Do FIFA 22 Packs Expire? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, FIFA 22 packs do expire. However, the specifics around pack expiration in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) can be a bit nuanced, so let’s dive into the details to give you a complete understanding. Generally, packs obtained through the FUT Store will remain available until you open them. Packs earned through completing Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), Division Rivals rewards, Squad Battles rewards, or other in-game objectives, however, often have expiration dates. These expiration dates are typically displayed on the pack itself. It’s crucial to pay attention to these dates because once a pack expires, it vanishes from your account, and you’ll lose the contents it would have contained. This is a painful reality that many FUT players have faced, so awareness is key!
Understanding Pack Expiration in FIFA 22
It’s essential to differentiate between the different types of packs you can acquire in FUT 22. Store packs purchased with FIFA Points or FUT Coins generally don’t expire until opened. However, reward packs earned through gameplay or completing objectives almost always have expiration dates. EA Sports implements this to encourage active engagement with the game. They want you to log in regularly and open those earned packs!
Here’s a breakdown:
- Store Packs: These are the packs you purchase directly from the FUT Store. They don’t usually have expiration dates unless explicitly stated (like special promotional packs).
- Reward Packs: These are the packs you earn through playing the game, completing objectives, or participating in competitions like Squad Battles or Division Rivals. These packs almost always have expiration dates clearly displayed.
The best way to avoid losing your packs is to check each pack individually for an expiration timer. This timer is usually visible on the pack icon within the “My Packs” section of the FUT Store. If you see a timer ticking down, make sure to open the pack before it reaches zero.
Another important point is the “pack pull” mechanic. As the article mentions, if you open a pack and then exit the game without confirming the contents, the next time you open that same pack, it will contain the identical items as the first time. This is an interesting quirk in the system and can be useful if you accidentally exit while opening a valuable pack.
The Consequences of Letting Packs Expire
The most obvious consequence of letting a pack expire is that you lose everything it contained. No players, no consumables, no stadium items – gone. This can be especially frustrating if you’ve put in a lot of effort to earn that pack, or if it was a particularly valuable pack like a Rare Players Pack or Jumbo Premium Gold Pack.
Beyond the immediate loss of potential players and items, letting packs expire can also impact your overall FUT strategy. Packs are essential for building your squad, completing SBCs, and trading on the transfer market. Losing packs means fewer opportunities to improve your team, earn coins, and progress in the game.
How to Stay on Top of Pack Expiration
The key to avoiding pack expiration is proactive pack management. Here are some tips:
- Regularly Check Your Packs: Make it a habit to check the “My Packs” section of the FUT Store every time you log in to FIFA 22. Pay close attention to any packs with expiration timers.
- Prioritize Opening Expiring Packs: If you have multiple packs, open the ones with the closest expiration dates first. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally lose any valuable rewards.
- Open Packs Strategically: Don’t just hoard packs indefinitely. Think about when you’re most likely to use the players and items you might pull. Opening packs during special events or promotions can increase your chances of getting valuable cards.
- Use the FIFA Companion App: The FIFA Companion App allows you to manage your FUT squad, complete SBCs, and open packs from your mobile device. This can be a convenient way to check for expiring packs even when you’re not at your console or PC.
- Set Reminders: If you know you have packs expiring soon, set a reminder on your phone or calendar to remind you to open them.
EA’s Stance on Pack Expiration
EA Sports has consistently stated that packs with expiration dates are intended to encourage active engagement with the game. They want players to log in regularly, complete objectives, and open their rewards. While some players find this system frustrating, it’s unlikely that EA will change it anytime soon.
EA also supports research in areas like gaming and learning, and one good resource on this subject is the Games Learning Society, available at GamesLearningSociety.org.
FIFA 22 Pack Expiration: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of pack expiration in FIFA 22:
1. Do preview packs expire in FIFA 22?
Yes, preview packs in FIFA 22 do expire. However, the expiration timer is different. After previewing the contents of a pack, you have a limited time (usually around 24 hours) to decide whether you want to purchase it with FUT Coins or FIFA Points. If you don’t make a decision within that time frame, the preview expires, and you’ll need to wait for another preview pack to become available.
2. Can I extend the expiration date of a FIFA 22 pack?
No, you cannot extend the expiration date of a FIFA 22 pack. Once the timer reaches zero, the pack is gone.
3. What happens if I accidentally let a pack expire in FIFA 22?
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do if you accidentally let a pack expire. EA Sports does not typically offer refunds or replacements for expired packs.
4. Are there any exceptions to pack expiration in FIFA 22?
Generally, no, there are no exceptions to pack expiration for reward packs. Store packs purchased with FIFA Points or FUT Coins are the only ones that typically don’t expire.
5. How can I see the expiration date of a FIFA 22 pack?
The expiration date of a FIFA 22 pack is usually displayed on the pack icon within the “My Packs” section of the FUT Store. Look for a timer ticking down.
6. Do all FIFA 22 packs have expiration dates?
No, not all packs have expiration dates. Packs purchased from the store generally do not, but reward packs earned through gameplay do.
7. Does the FIFA Companion App show pack expiration dates?
Yes, the FIFA Companion App does show pack expiration dates. This makes it easier to manage your packs even when you’re not at your console or PC.
8. Can I open FIFA 22 packs on the web app?
Yes, you can open FIFA 22 packs on the web app. The web app provides the same functionality as the console version when it comes to opening packs.
9. Does the time zone affect pack expiration in FIFA 22?
Yes, the time zone can affect pack expiration in FIFA 22. Expiration dates are usually based on your local time zone.
10. Are there any community tools to track pack expiration in FIFA 22?
While there aren’t any official community tools, many players use personal spreadsheets or reminders to track pack expiration.
11. Do packs earned from Twitch Drops expire in FIFA 22?
Yes, packs earned from Twitch Drops do expire and you should check their expiration dates.
12. If I pre-order FIFA 22, do those packs expire?
Packs from pre-ordering FIFA 22 typically do not expire when they are rewarded at the beginning of the game cycle. However, ensure you claim those packs as soon as you can.
13. Is it better to save FIFA 22 packs for special events?
Saving packs for special events (like Team of the Year or Team of the Season) can increase your chances of packing valuable players, but also comes with the risk of the packs expiring before the event starts. Weigh the risks and benefits carefully.
14. Can EA reset my FIFA 22 Ultimate Team if I lose my packs?
No, EA will not reset your FIFA 22 Ultimate Team if you lose your packs due to expiration.
15. How can I provide feedback to EA about the pack expiration system?
You can provide feedback to EA through the official FIFA forums or through social media channels like Twitter. EA often monitors these channels for player feedback.
By understanding the nuances of pack expiration and implementing proactive pack management strategies, you can avoid the disappointment of losing valuable rewards in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team. Happy pack opening!