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September 17, 2026
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How to Start Ultimate Team in FC 27: Complete Beginner Guide
If you are completely new to Ultimate Team, the number of menus, packs, objectives and game modes can initially feel overwhelming. In this article, I am going to explain how to start Ultimate Team in FC 27 as a complete beginner and create your first usable gold squad.
Watch the Video: FC 27 Ultimate Team Beginner Guide (YouTube)
I will show you what to do when you first enter Ultimate Team, which league I recommend choosing, how to earn your first coins and how to improve your squad during the opening week.
There are also two different starting routes. The first is for players who receive FC Points through the Ultimate or Ultimate Plus Edition. The second is for players starting without any FC Points. Whichever version you own, you can still create a usable gold squad relatively quickly.
This guide is designed to remain useful throughout EA Sports FC 27, although some of the recommendations are especially important during the first week when starter cards are in high demand.
Disclosure: This video is part of the EA Creator Network. EA provided me with early access to FC 27 and permission to release content.
Watch the full FC 27 Ultimate Team beginner guide above for a visual walkthrough of everything covered in this article.
Table of Contents
Choose Your Starting League and Objective Player
When you first enter Ultimate Team, the game asks you to choose a starting league.
The Foundation objectives remain the same regardless of the league you select. However, each league is connected to the objective player shown on the selection screen. Completing the relevant Foundation path allows you to earn that listed player.
As you can see from the image above, every league provides a different objective player. Check the player’s attributes before making your decision because they could become a useful part of your first squad.
My recommendation is the Premier League option because the player shown looks like a decent starter card. The Premier League and Women’s Super League also contain plenty of useful cards that can be combined in one team.
However, you do not have to choose the Premier League. Select whichever league contains the player you prefer or the one you expect to use when creating your first squad. La Liga and Liga F could also provide some useful combinations.
You can always buy and sell players later, change leagues or create a hybrid squad. Your opening choice does not need to determine your team for the rest of the game.
Transfer Your Existing FC Points
When FC 27 asks whether you want to transfer your existing FC Points, make sure you select yes.
Do not decline or skip this message accidentally. Once transferred, your FC Points can be used for packs, Draft entries and other Ultimate Team content.
How Many FC Points Do You Receive?
The Ultimate Edition provides 6,000 FC Points across three monthly drops. The Ultimate Plus Edition provides up to 10,000 FC Points across five monthly drops.
You do not receive all 6,000 or 10,000 FC Points immediately. Both editions distribute 2,000 FC Points during each monthly drop.
| EDITION | TOTAL FC POINTS | MONTHLY DROPS | FC POINTS PER DROP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Edition | 6,000 | Three | 2,000 |
| Ultimate Plus Edition | Up to 10,000 | Five | 2,000 |
When you receive your first 2,000 FC Points, you have two main options: open gold packs for immediate players and coins, or enter Online Draft and try to earn better rewards through gameplay.
Claim Any EA Stream Coin Boost
Before playing your first matches, check whether you earned a coin boost by watching the eligible EA stream.
Players who watched the stream and completed the reward requirements could receive a match coin boost. This can help you build your starting balance while completing Squad Battles, Rivals and objectives.
The coin boost is added to your normal match earnings, so make sure it has been claimed and activated before beginning your first group of matches.
Note: This was a time-limited reward, so it may not be available to everyone reading this guide.
Starting Ultimate Team With FC Points
If you have FC Points, you can create your first supply of players and coins immediately.
There are two main routes available:
Spend the FC Points on gold packs.
Enter Online Draft and earn packs through gameplay.
My default recommendation for a complete beginner is to open gold packs. Draft is better suited to confident and experienced players.
Open Gold Packs for Immediate Coins
A standard gold pack costs 150 FC Points, allowing you to open approximately 13 packs with the first 2,000 FC Points.
Based on the pack values I tested, these packs should provide approximately 40,000 coins in a worst-case scenario if everything is quick sold. This is a rough estimate rather than a guaranteed return. Your actual result depends on the contents of your packs and their current market values.
The 40,000 coin estimate represents the simple quick-sell route. You should not automatically quick sell every item without checking its price first. If you pack a useful or valuable player, selling that player on the Transfer Market could provide a much higher return.
Spend Your FC Points Early
My recommendation is to spend the first 2,000 FC Points immediately.
