Tuesday is here, and that usually means one thing in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) – a guaranteed promo pack. We’ve seen this pattern throughout recent promos, including FUT Fantasy, Grassroots Greats, and Future Stars. While it’s not officially confirmed, there’s a strong chance that EA Sports will drop a FUT Birthday guaranteed pack today. This could have a direct impact on the market, and it raises the question: should you be making investments ahead of time?
How guaranteed promo packs have influenced the market
In previous promos, the guaranteed pack required players to submit three cards from the same promo, causing their prices to rise. For instance, during the Future Stars event, some of the cheapest Future Stars cards jumped significantly in price. The same happened with the Fantasy FC promo, where cards moved from 17,000 to 23,000 coins.
Currently, the cheapest FUT Birthday cards are sitting at around 17,000 coins, and while they may rise if required in an SBC, the increase may not be as dramatic as previous promos. The reason? FUT Birthday has been one of the most packable promos, meaning many players already have untradeable cards in their club.
If you’re considering investing, it might be a safer bet to pick up just enough cards to complete the SBC rather than going all-in on a major investment. Even if prices do rise, they are unlikely to skyrocket beyond 19-20k.
FUT Birthday Cup refresh and evolution opportunities
Yesterday’s content brought another refresh to the FUT Birthday Cup, which comes with new pack rewards, including an 83×5, 84×5, and an 86×2. However, the most interesting addition is the new evolution (EVO) upgrade. The FUT Birthday Cuptwo EVO allows players 89-rated and below to gain four base play styles: Trickster, Finesse Shot, Chip Shot, and TLLA.
These EVOs are proving to be game-changers, with certain players like Lamine Yamal benefitting massively. Players who saved the Flash Step EVO over the weekend now have an opportunity to chain it with the new Spin Cycle EVO, unlocking 99 Pace and a range of play styles. This highlights the importance of waiting before committing to an evolution, as new options can make certain chains even stronger.
New SBCs and potential investments
The market remains relatively stable, but there are some SBCs that have caught the community’s attention. Yesterday, EA Sports dropped an FC Pro Live player pick SBC, allowing users to choose two out of four live cards that can receive upgrades based on real-life esports performances.
The best bets for upgrades appear to be Matoma, Gomez, and McAtee, as their respective clubs have performed well in the FC Pro event. This SBC, priced at around 178,000 coins, effectively costs half that per player, making it an interesting value proposition. If you’re looking to complete this, the deadline is approaching quickly, as games begin on Saturday.
Additionally, a St. Patrick’s Day SBC featuring former Spurs defender Matt Doherty was released, and while it may not be the most exciting card, it’s an easy completion for just two 84-rated squads. Given the amount of 84-rated fodder available, it’s practically free for many players.
Market trends and trading strategies
With the market feeling relatively stagnant, one of the best trading opportunities is still in EVO-related cards. Players like Jeremy Doku and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who fit well into multiple EVO chains, continue to fluctuate in price. Hudson-Odoi recently dropped to 18,000 coins but has seen spikes up to 40,000 in recent weeks when relevant EVOs were released.
If you’re looking for budget trading methods, focusing on out-of-packs (OOP) players like Winter Wildcards and Fantasy FC cards that have potential future use in EVOs is a solid play. Another viable option is targeting cheap defenders from leagues that will soon receive meta SBCs, like the expected Bremer FUT Birthday SBC, which could impact Serie A investments.
Learn more about possible investments from TheFutAccountant in this video.
Upcoming content and Dreamchasers promo
Beyond today’s likely FUT Birthday guaranteed SBC, we’re also keeping an eye on the final days of the promo. Leaked SBCs, including Bremer and James Maddison, could arrive any day now. Bremer, in particular, is generating significant hype due to his potential impact on the center-back market.
Looking ahead to Friday, the next promo, Dreamchasers, is set to begin. While details are limited, leaks suggest that icons and heroes will be included in the promo. Some speculation points toward a possible “road to the final” format, but it’s unclear whether the cards will be live or static upgrades. Given that it’s a one-week promo, the market impact might not be as drastic as FUT Birthday.
With all this in mind, today could bring a mix of SBCs, upgrade packs, and trading opportunities. Keep an eye on the market, and if you’re planning to complete the FUT Birthday guaranteed pack, consider picking up a few extra FUT Birthday cards before prices move.
FUT Birthday guaranteed pack FAQ
What is the FUT Birthday guaranteed pack?
It’s an SBC that lets you exchange FUT Birthday cards for a better one.
When will the FUT Birthday guaranteed pack be released?
Based on past trends, it’s expected to drop today, Tuesday.
Should I invest in FUT Birthday cards before the SBC?
Prices may rise slightly, but large investments might not be profitable.
Will FUT Birthday icons or heroes be included in the pack?
The code doesn’t specify icons or heroes, so it’s uncertain.