What is Price Fixing in FC 25
Price fixing in FC 25 refers to the coordinated effort by players or groups to manipulate the market value of specific items or players in Ultimate Team. This typically involves purchasing all available cards of a particular player at a low price and then relisting them for a significantly higher amount. Once this happens and the underpriced cards are no longer available, anyone wishing to purchase that player is forced to pay the inflated price. This tactic is most effective with cards that have limited supply but steady demand, such as popular silver players used in Squad Building Challenges or rare chemistry styles. While technically not against the rules unless done through third-party tools or coin buying services, price fixing is often considered unethical by the community.
Why Price Fixing Happens
Price fixing occurs because of the profit opportunity it presents. In FC 25’s dynamic market system, prices are entirely player-driven. When someone sees a card frequently used in SBCs or squad builds that is underpriced, they may attempt to corner the market. By buying out the entire supply, they artificially create scarcity. Once this supply is reduced, they relist at a markup and wait for desperate buyers who need the card for an objective or challenge. This technique is especially common early in the game cycle when markets are thin, fewer cards are in circulation, and players have limited coin balances. High demand items with little daily supply become easy targets for these manipulators.
How Price Fixing Affects the Average Player
For the average FC 25 player, price fixing creates major challenges when trying to complete SBCs or buy certain meta players. Suddenly finding that a card which was 2,000 coins yesterday is now 10,000 coins today can ruin budget planning and make gameplay less enjoyable. It also increases the difficulty for those who want to build creative squads or try new formations without spending excessive coins. Players who are unaware of price trends or who do not check market history can easily fall into the trap of overpaying. This forces them to spend more time grinding or playing matches just to make up for the inflated costs. In essence, price fixing drains coins from the broader player base and funnels them to a small number of traders who understand market manipulation.
How to Protect Yourself from Price Fixing
One of the best ways to avoid falling victim to price fixing in FC 25 is to monitor player prices over time. Use online FUT market trackers or browse the market at different hours to see if price spikes are legitimate or artificially inflated. If a card seems unusually expensive, check if the market has only a few listings. This is often a sign that the card is being hoarded or manipulated. In such cases, consider waiting a day or two until the market stabilizes and new supply enters circulation. You can also try to use alternative players with similar stats or chemistry links. Avoid panic buying during SBC launches and never rush purchases without comparing prices. Being patient and informed is the key to keeping your coins safe.
The Role of EA and Community Response
EA does not explicitly prevent price fixing because the transfer market is designed to be player-controlled. However, they occasionally intervene during severe cases, especially if manipulation is done through automated bots or coin selling schemes. Community response to price fixing is mixed. Some traders see it as a smart market tactic while others view it as damaging to fair play. Forums and social media often highlight known fixers or advise others to avoid certain cards until prices return to normal. Ultimately, staying aware of these community signals and understanding the economics of FC 25 Coins can help you navigate the transfer market more effectively and protect your budget over the long term.