The biggest part of the Team of the Year (TOTY) event is here, and it’s what FIFA fans have been waiting for: the legendary upgrade pack grind. After saving packs for weeks and starting to open them, the most exciting phase of TOTY is about to begin. If you’re looking to pack those coveted blues and craft every SBC (Squad Building Challenge) imaginable, now’s the time to lock in. Today marks the start of a menu grind that could make this year’s FC 25 Team of the Year event the most rewarding yet.
Let’s break down how you can prepare for the TOTY grind, what packs are coming, and how you can maximize your time to craft the best possible squad. Plus, we’ll touch on the Evolutions, TOTY midfielders, and everything else happening in the game right now.
TOTY Upgrade Packs Are Back: What to Expect
Every year during TOTY, EA Sports releases premium and basic league-specific upgrade packs. These packs are the foundation of the Team of the Year grind, allowing players to chase TOTY cards from specific leagues like the Premier League, Liga F, or others. The good news? These packs have been added to the in-game code and are expected to drop today.
In previous years, these upgrades included packs like the 81+ Double and the 83×10, as well as league-specific options. This year, there’s a small tweak. The premium upgrades will still include 11 players, but instead of last year’s four rares and seven commons, this year’s format swaps one rare for a common (three rares, eight commons). While the difference may seem minor, it still creates opportunities to stockpile rares and commons for crafting SBCs.
The grind is endless. Here’s the beauty of this system: you open a pack, get rares and commons, rinse and repeat. Commons go into lower-tier upgrades, rares go into premium upgrades, and high-rated cards you pack along the way help you complete SBCs.
One example is the 84+ x5 packs or even marquee SBCs like Kevin De Bruyne’s TOTY SBC, which costs around 1.8 million coins. Through the grind, you’ll naturally complete multiple segments of these SBCs, saving coins while maximizing your chances of pulling a TOTY card.
To prepare, consider investing in gold rares now. Historically, prices for gold rares rise once the upgrade packs drop. Right now, they’re sitting at around 650 coins on the market. If demand surges, we could see prices reach 800–1,000 coins. Stock up early and avoid overpaying once the grind begins.
New Evolutions: Neymar, Vidal, and More
On the Evolutions front, Sunday’s drop shook the market. Neymar’s gold card spiked from 10,000 coins to its max price of 23,000 due to leaks that he fit the new Evolution. While the panic selling settled, Neymar’s upgrade is still enticing: +2 Pace, +5 Shooting, +4 Passing, +1 Dribbling, and +5 Physical, making him a beast as an 89-rated card.
Another standout is Arturo Vidal’s silver card, which evolves into a 78-rated powerhouse with insane stats for its rating. For those focused on budget-friendly upgrades, players like Vidal and lower-rated options like Marco Reus or Thomas Müller are perfect candidates. These cards gain play style boosts and future Evolution potential, making them valuable additions to any squad.
Don’t overlook the TOTY Evolution chain for center backs. EA has confirmed that players can now control the order in which upgrades are applied. For example, if you want Intercept Plus instead of Pinged Pass on a card like Varane, completing the defending Evo first ensures you get the desired play style. This flexibility is a game-changer, especially for crafting meta players with tailored attributes.
TOTY Midfielders and Market Movements
The TOTY midfielders—Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Guro Reiten—are officially in packs, and their market prices are skyrocketing. Jude Bellingham, considered one of the best midfielders in the game, currently sits at 7.2 million coins. Rodri’s 5.6 million price tag reflects his incredible stats and versatility, while Guro Reiten was initially extinct at 750k due to EA’s questionable price ranges.
If you’re eyeing these cards, patience is key. Historically, TOTY prices dip slightly around Wednesday or Thursday as players prepare for the full TOTY squad release. Expect more saved packs to flood the market, potentially pushing prices lower before they rebound when the hype for upgrade packs peaks.
For those on a budget, consider watching Cole Palmer, whose 2.8 million coin price makes him one of the more accessible TOTY cards. His three play-style pluses and balanced stats could make him one of the most packable TOTY cards through upgrades.
For more market analysis follow TheFutAccountant on YouTube.
SBCs and Icon Picks Return
Another exciting addition is the return of the 87+ Mixed Icon Pick and Hero Pick SBCs. These are slightly cheaper than the previous version, requiring squads rated 86, 88, and 89. If you’ve been stocking high-rated fodder, now’s the time to cash in. For example, 89-rated cards purchased at 14–15k are now selling for 18–19k, making them a solid profit if you invested early.
On the player SBC side, the Marquinhos SBC dropped Sunday, but many players found it underwhelming compared to free options from Evolutions. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Gareth Bale flashback card remains unreleased, with speculation pointing to a Friday drop alongside the full TOTY squad.
Keep an eye on leaked SBCs like Flashback Cancelo and Salma Paralluelo, which could shake up the market once released.
TOTY Objectives and Team of the Year Cup
Today also brings two new Evolutions tied to the TOTY Cup mode. This objective-based event will likely require players to win a set number of matches, but the rewards include valuable Evo options and packs.
For more casual players, the daily login and daily play objectives continue to provide steady rewards. Completing these consistently is crucial, as the pack rewards ramp up midweek, especially for higher-tier SBC fodder.
Prepare for Endless Packs and Crafting
The TOTY grind is officially here, and the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re chasing a Team of the Year midfielder, crafting high-value SBCs, or stacking your club with fodder, now’s the time to put in the hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About TOTY Upgrade Packs
What are TOTY Upgrade Packs?
TOTY Upgrade Packs are special SBCs that allow players to chase Team of the Year cards from specific leagues like the Premier League or Liga F. These packs typically require 11 gold players (with varying numbers of rares) and provide league-specific rewards.
How do I prepare for the TOTY grind?
The best way to prepare is by stocking up on gold rare players. You can buy these cards for 650–700 coins before the upgrade packs drop, as their prices often rise when demand increases.
Are TOTY cards more likely in league-specific packs?
Yes, league-specific packs increase your chances of packing TOTY cards from the league you choose. For example, Premier League packs give you better odds for players like Jude Bellingham or Guro Reiten.
What is the TOTY Evolution chain?
The TOTY Evolution chain allows players to upgrade cards by completing specific objectives. EA confirmed that you can choose the order of upgrades to customize the play styles on your players.
Why are TOTY prices fluctuating?
TOTY prices tend to fluctuate due to player demand and pack openings. Prices often dip midweek as players prepare for the full TOTY squad release, then rise again as fewer cards become available.
What is the benefit of TOTY Cup objectives?
The TOTY Cup objectives provide additional Evolutions and valuable packs, offering a chance to further customize and upgrade your team.
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