Ordinary starter players have their highest demand while everyone is building their first squad. An 82-rated player could be worth considerably more during early access than later in the game.
Over the previous two games, many player prices declined when more people gained access and opened packs. Increased supply around the Standard Edition release may allow you to purchase stronger players for less.
FC 27 could behave slightly differently because players can earn more coins from matches. The increased number of coins could create additional demand and cause some desirable cards to rise.
If you are uncertain about a player, check their price graph or ask an experienced trader. However, taking the coins while demand is high is generally the safer beginner strategy.
Do Not Purchase Silver Packs (Even though you get more coins here is why...)
Some players argue that silver packs provide more basic coins for every FC Point spent. However, I would still recommend using your FC Points on gold packs.
Silver packs may provide reasonable quick-sell value at 1,600 coins per 50 FC points, but they give you a much lower chance of receiving an item worth a significant number of coins. Gold packs allow you to pack medium-rated or high-rated gold players. A single desirable player could be worth considerably more than the small difference in basic pack value.
If your objective is to build a usable squad and maximise your chance of making a meaningful amount of coins, choose gold packs.
Check Every Card Before Selling
Use Compare Price before quick selling or listing a tradeable player.
Fast players, cards from major leagues and players from popular nations may have strong early demand. The overall rating does not always show how valuable a card will be in gameplay or on the market.
If you want an immediate sale, list the card slightly below the current lowest Buy Now price. If you are uncertain whether a card may rise, check its recent price graph or ask an experienced trader. My general recommendation for a beginner is to sell valuable cards during the early market and use the coins to build a balanced squad.
Join my FC School Series. Guaranteed improvement in one month, or your money back. Videos in a structured format, everything from the fundamentals to the META. Updated regularly. If you do not get better after one month, we will refund your money, its as simple as that you have nothing to lose. Find out more information at LearnFC.com
Use Online Draft if You Are a Confident Player
The second option is to spend 300 FC Points on an Online Draft entry.
Draft gives you a temporary selection of players from which you build a squad. You then compete across as many as four matches, with the rewards generally improving as you progress.
Do not enter Draft using coins during the first week; use FC Points instead. Draft is most suitable for confident players. If you were around Division 2 or higher in the previous game, you may have a good chance of reaching the later rounds and earning worthwhile packs.
The disadvantage is the time required. A complete Draft can take approximately one hour if your opponents do not leave early. Spending all 2,000 FC Points through Draft could therefore require several hours.
If you want immediate coins for trading and squad building, packs are faster. If you are confident in your ability and want to earn rewards through gameplay, Draft may provide better value. You can also combine both methods: play one or two Draft entries and spend the remaining points on gold packs if the matches become too difficult or time-consuming.
For a more detailed comparison, read the FC 27 FC Points Guide.
NealGuides
NealGuides is an EA SPORTS FC tutorial creator and gameplay coach with 300,000+ YouTube subscribers. He specialises in breaking down FC gameplay, tactics, mechanics and decision-making for players from beginner through to Elite and competitive level.
Neal is a member of the EA Gameplay Design Council and has taken part in early EA SPORTS FC gameplay testing and feedback, including visits to EA. He remains independent and uses extensive gameplay testing, coaching and analysis to create his FC 27 guides.
Check Your Welcome Packs and Edition Rewards
Before spending coins, open any welcome packs, returning player rewards, Hero content and edition bonuses attached to your account.
Some items will be tradeable, while others will be untradeable. Always check before submitting a player into an SBC or removing them from your club.
Use Compare Price on every potentially valuable tradeable item, including players, managers, kits and badges. Some popular kits and badges can sell for more than their quick-sell value during the opening week.
Preview Your Daily Pack
Always check the Preview Pack.
Previewing a pack does not purchase it. You can inspect its contents before deciding whether to spend your coins.
Add up the approximate market value of every item inside. If the combined value is higher than the cost of the pack, buying it could produce a profit. For example, if a pack costs 7,500 coins but contains a player worth 9,000 coins, you could purchase the pack and sell the player for a profit.
If the contents are worth less than the cost, leave the pack and wait for the next preview.
Starting Ultimate Team Without FC Points
If you own the Standard Edition or do not want to spend FC Points, you can still create a usable gold squad easily.
