Should I Save My Packs for TOTY? The Ultimate FIFA Pack Saving Guide
The question plagues every FIFA Ultimate Team player each year: should I save my packs for Team of the Year (TOTY)? The answer, as with many things in life, is a resounding it depends. A qualified yes, but with caveats. Saving packs can significantly improve your chances of packing those coveted blue cards, but it’s crucial to understand the odds, weigh the opportunity costs, and strategize effectively.
The Allure of TOTY
TOTY is arguably the most hyped event in the FIFA calendar. It celebrates the best players in the world, bestowing upon them massively upgraded cards that become highly desirable in-game assets. These cards not only boast incredible stats but also hold significant value on the transfer market, becoming status symbols and the backbone of many elite squads. The temptation to pack one is understandable.
The Pack Saving Strategy: Explained
The underlying principle is simple: accumulate as many packs as possible before the TOTY release. The more packs you have, the more chances you get to defy the famously low pack weight and pull a TOTY player. Many players spend weeks, even months, grinding Squad Battles, Division Rivals, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and objectives to stockpile packs in anticipation.
The Crucial Caveats
However, pack saving isn’t a guaranteed route to TOTY success. Here’s where the “it depends” factor kicks in:
- Pack Weight: TOTY pack weight is notoriously low. Even with hundreds of saved packs, there’s a significant chance you won’t pack a single TOTY. The article extract indicates probabilities are often “less than 1% per pack.”
- Opportunity Cost: Saving packs means foregoing potentially valuable players before TOTY. You might miss out on other promos, special cards, and the opportunity to improve your team in the present.
- Pack Types: Not all packs are created equal. Premium Gold Packs offer a better chance than standard Gold Packs. Higher-value packs, like Jumbo Rare Player Packs and Ultimate Packs, obviously offer the best odds, but are harder to obtain. Focus on accumulating these if possible.
- Player Mentality: Are you okay with potentially opening all those packs and getting nothing? The disappointment can be crushing. Manage your expectations.
Making an Informed Decision
Before embarking on a pack saving crusade, ask yourself these questions:
- How much time am I willing to invest? Grinding for packs takes time and effort. Is it worth it to you?
- What’s my current squad like? If your team is already competitive, saving packs for a potential upgrade might be worthwhile. If your squad needs a major overhaul, you might be better off spending coins on the transfer market now.
- What’s my budget? Are you planning on spending FIFA Points? If so, factor that into your strategy. Spending a little extra can get you more packs, but remember, it doesn’t guarantee anything.
- What are my goals for FIFA? Are you aiming for Elite Division in Rivals? Do you want to qualify for FUT Champions consistently? Your goals should influence your pack saving strategy.
Alternatives to Pack Saving
If pack saving doesn’t seem like the right fit, consider these alternative strategies:
- Trading: Master the art of trading on the transfer market. Buy low, sell high. Learn to snipe cards and exploit price fluctuations.
- Investing: Invest in fodder cards (high-rated players that are cheap) before SBCs are released. Their prices will rise, allowing you to make a profit.
- Focus on SBCs: Some SBCs offer guaranteed high-rated players or specific special cards. These can be a more reliable way to improve your team.
- Play the Game: Simply play the game, earn coins, and buy the players you want on the transfer market. This is often the most reliable, if less exciting, approach.
TOTY: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the TOTY event:
1. Will saved packs work for TOTY?
Yes, you have the possibility to pack a TOTY from saved packs. The packs need to be unopened at the time TOTY players are released into packs.
2. How long will TOTY stay in packs?
The full TOTY squad, including the 12th Man and Honorable Mentions, typically remains available in packs for about a week. Consult official FIFA channels for exact dates.
3. How likely is it to pack a TOTY?
The odds of packing a TOTY are notoriously low, often cited as less than 1% for high-value packs. Realistically, you might need to open hundreds of packs to have a decent chance.
4. Can you pack a TOTY in FIFA with saved packs?
Yes.
5. How rare are Team of the Year cards?
TOTY cards are among the rarest cards in the entire FIFA Ultimate Team cycle.
6. How do you get TOTY players easily?
There’s no easy way to get TOTY players. The FUT market is the most reliable, albeit expensive, option.
7. Are all TOTY players in packs now?
Typically, the TOTY attackers, midfielders, and defenders are released in stages. The full squad, including the 12th Man and Honorable Mentions, is then available together. Check official announcements for specific release dates.
8. Are TOTY cards permanent?
No, TOTY cards are only available in packs for a limited time during the Team of the Year promo.
9. Can I get a TOTY from a gold pack?
Yes, if the pack is applicable (i.e., not a silver pack). The chances are lower than with higher-value packs.
10. Can you get TOTY in rare gold packs?
Yes, there’s a chance to pack one from nearly any pack that contains a rare gold player, but it’s extremely rare.
11. Who is the 12th card in TOTY?
The 12th Man is determined by a community vote from a shortlist of candidates who didn’t make the initial TOTY squad.
12. What is the best TOTY card?
“Best” is subjective and depends on your team’s needs and play style. Look for players with high stats in key areas, like pace, shooting, passing, and dribbling.
13. Why does Ronaldo not have a TOTY card?
Performance in the previous calendar year is a key factor, and his move to a less competitive league may have impacted his selection.
14. Is TOTY Untradeable?
Individual cards can be untradeable if obtained through SBCs or objectives. Packs from the store or earned in game will allow for tradeable cards.
15. When to buy TOTY players?
If you want to buy non-TOTY players, prices tend to drop significantly in the week before TOTY is released, as players sell off their teams to raise funds for pack openings.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision of whether to save packs for TOTY is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your goals, and manage your expectations. Remember, FIFA is a game, so have fun! And if you’re interested in the broader implications of gaming and its role in learning and society, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck with your pack openings, and may the pack weight be ever in your favor!