Best SBC to Save Packs for TOTY? The 85+ Combo is Key!

As Team of the Year (TOTY) nears in FC 25, players are gearing up for one of the most exciting events of the year. From analyzing evolving market trends to tackling critical SBCs, there’s no better time to strategize for TOTY success. Here’s a detailed look at how to prepare, save packs, and make the most of current content.

TOTY Voting is Now Live: What You Need to Know

The TOTY voting phase is officially underway, and with it comes a wave of excitement over potential inclusions and design changes. The new TOTY Honorable Mentions card design has caught the community’s attention, with many calling it the best yet. These cards will be awarded to players who just miss out on making the final TOTY XI but still deserve recognition for their outstanding performances.

Notably missing from the voting are stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, which has sparked some debate. However, EA has included a strong roster of nominees, ensuring that fans have plenty of choices. If you haven’t already voted, head to the official EA TOTY Voting page before the January 12 deadline.

The Importance of the 85+ Combo SBC

The 85+ Combo SBC, set to expire today, has become a staple for those saving packs for TOTY. Its potential replacement could be a game-changer, with speculation pointing to high-value options like the 82×14, 84×5, or even an 85×7 pack. These packs offer significant opportunities to pack rare TOTY cards, making them a must-save for most players.

If you’ve already completed the 85+ Combo, now is a good time to start looking at in-form card investments. Currently priced around 12,000 coins on bids, these cards are low-risk investments that are likely to rise in value as more high-demand SBCs are introduced during the TOTY warm-up phase.

Market Trends Ahead of TOTY

High-Tier Card Prices Are Falling

As TOTY approaches, the prices of high-tier cards are taking a noticeable dip. Some of the most significant drops include:

Winter Wildcard Son Heung-Min: Down from 1.2M coins to 1M.
R9 Ronaldo: Slightly down but still over 12M coins.
Neymar: Experiencing a significant decrease of several hundred thousand coins.

Budget-Friendly Investments Are Rising

While high-tier cards are falling, lower-tier cards and out-of-pack specials are gaining traction. For example:

Fabio Carvalho has surged in price due to performance-based upgrades.
Kobbie Mainoo, once 13,000 coins, has climbed to over 17,000 this week.

If you’re trading in the current market, focusing on budget-friendly cards is the safest and most profitable approach.

Are Evolutions Broken? A Community Debate

Yesterday’s re-release of the Octopus Evolution has reignited discussions about the state of Evolutions in FC 25. While some argue that Evolutions are broken, others believe they are simply being recycled to extend engagement. Regardless, players like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Matheus Cunha remain excellent choices for this EVO format.

If you have compatible cards, completing this Evolution is highly recommended. It provides significant in-game boosts and may even outperform future promo cards. For players like Tchouaméni, the Evolution could be a valuable long-term upgrade.

What to Expect from Tuesday’s Content

Tuesdays are traditionally quiet in FC 25, but today could still bring some valuable updates:

Upgrade Packs: The 85+ Combo SBC’s replacement could be revealed today, with rumors pointing to an 82×14 SBC. This would be a fantastic option for those stacking packs for TOTY.
Rush Refresh: Weekly refreshes may introduce valuable packs, including an 85+ Player Pick, 80×10, and other high-rated guarantees.
Mini-Release Rumors: Expect potential updates on leaked SBCs, such as the two-part Gündogan card. These could provide exciting options for squad upgrades.

How to Prepare for TOTY

With TOTY just around the corner, preparation is crucial. Here are some key steps to take now:

Save Packs: Prioritize high-value packs like the 85+ Combo or potential replacements like the 82×14. These packs maximize your chances of pulling TOTY cards.
Trade Wisely: Focus on low-tier cards and out-of-pack specials, as these are less likely to lose value during market shifts.
Complete Value-Driven SBCs: SBCs like the 77+ Player Pick and other upgrade packs are excellent for maintaining a steady flow of club fodder.
Monitor Leaks: Stay up-to-date on potential content updates and leaks to stay ahead of market trends.

TOTY is one of the most exciting times of the year in FC 25, and preparation is the key to making the most of it. With the right strategy, you can maximize your chances of success and potentially pack some of the most coveted cards in the game.