Your main starting routes are:
Introductory Squad Building Challenges
Foundation objectives
Transfer Market milestones
Moments
Squad Battles
Live Events
Rivals
Match coins and milestone rewards
FC 27 provides considerably more match coins than previous games. From early gameplay tests, matches earn approximately 1,500 to 2,500 coins depending on the result, goals scored and overall performance.
This does not include a separate coin boost. You can still earn a respectable amount after losing, although winning and performing well should provide a better return. If you have an EA stream boost or a milestone boost active, that bonus is added to normal match earnings.
Complete the Introductory SBCs Carefully
The introductory Squad Building Challenges allow you to exchange unwanted cards for packs and better players.
Remember that every card submitted into an SBC is permanently removed from your club. Do not submit someone you need for your starting eleven or bench.
Begin with unwanted bronze, silver and low-value gold cards. The introductory SBC group can gradually convert these cards into more useful players.
Do not judge a player entirely by their overall rating. A lower-rated player with strong pace and useful attributes could be considerably better than a slow, higher-rated card.
Avoid the advanced SBC groups unless you already understand how to complete them efficiently. They can consume useful players and coins that would be better spent improving your team. Focus first on introductory SBCs, objectives and guaranteed rewards.
Build Your First Usable Gold Squad
Once you have opened your rewards and completed the introductory SBCs, use Squad Builder to place your best gold players into a team.
Your first squad does not need perfect chemistry. A genuinely good player with strong raw attributes can still improve your team with reduced chemistry. Full chemistry should be your eventual objective, but do not use an unsuitable player merely to obtain one additional chemistry point.
You can build around one league or create a hybrid team. Starting with one league is simpler, while a hybrid can help you find better value across several competitions. You can always sell players, change leagues and rebuild later.
Which Positions Should You Upgrade First?
Use this general order when improving your starter squad:
Strikers (Aim for at least 80 finishing and 80 sprint speed)
Centre backs (Aim for a minimum of around 78 sprint speed and defensive awareness minimum)
Goalkeeper
Central midfielders and defensive midfielders
Wingers (85 sprint speed minimum)
Full backs and remaining weak positions
Do not spend your entire budget on one player. A balanced squad will help a beginner much more than one expensive attacker surrounded by unusable cards. If you are uncertain about which players to buy, use a cheaper team and continue building your coin balance until prices fall. For complete team examples, refer to my league and budget squad builders: FC 27 starter squad builders
Buy Cheap Players Near Their Quick Sell Value
One of the best ways to complete a starter squad is to buy inexpensive gold players close to their quick-sell value.
Suppose a gold player costs approximately 600 coins and can later be quick sold for around 550 coins. You can test that card while risking only a small number of coins. If the player performs well, continue using them. If they are unsuitable, list them again or quick sell them and accept the minimal loss.
These temporary players are ideal for filling weak positions while you earn coins for more meaningful upgrades. Keep enough coins available to correct a mistake, replace an unsuitable player or take advantage of an underpriced market listing.
Complete the Foundation Objectives
Check the Objectives menu before playing matches.
Simple actions such as changing your club name, crest or formation and applying a consumable provide packs, chemistry styles and other useful rewards. Individual objectives also contribute toward larger group rewards. Complete the easy tasks first. Some longer objectives will complete naturally as you play.
Complete the Transfer Market Milestones
The Transfer Market milestones are an easy source of early coin boosts. Open Objectives > Milestones > Transfer Market:
Purchase 25 cards using Buy Now
Purchase 50 cards using Buy Now
List 25 cards on the Transfer Market
List 50 cards on the Transfer Market
Completing these objectives provides coin boosts worth approximately 15,000 coins in total.
Buy inexpensive cards that can be resold or quick sold with a minimal loss, and list tradeable cards earned from packs, objectives and Squad Battles.
These milestones work particularly well alongside the cheap filler player method. You can purchase affordable players for your squad, test them and then list them again if they are unsuitable.
Complete the Beginner Moments
Moments is one of the best places for a beginner to start.
These short challenges teach basic controls and mechanics while awarding stars that can be exchanged in the Star Gallery for packs, consumables and other rewards.
The early challenges ask you to complete basic passes or take a shot on target. They take only a few minutes and can be restarted immediately upon failure. Earning five stars unlocks an early pack, and further stars offer rewards up to a Draft token. Moments lets you practice and improve your squad without facing online opponents.
