One of the biggest strengths of eFootball is that you donât need to spend money to enjoy the game or even compete at a high level. While premium players and coin packs can give an edge, a carefully built free-to-play squad in eFootball can rival even the most expensive Dream Teams. The key lies in smart resource management, player scouting, and tactical planning.
In this article, weâll break down step by step how to create a competitive free-to-play squad without spending real money, including farming methods, player recommendations, and tactical adjustments to get the most out of your team.
Why Go Free-to-Play?
- Cost-free enjoyment: You donât need to spend coins to experience all game modes.
- Challenge: Itâs more rewarding to beat premium squads with a budget team.
- Longevity: Free-to-play strategies prepare you for future seasons by maximizing every GP and reward.
Step 1: Master GP Farming
The foundation of every F2P squad is GP, the main in-game currency. You can farm GP through:
- AI Matches: Play daily AI matches for steady income.
- Event Matches: Reward-heavy and rotate weekly.
- Login Bonuses: Never skip themâthey often include GP or player rewards.
- Objectives: Completing squad and season objectives grants extra GP.
Pro Tip: Prioritize events that offer GP multipliers or coin alternatives.
Step 2: Prioritize Match Pass Rewards
Match Pass offers free and premium tiers. As a F2P player:
- Stick with the free tier but maximize all challenges.
- Focus on experience points, training programs, and free player contracts.
- Use rewards strategicallyâdonât waste them on filler players.
Step 3: Smart Scouting and Signings
Building your team starts with the transfer market:
- Focus on underrated players. Many 3-star players have excellent growth potential.
- Sign versatile players. Wingers who can also play as strikers or fullbacks save you GP.
- Avoid overspending. Donât burn GP chasing big names when consistent players cost less.
Step 4: Training and Development
Free-to-play squads thrive on maximizing potential:
- Level up wisely: Focus on core attributes (finishing for strikers, tackling for defenders).
- Donât spread points too thin. Specialize players for their roles.
- Train in units: Build partnerships (CB + CB, DM + CM) to improve chemistry.
Step 5: Tactical Adjustments
Your tactics can compensate for the lack of Epic or Legendary players:
- 4-2-3-1 Formation: Balanced for F2P squads, with double pivot protection.
- 4-3-3 Formation: Good for pace-based play with budget wingers.
- 5-3-2 Formation: Solid defensive setup if you lack elite defenders.
Step 6: Use Free Epic/Legendary Campaigns
Konami often releases free pulls or campaign rewards:
- Save your free contracts for Epic players.
- Participate in seasonal eventsâthey sometimes reward top-tier cards.
- Build your squad around free Legendary drops.
Recommended Free-to-Play Players
Some consistent F2P gems include:
- Defenders: Pau Torres, Tomiyasu, Akanji.
- Midfielders: Pedri (free versions), Tielemans, Kamara.
- Attackers: JoĂŁo Pedro, Diaby, Tammy Abraham.
- Goalkeepers: Onana, Lafont, Meret.
These players cost fewer GP but grow into reliable starters with training.
Step 7: Save Coins for Big Moments
Even as a F2P player, youâll earn coins through:
- Campaigns.
- Login streaks.
- Match Pass.
Donât waste these coins on random packs. Save them for Epic Player campaigns where a single top-tier card can carry your squad.
Common Mistakes F2P Players Make
- Spending GP too early without building balance.
- Chasing âstar namesâ instead of building a functional squad.
- Ignoring stamina rotationâbudget squads need substitutes.
- Not adapting tactics to weaker areas of the team.
How Free-to-Play Squads Compete With Paid Teams
- Smarter tactics: Outplay pay-to-win opponents with compact defending.
- Squad depth: Rotate players effectively to avoid fatigue.
- Community support: Learn from F2P communities on Twitter, Reddit, and Discord.
Conclusion
A free-to-play squad in eFootball isnât a handicapâitâs an opportunity. With smart GP farming, careful scouting, training, and tactical adjustments, you can build a team that punches far above its weight. The key is patience and planning: donât chase every shiny cardâfocus on balance, chemistry, and efficiency.
In the end, nothing feels better than defeating an Epic-filled squad with a hardworking, budget-built team. Thatâs the true joy of free-to-play mastery in eFootball.