In FIFA 21 there is a new challenge that promises rewards through won friendly matches. However, there is a problem – and players hope that this does not carry over to upcoming challenges.
What is this challenge? The currently available challenge is called RTTF Knockout Phase and fits with the ongoing RTTF event. As a reward, several packs are available – and those who collect 6 victories will receive a rare Mega Pack, which is among the better packs in FIFA 21.
Like several special challenges before, this challenge will also take place in its own section of the friendly matches. This was also the case with Rulebreaker Mukiele, which was well received by many.
But this time, something is different: Instead of the usual option to play as many games as necessary for the challenges, there is a limit. After 12 matches in this mode, it’s over – that’s how many times players can try to secure the six necessary victories for all rewards.
The fact that a friendly match area receives a match limit similar to the Weekend League or, more recently, Division Rivals is new. And it worries some players.
Will friendly matches be stressful now?
This is how the community reacts: The match limit is not well received by some players. In the FIFA subreddit, there are several posts expressing criticism of the concept. A common point raised is that friendly matches should indeed be more relaxed to play than Rivals or the Weekend League.
However, a limit would transform them into another competitive mode: “WL should be the competitive mode. Rivals should be the division mode, where players can play freely and earn rewards. Friendlies should be the play mode where one can play with zero consequences and without stress. Unfortunately, we now have three competitive game modes,” criticizes one user (via reddit)
There is hope that this limit was only introduced to match the “Knockout Tournament” theme that this challenge is based on. Because if it is also applied to upcoming challenges, it could lead to problems.
- On one hand, it is criticized that the problem now arises that opponents in friendly matches simply leave the match when a draw seems imminent. No one gets the victory – but a match is deducted from the limit.
- On the other hand, the matchmaking in friendly matches is also based on the skill rating from Rivals. Here, players fear that even more strong opponents might decide to intentionally lose in Rivals and drop down to get easier opponents assigned in friendly matches for challenges. That would then be the same problem as last year.
Especially the last point is related to Icon Swaps. Icon Swaps are tasks that allow players to earn legends. Last year, this was mainly done in Rivals – in which mode they will take place in FIFA 21 is still unclear.
However, if they do happen in friendly matches and there is then a limit, as in the RTTF Cup, then the aforementioned problems could lead to extremely difficult matches, especially with the popular legends.
- “I swear, if there is a match limit for Icon Swaps, then for the first time since 2009 I might quit this FIFA,” criticizes one user (via reddit)
- “If they enforce it in Icon Swaps, I will quit. I apologize, but it has to be done,” announces another (via reddit) : “I do not risk losing icons.”
- “If Icon Swaps are limited, that’s it for me. Then I’ll dive headfirst into Cyberpunk and never look back,” says another comment (via reddit).
The limit has overall led to considerable criticism. Therefore, it is to be hoped that this is only a special case for this one challenge and that Icon Swaps will ultimately run differently. Another mode that apparently is not well received by players, is currently the Volta mode – hardly anyone plays it despite improvements.