Play Squad Battles During the First Week
Squad Battles should be one of your first priorities. Play on a difficulty you can win consistently.
The opening Squad Battles games allow you to:
Learn the FC 27 gameplay
Earn match coins
Complete objectives
Progress Evolutions
Activate coin boosts
Earn the first weekly rewards
Squad Battles rewards arrive on Sunday, before the first Rivals rewards for players beginning on release day. Play as many matches as your time allows to achieve a worthwhile rank.
What to Do After Receiving Squad Battles Rewards
Once Sunday rewards arrive:
Open your packs and check the market price of every tradeable item.
Keep cards that improve your team and sell valuable cards at current market value.
Prioritise replacing striker and centre-back positions first, followed by goalkeeper, midfielders and wingers.
Move into Rivals once these improvements are made.
Join my FC School Series. Guaranteed improvement in one month, or your money back. Videos in a structured format, everything from the fundamentals to the META. Updated regularly. If you do not get better after one month, we will refund your money, its as simple as that you have nothing to lose. Find out more information at LearnFC.com
If you need help building your first squad, the FC School Patreon includes starter squad builders for different leagues and budgets.
Move From Squad Battles Into Rivals
After receiving the Sunday Squad Battles rewards, begin playing Rivals. Rivals should become your main competitive mode because its divisional and weekly rewards offer a better long-term return.
Moments and Squad Battles give you enough opportunities to create a usable gold team first. Once ready, begin progressing through divisions toward the first Thursday rewards.
Why Trust NealGuides:
NealGuides is a gameplay expert with one of the biggest tutorial channels for EA FC 27. He has repeatedly predicted powerful META mechanics in advance and turned them into practical guides that help players improve. He is also one of the very few members that are part of the EA Design Council, in which he travels to EA headquarters multiple times per year to play the game and provide feedback, and as a consultant.
Through his 20 years of extensive football simulation knowledge, he now focuses on helping the average player get better at the game. He has coached tens of thousands of people exclusively through his FC School, and his YouTube channel boasts over 300,000 subscribers, with over 100 million views across all platforms.
Best known for his tactics, he breaks down each tactic and formation, exploring the different variations and adjustments for the viewer’s style. All his formations that he releases are tested by him and members of different skill levels before being released.
Continue Checking Live Events and Objectives
Live Events can provide packs, players and progress towards additional objective groups. Check entry requirements and rewards before committing. Complete simple objectives naturally during Rivals matches, and avoid interrupting progression for an objective requiring excessive investment for a weak reward.
Do Not Rush Into Evolutions
Evolutions allow you to improve selected players by completing gameplay objectives.
Be careful: entering an Evolution may make a tradeable player untradeable. Avoid using an expensive tradeable player unless you are comfortable losing the ability to sell them.
More Evolutions will appear later, potentially creating stronger upgrade chains. Unless an Evolution provides an immediate upgrade you need, wait until closer to its expiry date and review possible chains before committing.
Should You Buy the Premium Season Pass?
The Season Pass provides packs, Evolutions and other rewards as you earn Season Points.
Ultimate Edition: Includes the Season 1 Premium Pass.
Ultimate Plus Edition: Includes Premium Passes for Seasons 1 through 5.
Standard Edition: You do not need to buy the Premium Pass immediately; progress through levels first and decide later. Prioritise your starting squad before purchasing a pass.
When Should You Start Playing Champions?
Champions is expected to begin in the third week, giving you approximately two weeks after the first Squad Battles rewards to strengthen your squad.
Once Champions opens, your weekly routine should be:
Play Rivals during the week.
Improve your squad using Rivals rewards.
Play Champions when it becomes available.
Complete valuable Live Events and objectives.
Use Squad Battles when you need extra rewards, objectives or Evolution progress.
Your FC 27 Ultimate Team First Week Plan
Friday: Build the Foundation
Choose your starting league and objective player.
Transfer your existing FC Points.
Claim any EA stream coin boost.
Open welcome packs and edition rewards.
Spend the first 2,000 FC Points on gold packs or Draft.
Complete the introductory SBCs.
Build a usable gold squad.
Complete the easiest Foundation objectives.
