First 10 Things to Do in FM26: Why “Consider a Controller” Misses the Point Entirely
Football Manager 2026 is finally here, and fans are diving in with excitement, curiosity, and—let’s be honest—a bit of fear. Every new version brings a learning curve, but this year’s edition feels especially different. That’s why “First 10 Things to Do in FM26” guides have popped up all over gaming sites and YouTube. But one in particular has drawn attention for all the wrong reasons.
One piece of advice in that guide—“consider a controller”—has gone viral for being tone-deaf. Football Manager players don’t need controllers. They never have. The entire joy of FM lies in its detailed, click-heavy interface. You’re managing a football empire, not playing FIFA. Suggesting a controller for FM is like recommending a steering wheel for Excel. It completely misunderstands what the game is about.
Football Manager has always been about depth, data, and decisions. It’s not about reflexes or joystick skills. You’re handling scouting networks, tactical shapes, youth development, and media handling. The mouse and keyboard aren’t just tools—they’re the game’s lifeblood. You scroll, drag, and click your way to glory. The thought of mapping all that to a controller button layout feels absurd.
The advice also reveals something deeper: a disconnect between marketing-driven gaming coverage and the real FM community. Writers who don’t play the game try to create “beginner guides,” often missing the culture that surrounds it. FM players spend hours reading scouting reports, tweaking training schedules, and analyzing match data. We don’t need “press A to continue.” We need sharp analytics, smart tactics, and efficient spreadsheets.
If anything, the first thing any FM26 player should do is explore the new features—like the overhauled tactics engine and the updated data hub. Second, they should test the new dynamic reputation system. Third, start with a small club to understand the financial changes. These are the kind of steps that actually help you master the game—not plugging in a controller.
For newcomers, it’s important to grasp that FM isn’t about fast play; it’s about smart play. Every click matters. You build legacies, not highlight reels. The joy comes from seeing a youth player you discovered at 16 become a world-class midfielder at 25. A controller can’t capture that sense of control, irony intended.
The viral backlash to that blog post wasn’t just outrage—it was community defense. FM fans protect their game because it’s niche, deep, and proudly complex. It’s not supposed to be casual or simplified. When you tell FM players to “consider a controller,” you’re asking them to abandon what makes the game special.
In short, the advice was a reminder that not every game fits the “plug and play” model. Football Manager thrives because it rewards patience, strategy, and immersion. So yes, consider scouting, tactics, or staff meetings—but never a controller. Some games are meant to be managed, not played.
