ðĒ Update on Smart Assist in eFootball™ 2026 Ranking Mode
I recently contacted one of our partners connected with Konami regarding the ongoing concerns in Ranking Mode, where some players believe that the Smart Assist system creates an unfair competitive advantage.
According to the latest information, Konami has officially acknowledged the issue and is currently reviewing possible solutions. However, no official details or final adjustments have been announced at this time.
If there are any further updates, I will share them with everyone as soon as possible. ð
Why This Topic Matters
Recently, Smart Assist in eFootball™ 2026 has become one of the hottest discussions within the competitive community, especially among Ranking Mode players.
Many players feel that “player skill” is no longer the only deciding factor in matches. Since Ranking Mode is designed to be the main competitive environment, fairness and balance are extremely important.
The concern is that if AI assistance becomes too influential, it may reduce the importance of:
- Manual control
- Decision making
- Defensive reading
- Mechanical skill
This is why many high-level players believe the system may affect competitive integrity.
Advantages of Smart Assist
✅ Easier for New Players
Newcomers can enjoy the game much faster without mastering advanced controls immediately.
✅ Reduces Input Errors
Passing and movement become more consistent.
✅ Faster and Smoother Gameplay
Matches feel more fluid and less frustrating.
✅ Great for Mobile Players
Especially useful for mobile users where controls are naturally harder than console gameplay.
Disadvantages of Smart Assist
❌ Smaller Skill Gap
The difference between experienced and casual players becomes smaller.
❌ Competitive Fairness Concerns
Especially in high-level Ranking matches.
❌ AI Influence Feels Too Strong
Some situations feel like the AI is “playing for you.”
❌ Competitive Players Feel Disadvantaged
Manual and high-skill players may lose part of their advantage.
Real Gameplay Experience
After playing several Ranking matches recently, a few things became very noticeable:
- Defensive AI reacts much faster
- Automatic pressing feels extremely effective
- Some shooting angles appear heavily assisted
- Newer players can compete against veterans more easily
In many matches, players using Smart Assist appear far more stable and consistent, even if their actual manual skill level is lower.
This is one of the main reasons why the community is debating whether Smart Assist should remain available in Ranking Mode.
Personal Opinion
Personally, I do not think Smart Assist is a “bad” system overall. It helps make the game more accessible and enjoyable for newer players.
However, the real issue comes from allowing the system inside highly competitive modes like Ranking.
Many players would prefer solutions such as:
- Separate matchmaking queues for Smart Assist users
- Restrictions in higher divisions
- Dedicated competitive settings without AI assistance
At the end of the day, competitive modes should prioritize player skill more than AI support.
FAQ About Smart Assist in eFootball™ 2026
Q: Is Smart Assist considered cheating?
A: No. It is an official gameplay feature added by Konami.
Q: Will Konami remove Smart Assist?
A: There is currently no confirmation about removing it, but Konami is reviewing possible adjustments.
Q: Can Smart Assist still be used in Ranking Mode?
A: Yes, it is currently available in several modes, including Ranking.
Q: Are pro players concerned about this system?
A: Yes. Many competitive and high-level players have started discussing balance concerns publicly.
Q: Should beginners use Smart Assist?
A: Absolutely. It helps new players learn the game much faster and more comfortably.