Begin the Transfer Market milestones.
Complete the beginner Moments challenges.
Friday to Sunday: Play Squad Battles
Play on a difficulty you can win consistently.
Complete as many matches as your available time allows.
Earn approximately 1,500 to 2,500 coins per match.
Complete Foundation and milestone objectives simultaneously.
Use inexpensive players instead of overspending on one card.
Avoid advanced SBCs and major Evolution commitments.
Sunday: Claim Rewards and Upgrade
Open your Squad Battles rewards.
Check the market value of every tradeable card.
Sell desirable players while early demand is strong.
Upgrade the striker and centre backs first.
Improve the goalkeeper, midfield and wingers next.
Keep some coins available for corrections or market opportunities.
Move into Rivals once the squad is ready.
Sunday to Thursday: Play Rivals
Play as many Rivals matches as possible.
Complete objectives while progressing through divisions.
Continue the Transfer Market milestones.
Check Live Events for worthwhile rewards.
Work towards the first Rivals reward.
Build your coins if player prices appear too high.
The Following Two Weeks
Continue using Rivals as your main mode.
Improve the squad gradually instead of buying one expensive player.
Wait for stronger Evolution chains.
Complete only worthwhile SBCs and objectives.
Consider buying stronger cards when Standard Edition supply lowers prices.
Prepare the squad for Champions in the third week.
| PERIOD | MAIN ACTIVITY | MAIN OBJECTIVE |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Packs, introductory SBCs, Foundation objectives and Moments | Build the first gold squad |
| Friday to Sunday | Squad Battles | Earn coins and Sunday rewards |
| Sunday | Open rewards and improve the team | Prepare for online play |
| Sunday to Thursday | Rivals | Earn divisional and weekly rewards |
| Following two weeks | Rivals, objectives and Live Events | Prepare for Champions |
| Third week onwards | Rivals and Champions | Follow the main competitive reward cycle |
Key Takeaways
Choose your starting league by comparing the available objective players.
Spend early FC Points on gold packs or Draft while starter cards have strong demand.
Build a balanced team instead of spending everything on one expensive player.
Complete Foundation objectives, Transfer Market milestones and Moments for easy rewards.
Play Squad Battles until the first Sunday rewards, then move into Rivals.
Use the opening two weeks to prepare your squad for Champions.
Related guide: FC 27 starter squad builders
NealGuides
NealGuides is an EA SPORTS FC tutorial creator and gameplay coach with 300,000+ YouTube subscribers. He specialises in breaking down FC gameplay, tactics, mechanics and decision-making for players from beginner through to Elite and competitive level.
Neal is a member of the EA Gameplay Design Council and has taken part in early EA SPORTS FC gameplay testing and feedback, including visits to EA. He remains independent and uses extensive gameplay testing, coaching and analysis to create his FC 27 guides.
Join my FC School Series. Guaranteed improvement in one month, or your money back. Videos in a structured format, everything from the fundamentals to the META. Updated regularly. If you do not get better after one month, we will refund your money, its as simple as that you have nothing to lose. Find out more information at LearnFC.com
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FAQ
FC 27 Ultimate Team Starter FAQ
Which starting league is best to pick at launch?
The Premier League is the top recommendation because the associated objective player provides a solid starter card, and it pairs naturally with the Women’s Super League. However, you can select any league based on your preferred objective player, as your opening choice does not lock your squad for the rest of the game.
Should beginners spend early FC Points on gold packs or Draft entries?
Beginners should open standard gold packs immediately. Starter card prices are at their highest during early access, giving you quick coins to build a balanced squad. Online Draft can yield better pack value, but it requires significant time and is better suited for confident or higher-division players.
What positions should be upgraded first in a starter squad?
Prioritise your strikers (targeting at least 80 finishing and 80 sprint speed) and centre backs (minimum 75 sprint speed) first. Move on to your goalkeeper, central midfielders, and wingers next, finishing with full backs rather than blowing your entire budget on a single expensive card.
When is the right time to transition from Squad Battles to Rivals and Champions?
Play Squad Battles through the opening weekend to learn the gameplay, complete milestones, and collect the Sunday rewards. Once upgraded, move into Rivals (or play both) to work toward weekly rewards. Champions typically begins in the third week, giving you roughly two weeks to refine your roster against online competition.
