM 26 yet, but the earlier FM 25 data offers a baseline. The switch to Unity is intended to unlock more power graphically and to provide better user interface tools.

The reveal clips are short, and it is not yet clear how much the new 3D match engine will push hardware. Still, the move to Unity signals higher demands, especially on CPU and RAM. If you own a gaming laptop from the last five years, you should still be able to play, but not necessarily at maximum settings. Fans will wait for the official Steam page to confirm exact requirements. In the meantime, readers can consult our guides on the best gaming laptops and PCs to prepare for FM 26.

Key Takeaways

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Unity brings graphical power and better UI tools to FM
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System requirements are likely higher than FM 25
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CPU and RAM become more critical for FM 26
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Official thresholds await the Steam page release
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Longer term upgrades may be needed for older laptops
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Storage needs may rise due to larger game files
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Fans should plan for potential hardware upgrades

"Unity unlocks a lot more power graphically across formats along with powerful user interface tools"

Explains why the engine switch matters

"This move to Unity was needed to push Football Manager to the next level"

Editorial take on the engine upgrade

"If your laptop is older than five years you may struggle with FM 26"

Hardware guidance for players

"Fans await the official thresholds to plan upgrades"

Public anticipation around official specs

The move to Unity is a deliberate upgrade after years with an in house engine. It promises more fidelity and better UI but raises the cost of entry for players with older machines.

The choice places Sports Interactive at a crossroads between accessibility and depth. The FM community could see a gap between those who can upgrade and those who cannot. The upcoming reveal and Steam page will show the thresholds and shape early opinions about the game's price and performance.

Highlights

  • Unity unlocks a lot more power graphically across formats alongside powerful user interface tools
  • This move to Unity was needed to push Football Manager to the next level
  • If your laptop is older than five years you may struggle with FM 26
  • Fans await the official thresholds to plan upgrades

The next official thresholds will decide who can play FM 26 at its best.

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