Are FIFA 23 Packs Worth Buying? A Deep Dive into the Ultimate Team Lottery
The burning question for every FIFA 23 Ultimate Team player: are those alluring packs worth the real-world money or hard-earned in-game coins? The short answer, and it’s not a popular one, is largely no, they are not worth it for most players. The thrill of potentially pulling a high-rated superstar or rare icon is incredibly powerful, but the reality is that pack odds are notoriously low, and the vast majority of packs will yield players of limited value. The system is designed as a lottery, and just like any lottery, the odds are stacked against you. While there are exceptions, primarily if you have a lot of coins to spend and you aren’t worried about losing a little here and there or if you are just looking for fun friendlies using loan players, understanding the dynamics of FIFA packs is crucial before you decide to invest. It’s essential to know that most packs, especially those bought regularly, will not drastically improve your team. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case.
The Allure of the Pack: The Psychology Behind the Purchase
The lure of FIFA packs is undeniable. EA Sports has masterfully crafted an experience that preys on our inherent desire for instant gratification and the thrill of the unknown. The anticipation as you open a pack, seeing the flashes of light and the potential of a top player appearing, it’s designed to be addictive. This gambling-like mechanic triggers dopamine release, making us want to repeat the process despite the statistically low chances of success. The colorful animations and the possibility of landing that game-changing player become the focus, overshadowing the reality of the odds. It’s this psychological manipulation that drives a significant portion of the revenue generated by FIFA Ultimate Team.
Understanding Pack Odds: The Numbers Don’t Lie
The most crucial aspect to consider when deciding whether to buy packs is understanding the published pack odds. EA Sports is now required to disclose these odds, and they consistently reveal that the probability of pulling the highest-rated players or special cards is incredibly low. For instance, the odds of pulling a Team of the Year (TOTY) player are usually abysmal, even from the most expensive packs. The vast majority of packs will contain mostly common gold players and lower-rated rare golds, which often fetch very little in the transfer market, making your investment essentially worthless. Furthermore, these odds are static, meaning that buying more packs does not increase your likelihood of getting a highly valued item. Every pack is essentially a new roll of the dice, no matter how many you have opened previously.
When Are Packs Potentially Worth Considering?
Despite the generally unfavorable odds, there are specific scenarios where purchasing packs might be more justifiable. However, these scenarios should be considered exceptions rather than the rule:
- The Beginning of a New Cycle: When FIFA 23 initially launched or when a new campaign starts, packs can potentially hold more value since the transfer market prices are inflated. This is because there are less cards available for people to use. It can be a way to quickly kickstart your squad.
- Specific Promotional Packs: Occasionally, EA will release promotional packs with guaranteed special cards or increased odds for certain types of items. However, these packs are usually much more expensive, and even then, the odds of pulling the very top players are still low. Often, these “guaranteed” cards are lower-tier promo players, or are an older iteration of a popular player.
- Objectives and Rewards: Obtaining packs as a reward for completing objectives or through FUT Champions rewards is a far more sensible approach. These packs are often untradeable and thus can’t be sold on the transfer market, but they don’t cost you anything aside from your time. This is especially true of high-value packs like Jumbo Rare Players Packs, where you have a greater chance of packing something worthwile.
- Using In-Game Coins: If you have amassed a significant amount of coins through gameplay and are willing to take a risk, you might consider purchasing packs to see if you can strike gold. However, remember that these coins could be used to directly purchase the players you want on the transfer market, which often yields better results for less risk.
The Transfer Market: A More Reliable Alternative
In the vast majority of cases, utilizing the transfer market is a far more efficient way to improve your team. Instead of relying on luck, you can directly purchase the players you desire, allowing you to strategically build a squad that fits your gameplay style. This approach provides a level of control and consistency that pack openings simply cannot match. Research the prices of the players you are interested in, and you can often form a very solid team for a fraction of the cost it would take to pack those cards.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
Ultimately, the decision to purchase FIFA 23 packs is a personal one. If you have disposable income and enjoy the thrill of the chase, then go for it but understand that you are engaging in a form of gambling. However, most people will likely find that the pack odds are generally not worth it, and the transfer market provides a more predictable and reliable path to building a competitive team. Be mindful of the psychological mechanisms at play, understand the actual odds, and always approach pack purchases with a critical and informed mindset. Don’t fall victim to the gambling mentality. FIFA 23 packs are not an investment, they are a lottery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about FIFA 23 packs, designed to provide further insight and guidance:
1. What is the best pack to buy in FIFA 23?
The “best” pack depends on your needs and circumstances, but generally, the Jumbo Rare Players Pack offers some of the highest chances of packing high-value items. However, it also carries a high price tag. Generally, you get more value from packs that you obtain from gameplay and objectives than you do packs that you buy.
2. Are FIFA packs luck-based?
Yes, FIFA packs are entirely luck-based. There is no strategy or formula to guarantee good pulls. Pack outcomes are determined by random number generators, meaning every pack opening is an independent event.
3. Is it worth saving packs for Team of the Year (TOTY) or other promos?
It’s worth saving packs if you enjoy the risk and thrill. While saving packs increases your overall chance of packing a TOTY or promo card, it does not mean that you’re guaranteed to pack anything. Pack odds do not increase the more packs you save.
4. Can you sell pack contents in FIFA 23?
Yes, any content you acquire from tradable packs can be listed on the Transfer Market. These are packs that you bought with coins or FIFA Points, and certain packs that you earn from playing the game.
5. Do FIFA packs expire?
Unopened packs do not expire, but once you open a pack, the contents are fixed. If you exit the game mid pack opening, the contents will remain the same upon re-opening it.
6. What are the most expensive FIFA packs?
The most expensive packs are usually those that offer a higher chance of packing high-value items. These packs include Jumbo Rare Players Packs, Ultimate Packs, and specific promotional packs that cost upwards of 100,000 coins or more.
7. How can I get free packs in FIFA 23?
You can get free packs through weekly objectives, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), FUT Champions rewards, Division Rivals rewards, and sometimes through Prime Gaming subscriptions.
8. What is the best way to make coins in FIFA 23?
The best ways to make coins is through playing FUT Champions, Division Rivals, and by trading cards on the Transfer Market strategically. Completing SBCs can be a great option, too, since the rewards come in the form of packs or tradable players.
9. What is the most popular FIFA 23 game mode?
Ultimate Team and Career Mode are two of the most popular game modes in FIFA 23, although Ultimate Team draws in the most players due to its reward structure.
10. Is FIFA 23 good for beginners?
FIFA 23 can be challenging for beginners due to the complexity of gameplay mechanics and the numerous options in Ultimate Team. There is a steep learning curve.
11. Are there any guaranteed player picks in FIFA 23?
FUT Champions provides guaranteed player picks as part of the rewards for reaching certain ranks.
12. What is the best league to build a team in FIFA 23?
La Liga is one of the best leagues to build a competitive team due to its abundance of top-tier players. Other leagues such as the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga are also popular.
13. How do I perform the Griddy celebration in FIFA 23?
To do the Griddy, hold the right trigger and flick the right stick upwards twice in quick succession after scoring a goal.
14. What does “account luck” mean in FIFA 23?
The idea of “account luck” suggests that some accounts are programmed to have better pack luck than others. While many players attest to the idea of “account luck,” it’s not officially confirmed by EA Sports and could simply be anecdotal.
15. Is the TOTY Essentials Pack worth buying in FIFA 23?
The TOTY Essentials Pack offers a guaranteed 85+ rated player, but the chances of packing a TOTY card are still low. However, the pack is potentially worthwhile if you want to get a loan version of one of the TOTY attackers.