EA Sports FC 24: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Ultimate Team
This year, EA Sports has made a few changes to how they're rolling out the game, so it's essential to know the best strategies to kickstart your Ultimate Team journey. Whether you're a seasoned FIFA veteran or a newcomer to the world of Ultimate Team, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you get off to the best possible start.
Choosing Your Edition: Ultimate or Standard?
The first decision you'll need to make is whether to go for the Ultimate Edition or the Standard Edition of EA Sports FC 24. This choice will significantly impact how you begin your Ultimate Team adventure.
In previous years, the Ultimate Edition granted three days of early access ahead of the Standard Edition release. However, this time, EA Sports has decided to extend that window to a full week. This change is critical to consider when planning your Ultimate Team strategy.
Additionally, EA Play, which used to provide a five-day early access period, now releases on the same day as the Ultimate Edition, September 22nd. This means that if you have pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition or plan to play through EA Play, you'll start on September 22nd. But if you've opted for the Standard Edition, you'll have to wait until the 29th unless you use Early Access and the web app.
Early Access and the Web App
For those choosing Early Access, the key is to maximize your 10 hours of gameplay efficiently. Avoid spending this time navigating menus, trading, or completing objectives, as these activities can be done without time limits using the web app. Instead, focus solely on playing matches during Early Access. After each game, exit Ultimate Team, close the application, and transition to the web app for trading, buying players, and completing Squad Building Challenges (SBCs).
This approach ensures that you make the most of your limited Early Access hours while still having the flexibility to engage in other Ultimate Team activities on the web app.
Loyalty Packs: A Potential Boost
Loyalty packs can provide a significant boost to your starting squad. These packs are awarded to players who have consecutively played FIFA titles. If you're new to EA Sports FC 24, you won't receive any loyalty packs. However, if you've been playing FIFA for several years, you may have accumulated a considerable number of these packs.
It's essential to open these packs strategically. The market tends to be less competitive early in the game's release, meaning player prices are lower. Consider holding on to valuable players you pack during Early Access, as their prices may skyrocket once the game officially launches.
Trading: The Key to Success
Regardless of your edition choice, trading should be a central component of your early Ultimate Team strategy. How you approach trading will depend on your starting coin balance.
If you're starting with minimal FC 24 coins, which is common for players with the Standard Edition, employ low-cost trading methods such as the bronze or silver trading method. These techniques involve buying and selling lower-rated players at a profit margin. You can find detailed guides on these methods online or in dedicated FIFA community forums.
Players who have purchased the Ultimate Edition or have accumulated more coins through loyalty packs and FIFA Points can explore more advanced trading strategies, such as the bulk bidding method. This method involves bidding on numerous players with a small profit margin, which, when multiplied across multiple transactions, can yield significant profits.
The Starting Squad and Squad Battles
Once you've gathered some coins through trading, it's time to enhance your starting squad. If your team consists of mostly non-rare or low-rated gold players, consider playing Squad Battles initially. This allows you to build your team while honing your skills against AI opponents.
If you have a rare gold team or feel confident, you can venture into online matches. However, be prepared to face formidable opponents even in the early stages of the game, as many players are experienced at building competitive teams quickly.
Objectives and Milestones
Completing objectives is essential for not only improving your squad but also earning additional rewards. Early objectives typically involve tasks like changing your club name, applying contracts to players, and completing basic SBCs. These objectives may not offer substantial rewards, but they help you build your team step by step.
As you progress through objectives and play matches, you'll earn coins and packs. It's advisable to reinvest these rewards into trading and gradually upgrading your squad.
Building Your Team Incrementally
A common mistake among new players is to spend all their early FIFA coins on building the best team possible. However, it's more efficient to build your team incrementally. Allocate a portion of your coins, say 10-15k, to assemble a competent squad. This way, you'll still have a balance to invest in trading, ensuring your coin total continues to grow.
Continuing Your Journey
The journey in EA Sports FC 24 is an ongoing one. Once you've established your team and have a comfortable coin balance, you can choose your path. Whether it's competing in FUT Draft, climbing the ranks in Division Rivals, or aiming for a spot in FUT Champions, the choice is yours.
Starting Ultimate Team in EA Sports FC 24 requires a well-thought-out strategy, whether you're playing the Standard or Ultimate Edition. By optimizing your time during Early Access, leveraging loyalty packs, and focusing on effective trading methods, you can build a competitive squad quickly. Remember to reinvest your earnings wisely and progress incrementally to set yourself up for a successful Ultimate Team journey in the long run. EA Sports FC 24 promises another thrilling season of football action, and with the right approach, you can maximize your enjoyment and success in the game.