The biggest event in the EA FC calendar is approaching. Team of the Year (TOTY) brings the most powerful cards and significant market shifts we'll see all year. In this article, we’ll look at how to get ready, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to Ultimate Team.
TOTY is an annual event in EA SPORTS FC (formerly FIFA) that celebrates the best football players from the preceding year. During TOTY, fans get to vote for their favourite players from a shortlist of nominees. The voting covers both men's and women's teams. The players with the most votes get special TOTY cards, which boast some of the highest ratings in the game. Players who consistently perform at a high level are likely to be in contention.
These cards are exclusively available in packs for a limited time, making them highly coveted among Ultimate Team players. TOTY items receive massive across-the-board upgrades, often gaining new skill moves, weak foot improvements, and work rate changes. Players can acquire these special cards through various means, including the in-game transfer market, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and pack openings.
EA typically launches Team of the Year in mid-January. For 2025, the likely start date is 17th January. The reveal is expected on 16th January. The event usually runs for about two weeks, with different player positions released in stages. Player voting is expected to open on 6th January. This gives the community a chance to help pick the year's best performers.
EA typically releases TOTY cards in stages:
- Attackers
- Midfielders
- Defenders and Goalkeeper
- Full team in packs
This staggered release creates multiple periods of excitement and market activity throughout the event.
TOTY cards receive massive stat boosts, often becoming the highest-rated items until Team of the Season. These cards can transform your team's performance and remain valuable throughout the game cycle.
The market sees significant changes during TOTY. Regular gold cards usually drop in price as players sell assets to fund pack openings, creating opportunities for smart traders and team builders.
Smart players know preparation is key, and that includes having funds ready. You can easily top up your gaming wallet with digital gift cards for
PlayStation,
Xbox,
Steam, or
Nintendo eShop.
Thinking more strategically, here are some smart plays for making the most of TOTY:
Build your coin balance: Sell high-value players you're not using before the market crash. Keep liquid coins ready for opportunities.
Trading: Look for 84-86 rated cards that typically rise when Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) arrive. Stock up when they're cheap and sell during the event.
Save packs: Accumulate reward packs from Division Rivals and FUT Champions. Consider waiting until the full team is in packs before opening.
Monitor the market: Watch for panic selling after new TOTY cards release, which may create opportunities to snipe cards below their true value.
Participate in SBCs and objectives: These often provide paths to special packs and picks during the event.
TOTY has a profound effect on the Ultimate Team economy:
- High-rated gold cards often drop in price as players sell to fund TOTY packs
- TOTY cards command extremely high prices upon release
- Fodder cards (high-rated, but less usable in-game) tend to rise due to SBC demand
- Popular leagues and nations linked to TOTY players may see price increases
Understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions about when to buy or sell players.
You don't need to spend real money to benefit from TOTY. Here are some strategies for free-to-play players:
- Complete all available objectives for free packs and players
- Participate in SBCs that offer good value for your club's resources
- Take advantage of the market crash to upgrade your regular team
- Save coins and packs for TOTY, increasing your chances of packing a special card
EA typically releases a variety of Squad Building Challenges and objectives during TOTY:
- Player SBCs featuring past TOTY winners or honorable mentions
- Upgrade SBCs to improve your chances of packing TOTY cards
- Objective players themed around TOTY or winter transfers
- Daily and weekly objectives offering packs and other rewards
Completing these can significantly boost your club without spending coins on the transfer market.
TOTY cards remain relevant long after the event ends. They often define the meta until Team of the Season (TOTS) in spring. Their high ratings make them valuable SBC fodder throughout the year. TOTY items typically hold their value better than other special cards. Acquiring a TOTY card, even later in the game cycle, can be a game-changer for your Ultimate Team squad.
Team of the Year is a big deal for Ultimate Team players. Keep your coins liquid, save your packs, and focus on the aspects that match your playstyle and budget.
Gaming gift cards are a great way to intentionally set a budget and stick to it.
Remember that while TOTY brings exciting content, it's just one part of the Ultimate Team experience. Don't feel pressured to spend beyond your means or neglect other aspects of the game mode.
Whether you're aiming to acquire TOTY cards, profit from market movements, or simply enjoy the event's atmosphere, preparation is key. Stay informed, manage your resources wisely, and above all, have fun during this thrilling period in the Ultimate Team calendar.
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