In College Football 26, the Wear and Tear mechanic drastically impacts Dynasty Mode. If your roster is decimated by injuries mid-season, improper slider settings could be to blame. Here’s how to optimize gameplay for realism and longevity.
Understanding Wear and Tear
This feature tracks cumulative player stress:
- Fatigue buildup from repeated tackles, snaps, or positional demands (e.g., RBs with heavy workloads).
- Injury risks increase with prolonged physical strain.
Default Setting: A Problematic 50
Leaving the slider at 50 causes:
- Excessive minor injuries
- Stamina drops in key players by mid-season
- Frustration for multi-year Dynasty players
Optimal Range: 30-40
Lowering to 40 achieves balance:
- Players fatigue realistically but avoid becoming liabilities
- Ideal for All-American difficulty or higher
- Preserves depth chart stability in Dynasty Mode
Turning It Off (Slider: 0)
Setting to 0 removes:
- Injury/ fatigue management requirements
- Realism layers, but simplifies gameplay for modes like Play Now
Complementary Slider Adjustments
- Injuries: Set to 30 to match reduced wear effects.
- Fatigue: Keep at ~80 for realistic substitutions.
- Quarter Length: 11 minutes with accelerated clock for accurate snap counts.
FAQ
Q: What does the Wear and Tear slider control?
It affects how quickly players get tired or injured across games.
Q: What’s the best Wear and Tear setting?
Set it to 40 for balanced gameplay without constant injuries.
Q: Should I turn Wear and Tear off?
Only if you want smoother gameplay and less micromanagement.
Q: Does Wear and Tear affect every mode?
Yes, but it matters most in Dynasty where long-term health impacts performance.
Q: What other sliders go with Wear and Tear?
Set Injuries to 30 and Fatigue to 85 for best results.