FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) is a popular game mode within the FIFA sports video game series, allowing players to build their own dream teams using player cards acquired through gameplay or in-game currency. A significant aspect of the FUT experience involves the distribution of complimentary digital items by Electronic Arts (EA). These freebies range from player packs and in-game coins to special event kits and Squad Building Challenge (SBC) rewards. The methods for acquiring these items vary, often tied to player engagement, special promotional periods, or the use of the FUT web application. This article details the various ways players can obtain free content in FIFA Ultimate Team, based on available information from promotional announcements and game guides.
Official Promotional Events and Seasonal Giveaways
EA Sports frequently hosts time-limited promotional events that offer free rewards to the player base. These events are often tied to real-world holidays or specific milestones related to the game.
One such event is the "FUTmas" promotion, which occurs during the Christmas season. During the FIFA 17 FUTmas event, players were eligible to receive a free gift every day by logging into the FUT game mode. These daily gifts included items such as in-game coins, player packs, or other unspecified rewards. Additionally, all players who logged in during the promotional period received a special Christmas-themed kit. An additional bonus was available for players who also logged into the FUT web app during the event. The FUTmas promotion for FIFA 17 was scheduled to run from December 16, with the event concluding on January 3.
Another type of promotional giveaway is tied to game anniversaries. To celebrate the fifth anniversary of FIFA Ultimate Team, which began with FIFA 09, EA provided free Gold Rare packs to console and PC players. To receive these five free packs, players were required to access a specific anniversary banner on their game dashboard. The contents of these complimentary packs were designated as non-tradable.
EA also conducts giveaways to support charitable causes. For instance, the publisher has released free kits to commemorate the Chapecoense football club players who died in a plane crash. Another free kit, featuring a rainbow design, was made available to support the Premier League's #RainbowLaces campaign, which aims to support the LGBT community within football.
Engagement and Login Rewards
A consistent method for obtaining free items is through regular engagement with the game and its associated digital platforms. EA provides complimentary rewards simply for signing into the FUT web app or the main game.
For the FIFA 21 "FUT Player Days" campaign, EA distributed free packs to players based on their play time since the game's release. These were categorized into engagement reward tiers. Players were notified of their specific reward upon logging into the game or the web app, and the packs could be found in the "My Packs" section of the hub. The tiers were structured as follows:
- Tier 1 (1-60 days played): Jumbo Premium Gold Pack
- Tier 2 (61-115 days played): Prime Gold Players Pack
- Tier 3 (116-137 days played): Rare Mega Pack
- Tier 4 (138-141 days played): Ultimate Pack
This system of daily sign-in rewards is a recurring feature. For FIFA 18, guides noted that players could receive different prizes each day by simply using the web app. These freebies were reported to include items such as mixed contract packs, bronze packs, and coins (e.g., 1000 coins). Similar freebie opportunities are expected to occur during lead-up periods to major in-game events like Team of the Year and around the Christmas season.
The Role of the FUT Web App and Companion App
The FUT web app and its mobile companion application are critical tools for managing a team and are also a primary source of freebies. The apps are available free of charge to all players of the respective FIFA title on platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
According to game guides, one of the best features of the app is the regular distribution of complimentary items for using it. Beyond the daily login rewards, the web app provides a functional edge for players. It allows for the management of nearly all aspects of a FUT club, including buying packs with in-game coins, organizing players and staff, and tracking items on the transfer market. While actual matches cannot be played through the app, it serves as a comprehensive management hub that is integral to the FUT experience.
Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) and Other In-Game Methods
Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) are another avenue for obtaining free player cards and packs. SBCs require players to submit squads that meet specific criteria (e.g., from a certain league, nation, or with a minimum rating) in exchange for rewards. The FIFA 17 FUTmas event, for example, included new SBCs with special player prize cards up for grabs. Guides also mention that savvy players can earn significant in-game coins through a shrewd understanding of SBCs, which can indirectly lead to the acquisition of better players.
Other miscellaneous methods for gaining an advantage or free items are occasionally mentioned. For example, one guide references a "loyalty glitch" in FIFA 21, though details on its function are not provided in the source material.
Unofficial Freebie Claims
It is important for players to distinguish between official EA promotions and unofficial claims. The provided source material includes a reference to a third-party website, "fifaultimateteamfreebies.weebly.com," which claims to be a "100% assured" site for free packs and coins. This site even offers a refund policy for unsatisfied customers. However, as this is not an official EA Sports website and its claims cannot be verified through official channels, its legitimacy cannot be confirmed. Players should exercise caution and prioritize rewards distributed directly through the game's official platforms and announcements.
Conclusion
The primary methods for acquiring free items in FIFA Ultimate Team revolve around official EA promotional events, consistent engagement with the game and its web app, and participation in in-game activities like Squad Building Challenges. These freebies are an integral part of the FUT ecosystem, providing players with opportunities to enhance their teams without direct monetary expenditure. The most reliable sources for information on these opportunities are the official game announcements and the FUT web application itself.