The anticipation for the Team of the Year (TOTY) promo is building, and the FC 25 market is already feeling the effects. Players are selling off their squads, coins are being stockpiled, and prices are plummeting in what can only be described as the first TOTY market crash. While this is just the beginning, it’s clear that EA SPORTS’ most hyped promo of the year is set to bring chaos to the transfer market. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s happening, the trends driving this crash, and how you can prepare for what’s coming next.
Market Crash: Why Prices Are Dropping Fast
The market has seen a dramatic drop in prices across many popular cards, particularly high-tier players. Cards like Vini Jr. and Mbappé have experienced significant depreciation. For example, Vini Jr. dropped from 3 million coins to 2.5 million in just a day, and Mbappé fell to 1.4 million before rebounding slightly to 1.47 million.
The primary driver of these price drops is panic selling. With TOTY on the horizon, many players are liquidating their squads to prepare for the promo. This behavior often leads to sharp dips in prices as players rush to sell, fearing further market declines. However, this is just the first crash. Historically, there’s always a secondary market crash closer to TOTY, when leaks and SBC releases cause another wave of panic selling.
Interestingly, some cards may see a temporary rebound this weekend as players rebuild their squads for FUT Champs and Rivals rewards. These short-term rebounds present opportunities for quick flips, but they won’t last long. The closer we get to TOTY, the more likely prices are to hit rock bottom again.
Upcoming Patches: Gameplay Tweaks and Finesse Concerns
Adding to the market turbulence are two upcoming patches announced by EA SPORTS. The first patch, releasing this week, introduces several fixes aimed at improving gameplay mechanics. Key changes include:
- Player Positioning Adjustments: AI defenders will no longer crowd the ball carrier unnecessarily, reducing auto-tackles and creating more passing options. This change should make gameplay feel less congested and more balanced.
- Goalkeeper Improvements: Unrealistic jumping animations have been fixed, and desperation saves will now trigger more effectively during chip shots.
- Nerf to First-Time Lob Passes: One of the most frustrating mechanics in FC 25, first-time lobbed through passes, is finally being addressed. The accuracy of these passes has been reduced, making them less overpowered.
While these changes are welcome, it’s the second patch that has the community buzzing. Scheduled for release in February, this patch will address several gameplay elements, including finesse shot playstyles. Players with the Finesse Plus trait, such as Son, Salah, and Kane, have already seen their prices dip as speculation grows about how significant the nerf will be.
TOTY Prep: Timing Your Investments and Sales
TOTY is known as one of the best times to make strategic investments and build your ultimate squad. The key to navigating the market during this promo lies in timing. Historical trends suggest that prices hit their lowest point in the week leading up to TOTY, offering a prime buying opportunity.
- High-Tier Cards: Top-tier players like Mbappé and Van Dijk are likely to experience significant rebounds post-TOTY. For instance, last year, Van Dijk’s Winter Wildcards card dropped to 1.5 million coins before rebounding to 3 million shortly after TOTY. These fluctuations highlight the potential for long-term gains on premium cards.
- Mid-Tier Investments: Mid-range cards, such as Winter Wildcards and Thunderstruck players, are also worth monitoring. These cards tend to experience more stable rebounds during TOTY, making them ideal for short-term flips.
- Upgrade Packs: The return of the 82×14 upgrade pack is a great way to stockpile fodder for TOTY SBCs. With three available daily, these packs provide excellent value and are a must for anyone looking to maximize their TOTY potential.
SBCs and Content Highlights
Recent SBC releases have provided players with opportunities to experiment with new cards and stockpile resources for TOTY. Notable additions include the Wiissa player pick SBC, which offers two variations of the card for just 56,000 coins. While not a meta card, it’s a fun, affordable option for casual players looking to try something new.
The 82×14 upgrade pack has also returned, causing informs to spike in value. These packs, which are repeatable three times daily, are a fantastic way to prepare for TOTY while turning a profit on inform investments. If you’re holding informs, consider listing them at 17,000–18,000 coins during content drops to take advantage of lazy buyers.
What to Watch For: TOTY Warm-Up Content and Upgrades
As TOTY approaches, EA SPORTS is expected to roll out a variety of warm-up content, including Mini Releases and Evolutions. Leaks suggest a second Mini Release for the Numero Foot promo, which could drop as early as this week. Additionally, upgrades for Thunderstruck and FC Pro cards are anticipated, potentially shaking up the market even further.
With leaks indicating that TOTY Icons will be part of the promo, the market is likely to experience another wave of panic selling as players scramble to prepare. Cards with strong links to TOTY players, as well as fodder investments, could see significant demand increases during this time.
Market Predictions: What’s Next?
The current market crash is only the beginning. As TOTY leaks and SBCs are released, prices are expected to drop further, creating opportunities for savvy investors. However, timing is everything. If you’re planning to buy, consider waiting until next week, when the second crash is expected to hit.
For the latest updates and insights, visit the official EA SPORTS FC website. Whether you’re trading, investing, or just looking to enjoy the promo, TOTY is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events in FC 25 history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first TOTY market crash?
The first TOTY market crash refers to the initial drop in player prices in FC 25 as players sell off their cards to prepare for the Team of the Year promo.
Why are player prices dropping so much?
Prices are dropping due to panic selling as players liquidate their squads to save coins for TOTY. The anticipation of new SBCs and TOTY cards drives this behavior.
When is the best time to buy players during TOTY?
The best time to buy is typically the week before TOTY officially begins, as this is when prices hit their lowest point before rebounding.
What changes are coming in the latest patch?
The latest patch addresses AI player positioning, reduces the accuracy of first-time lob passes, and improves goalkeeper animations for more balanced gameplay.
Should I invest in Finesse Plus players now?
Finesse Plus players are seeing price drops due to speculation about future nerfs. While they may rebound, exercise caution and monitor the market.
What is the importance of upgrade packs like the 82×14?
Upgrade packs like the 82×14 are great for stockpiling fodder for upcoming TOTY SBCs. These packs provide valuable resources for crafting high-tier cards.
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