How to Complete Thunderstruck Icon Raul SBC in FC 25

EA Sports has brought a new challenge to FC 25 with the release of the Thunderstruck Icon Raul Squad Building Challenge (SBC) on December 3. This special version of the legendary Spanish striker not only celebrates his remarkable career but also introduces a dynamic twist: Raul's stats can be upgraded based on Real Madrid's real-world performances in the coming weeks. For those looking to bolster their squad with a truly iconic forward, this is an opportunity to consider—though it comes at a steep cost.

Here's everything you need to know about completing the Thunderstruck Icon Raul SBC, evaluating whether it's worth the investment, and how to make the most of your FIFA 25 Coins and roster of FC 25 Players.

What is Thunderstruck Icon Raul?

The Thunderstruck Icon Raul is a unique, dynamic card in FC 25 that pays tribute to one of football's greatest strikers. As a Real Madrid legend, Raul is celebrated for his ability to score in a variety of situations, from clinical finishes inside the box to stunning volleys. This Thunderstruck version of Raul offers boosted stats with the potential for further upgrades. The upgrades are tied to Real Madrid's real-world results in the UEFA Champions League and other competitions, meaning Raul's card could become even more valuable as the season progresses.

Thunderstruck Icon Raul SBC Requirements

Completing the SBC for Raul requires submitting a series of squads with specific conditions. Here's a breakdown of the challenges:

    Born Legend

        Minimum 11 rare bronze players

        Chemistry: 15

        Reward: Small Rare Bronze Players Pack

    Rising Star

        Minimum 11 rare silver players

        Chemistry: 20

        Reward: Jumbo Silver Pack

    Los Blancos Legacy

        Minimum one Real Madrid player

        Minimum one Team of the Week (TOTW) or FUT Champions player

        Minimum Squad Rating: 85

        Chemistry: 25

        Reward: Rare Gold Pack

    Spanish Maestro

        Minimum one Spanish player

        Minimum Squad Rating: 86

        Reward: Mega Pack

    Iconic Career

        Minimum one Icon or Hero player

        Minimum Squad Rating: 87

        Chemistry: 30

        Reward: Prime Gold Players Pack

Completing all five squads will unlock the Thunderstruck Icon Raul card.

How Much Does the SBC Cost?

The total cost to complete Raul's SBC is estimated at 1.1 million FIFA 25 Coins. This hefty price tag makes Raul one of the more expensive SBC options in the game, meaning players need to carefully weigh the benefits of adding him to their squad. For those with deep coin reserves or a strong attachment to Raul and Real Madrid, the investment might feel justified. However, more casual players may find the cost prohibitive, especially considering alternative options in the transfer market.

Is Thunderstruck Icon Raul Worth It?

Whether Raul is worth the investment depends largely on your playstyle, budget, and attachment to Real Madrid. Here are the pros and cons of completing his SBC:

Pros:

    Dynamic Upgrades: Raul's stats have the potential to improve based on Real Madrid's performance in the coming weeks, adding an exciting level of unpredictability.

    High-Quality Striker: Even at his base stats, Raul is a well-rounded forward with strong finishing, positioning, and heading ability.

    Icon Chemistry: Raul provides excellent chemistry links for squads, making him easy to integrate with other FC 25 Players from different leagues or nations.

Cons:

    Expensive SBC: At 1.1 million FIFA 25 Coins, Raul's SBC is a significant investment that may not suit every player's budget.

    Other Alternatives: There are comparable strikers available in the transfer market for a fraction of the cost, especially for players who prioritize meta over sentimentality.

    Upgrade Uncertainty: While Raul could receive upgrades, Real Madrid's performance isn't guaranteed, so the card may not increase in value as much as players hope.

If you're a die-hard Real Madrid fan or someone who enjoys building squads with iconic players, Raul's SBC could be worth it. However, for those focused on optimizing their coins or looking for better value, exploring the transfer market may be a smarter choice.

Tips for Completing the SBC on a Budget

To minimize costs and complete the SBC efficiently, consider these tips:

    Leverage Untradeable Cards

    Use untradeable cards from your club to fill the SBC requirements. This can significantly reduce the number of FIFA 25 Coins you need to spend on the transfer market.

        Invest Early in TOTW and Icons

    Squad segments requiring TOTW or Icon cards can spike in price as demand rises. Purchase these cards early or look for deals during periods of market volatility.

    Grind Packs Through Objectives

    Complete Squad Battles, Division Rivals, or Milestones to earn free packs. These packs can provide valuable players to use in the SBC.

    Monitor Market Trends

    Keep an eye on the market to buy high-rated players at the lowest price. Typically, player prices drop during promo pack releases or major events.

How to Use Thunderstruck Icon Raul in Your Squad

Once you've unlocked Raul, make the most of his talents by building a squad that complements his strengths:

    Chemistry Links: Raul's Icon status ensures he provides maximum chemistry to any FC 25 Players, making him a versatile addition to hybrid squads. Pair him with pacey wingers or creative midfielders to maximize his goal-scoring potential.

    Positioning: Use Raul as a central striker in formations like 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2. His finishing and positioning make him lethal in and around the box.

    Upgrades: Keep track of Real Madrid's real-world fixtures to anticipate potential upgrades to his stats, further boosting his effectiveness on the pitch.

Final Thoughts

The Thunderstruck Icon Raul SBC in FC 25 offers a unique opportunity to add a legendary player to your squad, with the added excitement of dynamic upgrades. While the 1.1 million FIFA 25 Coins price tag may be steep, the card's potential upgrades and versatility make it an intriguing option for Real Madrid fans and Icon collectors alike.

If you have the resources and admire Raul's legacy, this SBC could be a rewarding challenge. However, for those with tighter budgets or a preference for value-driven builds, exploring alternative FC 25 Players may be the better move. Regardless of your choice, the Thunderstruck Icon Raul SBC is a testament to EA Sports' commitment to blending nostalgia with innovation in FC 25.