The Most Feared program is back in Madden 26 Ultimate Team, and this year’s edition might be one of the best we’ve seen. Between the Shape Shifter cards, hidden clues, field pass rewards, and free upgrade tokens, there’s a ton to do - and plenty of ways to build a scary-good lineup without spending a dime. However, if you want to speed things up or secure elite players early, you can buy Madden 26 coins safely from trusted sources to give your team a quick boost. In this instructional guide, we’ll go through the five most important things every Madden 26 player needs to do in the Most Feared program, from upgrade priorities to hidden tricks that’ll save you time and coins.

1. Upgrade Your Shape Shifters (Defense First!)

Let’s start with the foundation of the program: the Shape Shifter players. These cards are the cornerstone of any Most Feared lineup, and upgrading them in the right order makes all the difference.

The Shape Shifter on defense should be your top priority. This card is incredibly versatile - you can use him at strong safety or free safety, and he excels as a user defender thanks to his 92 speed, 91 acceleration, and 6’3” frame. In simple terms, he can cover, hit, and move like a demon. If this card isn’t your user, you’re doing it wrong.

Next, focus on upgrading the offensive Shape Shifter. While slightly less dominant than his defensive counterpart, he shines at tight end. With 92 speed, great catching stats, and a strong 6’1” build, he’s a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties alike.

Finally, once those two are maxed, shift your attention to Maxx Crosby, now available in the candy store tab. Start with his 81 overall base card and work toward his fully upgraded version using tokens. When maxed, he boasts 86 speed and elite pass-rushing traits - perfect for either edge.

2. Grind for Fear Currency - The Smart Way

You don’t need to spend real money to make progress in the Most Feared program. The secret? Daily objectives.

Head to the Field Pass tab and look at the Most Feared missions. Simply completing your daily objective gives you 15–20 candy, which may sound minor, but it adds up quickly. In fact, that’s enough to earn about one free upgrade token per day just for logging in and playing one game.

For comparison, grinding the entire field pass to max level only gives about 1,100 candy total - meaning the daily objectives are more rewarding than the entire pass.

Outside of dailies, you’ll still want to play your Most Feared solo challenges (especially the Under City Solos), as they drop both tokens and candy. Combine that with a few competitive event wins, and you’ll have more than enough to upgrade your key cards - all without opening your wallet.

3. Complete the Hidden “King” Sets

EA has added a secret twist this year - a hidden Most Feared champion, known only as the King. To unlock him, you’ll need to collect clues and exchange them in the King’s Guess Sets.

There are three sets: Hand, Equipment, and Position. Once completed, you’ll hold three special packs that tie into a reveal event coming on Thursday. Guess correctly, and you’ll earn the King for free.

While nothing is 100% confirmed yet, the leading theory is that the King will be Joe Burrow, with Jamar Chase as the “hand” clue, quarterback as the position, and cleats as the equipment. However, do not submit your guesses yet - wait until Thursday when the correct answers drop on Twitter or YouTube. There’s no reward for guessing early, but plenty to lose if you’re wrong.

4. Equip the Most Feared Strategy Item

This is a quick but crucial step that too many players forget. Go to your Lineup Screen, head to the Strategy Item tab, and make sure you’re using the Most Feared strategy item.

This boosts every Most Feared card on your team by +1 speed and +1 to every stat. For example, a Shape Shifter on a 20-theme team can reach 92 speed and 94 zone - insane numbers for a player that technically isn’t even a 90 overall yet.

It’s a small change that creates a massive competitive edge, especially when you’re matching up against elite squads online.

5. Claim Your Free 90 OVR Champion (Tariq Woolen)

Finally, let’s talk about a completely free top-tier player you can grab right now. If you’ve been earning Weekly Spotlight Tokens, head over to the Collector Series in the sets menu.

Use your tokens to complete the 88–90 OVR Collector Series Champion Fantasy Pack, and select Tariq Woolen. This card is an absolute monster - 91 speed, 94 acceleration, 6’4” height, 91 zone, and 88 man coverage. He’s better than most paid champions and instantly upgrades your secondary.

If you prefer offense, Eric Dickerson is another excellent choice, but for pure impact, Woolen is the move.

Final Thoughts

The Most Feared program in Madden 26 Ultimate Team is one of the most rewarding grinds in the game’s history. Prioritize your Shape Shifters, log in daily for free candy, and take advantage of the hidden King sets for bonus rewards. If you’re looking to speed up progress or fill roster gaps, consider using cheap mut 26 coins to grab key players or strategy items without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to slot in that strategy item - and grab your free 90 OVR Tariq Woolen before the promo ends. Master these five steps, and your team will look downright terrifying - just in time for Halloween.