Diving Deep: Unpacking TOTY Icons in FIFA 23 – Everything You Need to Know
Yes, there were TOTY Icons in FIFA 23. These special cards were released as part of the annual Team of the Year (TOTY) promotion, celebrating legendary players who would have been worthy of a TOTY selection during their illustrious careers. These icons were available in packs for a limited time, specifically until February 3rd, 2023, and provided players with opportunities to bolster their Ultimate Team squads with some of the greatest names in football history.
Understanding TOTY Icons: A Deep Dive
The Team of the Year (TOTY) event in FIFA Ultimate Team is a massive occasion, celebrating the best footballers of the past calendar year. While the main TOTY focuses on current players, TOTY Icons shine a light on the legends of the game, those whose performances in previous years would have easily warranted inclusion in a hypothetical TOTY squad.
The selection process for TOTY Icons involved community voting. Fans got to choose from a pool of nominated players, selecting those they felt deserved recognition for their past achievements. This democratic approach made the release even more engaging for the FIFA community. The cards themselves boasted significantly boosted stats, making them highly desirable and powerful additions to any team.
The Allure of TOTY Icons
Why were TOTY Icons so popular? Several factors contributed to their allure:
- Nostalgia: These cards allowed players to relive the glory days of their favorite footballing heroes.
- High Stats: TOTY Icons were among the highest-rated cards in the game, guaranteeing top-tier performance on the virtual pitch.
- Chemistry: Icons, in general, possess a unique chemistry benefit. They always had full chemistry when played in their preferred position, regardless of the rest of your squad composition, making team building more flexible.
- Rarity and Prestige: Obtaining a TOTY Icon was a challenge, adding to their prestige and desirability.
The release of TOTY Icons typically occurred alongside the main TOTY event, generating immense excitement and activity within the FIFA community. Players eagerly opened packs, completed Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and scoured the transfer market in hopes of acquiring these coveted cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TOTY Icons in FIFA 23
Below are some of the most common questions surrounding TOTY Icons in FIFA 23, answered to provide a comprehensive understanding of these special items.
How did you obtain a TOTY Icon in FIFA 23?
There was no guaranteed method to obtain a TOTY Icon in FIFA 23 through pack openings. Pack luck played a significant role. However, you could increase your chances by opening more packs, particularly those specifically advertised as containing TOTY Icon possibilities. The FUT market was a more reliable, albeit expensive, option, allowing you to purchase the cards directly from other players. Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) were also a frequent avenue, offering the chance to earn packs or even specific Icon cards upon completion.
When were TOTY Icons available in FIFA 23?
The first batch of TOTY Icons was released on January 20, 2023, alongside the main Team of the Year promo. All released TOTY Icons remained available in packs until February 3rd, 2023.
Which Icons were included in the FIFA 23 TOTY selection?
The article mentions several Icons that were in FIFA 23:
- Roberto Baggio
- Dennis Bergkamp
- George Best
- Emilio Butragueño
- Eric Cantona
- Hernán Crespo
- Johan Cruyff
- Kenny Dalglish
While these are some of the confirmed Icons, this list is not necessarily exhaustive for the TOTY Icon selection. EA typically releases a full list of included players upon the official announcement.
What made TOTY Icons different from regular Icons?
TOTY Icons typically had higher ratings and improved stats compared to their base Icon counterparts. This reflected their legendary performances at their absolute peak, making them even more powerful and desirable in-game. The card design was also distinct, visually setting them apart from regular Icons.
Why were some Icons removed from FIFA 23?
EA Sports must secure the rights to use a player’s likeness in the game. Licensing issues, disagreements with players’ families or agents (as in the case of Maradona), and other legal complications can lead to the removal of Icons from the game. The article notes that Ryan Giggs, Pep Guardiola, Deco, Diego Maradona, Hidetoshi Nakata, Jay-Jay Okocha, Marc Overmars, and Filippo Inzaghi were removed Icons in FIFA 23.
How did Chemistry work with Icons in FIFA 23?
Icons possessed a unique chemistry advantage in FIFA 23 Ultimate Team. They always had full chemistry when played in their preferred position, regardless of the nationality, league, or club of other players in the squad. This made them invaluable for building hybrid squads with strong chemistry links.
What was the full form of TOTY?
TOTY stands for Team of the Year.
How long did FIFA 23 Career Mode last?
FIFA 23 Career Mode allowed players to enjoy playing for up to 15 seasons, starting with the 2022/23 season and ending with the 2036/37 season.
Who was the “12th Man” in TOTY 23?
Erling Haaland was voted as the TOTY 12th Man in FIFA 23.
What are FUT Heroes?
FUT Heroes are special player items that represent players who had memorable moments and significant contributions for their clubs, often outside of the top-tier superstar status of Icons. They also provide unique chemistry links. The article mentions that Hidetoshi Nakata and Jay-Jay Okocha, who were removed as Icons, were added back as FUT Heroes.
What are Squad Building Challenges (SBCs)?
Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) are in-game challenges where players must submit a team that meets specific requirements (e.g., overall rating, chemistry, number of players from a certain league). In return, players receive rewards, such as packs, player items, or other in-game items.
How did the community vote for TOTY players?
EA Sports typically released a shortlist of nominated players for both the main TOTY and TOTY Icons. The FIFA community then voted for their favorite players via the EA Sports website or in-game. The players with the most votes were then selected for the final TOTY squads.
What happens to FIFA after FIFA 23?
Following the release of FIFA 23, EA Sports parted ways with FIFA and launched their own football game franchise called EA Sports FC. The first game in this new series was EA Sports FC 24.
What made a player eligible for a TOTY Icon card?
Players were considered for TOTY Icon status based on their exceptional performances and lasting impact on the sport during their active playing careers. They should have been players who, at their peak, would have been worthy of inclusion in a hypothetical Team of the Year squad.
What are some tips for improving at FIFA 23?
While this article focuses on TOTY Icons, some general tips for improving at FIFA 23 include:
- Mastering the fundamentals: Practice passing, shooting, dribbling, and defending techniques.
- Understanding tactics and formations: Experiment with different formations and custom tactics to find what suits your playstyle.
- Learning skill moves: Incorporate effective skill moves into your gameplay to create space and beat defenders.
- Analyzing your gameplay: Watch replays of your matches to identify areas for improvement.
- Staying updated with the meta: Keep up with the latest trends and strategies in the FIFA community.
The Enduring Legacy of Icons
Whether in TOTY form or their base versions, Icons continue to be a popular and integral part of the FIFA Ultimate Team experience. They offer a connection to the past, provide unique gameplay advantages, and add a layer of excitement and nostalgia to the game. Understanding their significance and how to acquire them is crucial for any serious FIFA player.
The world of gaming continues to offer fascinating insights into learning and engagement. For more on this topic, explore the research and resources available at the Games Learning Society using the URL: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.