Can I Save My Packs for TOTY? Your Ultimate Guide to Pack Saving in EA FC 24
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Yes, you absolutely can save your packs for Team of the Year (TOTY) in EA FC 24! This is a widely adopted strategy within the Ultimate Team community to increase your chances of packing these highly coveted and powerful player cards. However, there are crucial details and nuances you need to understand to maximize the effectiveness of this strategy. Let’s delve into everything you need to know about pack saving for TOTY.
Understanding the Basics of Pack Saving
Pack saving is the practice of accumulating packs earned through various in-game activities (Squad Battles, Division Rivals, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), objectives, etc.) and storing them in your club without opening them. The idea is to wait until a specific promotion, like Team of the Year (TOTY), is released, and then open all your saved packs hoping to pack one of the limited-time TOTY players.
Why Save Packs for TOTY?
The primary reason for saving packs is to increase your probability of packing a TOTY card. TOTY players are statistically the best non-Icon players in the game, with significantly boosted stats, making them incredibly valuable and desirable for any Ultimate Team. Their pack weight (the probability of packing them) is notoriously low during the event. By opening a large volume of packs, you statistically improve your odds, even though packing a TOTY is never guaranteed.
Key Considerations for Pack Saving
While the concept is simple, the execution requires careful planning and understanding of several factors.
1. Pack Type Matters
Not all packs are created equal. Certain pack types offer a higher chance of containing valuable players. Generally, the larger and more expensive the pack, the better.
- Premium Gold Packs: These are a decent starting point, but not ideal for maximizing TOTY chances.
- Rare Gold Packs: Better than Premium Gold Packs, offering more rare players, increasing your chances of a high-rated pull.
- Jumbo Premium Gold Packs: Larger than regular Premium Gold Packs, providing more opportunities.
- Mega Packs: These are a significant step up and contain a variety of player types.
- Rare Player Packs: These guarantee rare players in every slot, significantly increasing your chances of a high-rated player, including a TOTY.
- Ultimate Packs: The most valuable pack type available, offering the highest chance of packing high-rated and special cards. These should be your primary target.
2. Understanding Pack Weight
Pack weight is the term used to describe the probability of pulling specific types of cards from a pack. EA does not officially disclose pack weights, but the community gathers data over time to estimate them. During TOTY, the pack weight for TOTY cards is extremely low. Saving a large volume of packs helps overcome this low probability. Remember, pack weight can also vary between different pack types.
3. Storing Your Packs Effectively
EA FC 24 has a limited number of unassigned items you can store in your club. This refers to items sitting in your store that you haven’t moved to your club or quick sold. You can store a limited number of packs here. Beyond that, packs will accumulate in the Store section until you open them. Planning is key to avoid exceeding storage limits.
4. When to Start Saving
The earlier you start saving packs, the better. Many players begin saving packs in December, anticipating the TOTY event in January. This gives you ample time to accumulate a substantial number of packs.
5. Managing Your Team During Pack Saving
While saving packs, you might need to rely on your current team or use untradeable cards. This can be challenging if your team isn’t competitive. Consider completing SBCs that offer guaranteed high-rated untradeable players to bolster your squad while you save. Also, focus on earning coins through gameplay to purchase specific players you need to fill gaps in your team.
6. Knowing the TOTY Release Schedule
EA usually releases the TOTY squad in phases, starting with the attackers, followed by midfielders, defenders, and finally, the goalkeeper. They often release a full TOTY squad towards the end of the event, which includes all the players simultaneously. Knowing the schedule allows you to strategically open packs when the players you desire are in packs.
7. Being Aware of Other Promotions
During the pack-saving period, EA often releases other promotions. These promotions can dilute the pool of players available in packs, potentially lowering your chances of packing a TOTY card when the event arrives. Understanding the timing of these other promotions and deciding whether to open packs during them or stay disciplined and continue saving is a crucial decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will saved packs guarantee a TOTY player?
No. Saving packs significantly increases your chances, but it doesn’t guarantee a TOTY player. Pack weight for TOTY cards is extremely low, so even with hundreds of packs, you might not pack one.
2. Do untradeable packs have better odds for TOTY?
Not necessarily. Pack weight is generally consistent across tradeable and untradeable versions of the same pack type. However, untradeable packs are free to acquire and contribute to the overall volume of packs you open, increasing your overall chances.
3. Should I open my packs as soon as TOTY is released?
This depends on your strategy. Some players prefer to open packs when the entire TOTY squad is released to have a chance at any player. Others prefer to open packs during specific position releases to target their desired positions. Consider the release schedule and your preferences.
4. How many packs should I save for TOTY?
There’s no magic number. The more packs you save, the better your chances. Aim for at least 50-100 packs, ideally focusing on high-value packs like Rare Player Packs and Ultimate Packs.
5. What if I run out of storage space while saving packs?
Prioritize storing the most valuable packs. Consider opening less valuable packs to free up space, or use the players from those packs to complete SBCs that reward you with better packs that can be saved.
6. Does the time of day I open packs matter?
There’s no proven evidence to suggest that the time of day influences pack weight. This is largely based on anecdotal experiences and superstition.
7. Are there any risks associated with saving packs?
The primary risk is the disappointment of not packing a TOTY player despite the effort. Also, the market can fluctuate, and players you could have packed and sold earlier might decrease in value by the time TOTY arrives.
8. What should I do with duplicate players from packs?
Use them in SBCs. Prioritize SBCs that reward you with valuable packs to continue your pack-saving efforts. Quick sell duplicates only as a last resort.
9. Can I still earn packs during TOTY?
Yes! Continue playing Squad Battles, Division Rivals, completing objectives, and doing SBCs to earn additional packs during the TOTY event to further increase your chances.
10. Should I buy packs with FIFA Points to save for TOTY?
This is a personal decision. Buying packs with FIFA Points is a gamble. While it can significantly increase the number of packs you have, it also involves spending real money. Be responsible and only spend what you can afford.
11. What are the best SBCs to complete for pack rewards?
Focus on SBCs that offer valuable packs like Rare Player Packs, Jumbo Rare Player Packs, and Ultimate Packs. Also, look out for repeatable SBCs that offer decent packs for relatively low cost.
12. How do I check how many packs I have saved?
Go to the “Store” section in Ultimate Team. Your saved packs will be displayed there. Remember the limit on “unassigned” items as well.
13. Will saved packs from previous FIFA versions carry over to EA FC 24?
No. Packs are specific to each FIFA/EA FC version and cannot be transferred.
14. How much time does it take to save a significant amount of packs?
It depends on how actively you play and the rewards you earn. Saving 50-100 valuable packs can take several weeks or even a couple of months, hence the importance of starting early.
15. Is pack saving worth it?
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Pack saving can be a fun and exciting way to prepare for TOTY. While there’s no guarantee of success, the potential reward of packing a highly valuable TOTY player can make it worthwhile for many players. Just remember to manage your expectations and enjoy the process!