In FIFA 22, the system of the Division Rivals mode in Ultimate Team has been changed. The new concept no longer includes relegation. However, this can lead to problems.
This is how it was until FIFA 22: Division Rivals is the competitive weekly mode in Ultimate Team. Here, one collects victories to secure Division Rivals rewards each week.
In recent years, it worked through a division system, where you could be promoted or relegated depending on your success. Fundamental to this was the skill rating: For example, if you won many games in Division 10, your skill rating increased, leading to promotion to Division 9 once you reached a certain threshold. In Division 9, you could then play for better rewards than in the previous division.
This also worked in the other divisions up to “1”. However, if you lost, points were deducted from your skill rating – and you landed back in a lower division. There, you then faced easier opponents, but also played for weaker rewards.
This is different this year: In FIFA 22, although the divisions still exist, promotion works differently now. Each division now consists of ranks and checkpoints that you can reach through wins.
- A win moves players one step forward
- Losses mean a step back
- If you start a winning streak, wins can count as double steps
- Once you pass a “checkpoint”, you cannot drop below that point anymore – no matter how many times you lose.
There is no longer any relegation to a lower division. For example, if you reach Division 6, you cannot drop to Division 5. A progress reset is expected to occur only at the start of a new FUT season – and these seasons last about 6 weeks.
What is the benefit of the restructuring? This system does offer advantages. On one hand, you can play without stress when you are at a checkpoint. You no longer have to fear relegation and cannot lose previously earned rewards.
Moreover, previous FIFA installments had problems with intentional relegators, who would want to crush easier opponents in lower divisions to secure rewards or fulfill goals. This is no longer easily possible.
However, it seems that another problem is currently developing with the new system.
A player in Division Rivals says: “Please bring relegation back”
Here is the problem: In the FIFA subreddit, comments or threads frequently appear demanding the return of relegation in Ultimate Team. One such thread comes from user johnd1924, who says: “Bring relegation back!” (via reddit).
The user shares that he somehow ended up in Division 3 by luck. Since then, however, nothing has been going his way, having suffered 16 consecutive losses: “I have changed teams. Formations. Instructions. I’m simply not good enough for this level. I’m also not good enough to qualify for FUT Champs (failed twice).”
Now he fears becoming trapped in a downward spiral of losses and missing rewards long-term. Similar threads have appeared from other players. A player from Division 6, after 8 consecutive losses, described: “I feel like I’m in FIFA hell. I love playing online, but it’s just not fun to lose every match. Since there is no relegation, I’m just stuck in this league and can’t win a match” (via reddit).
Other users report having reached divisions where their opposing teams are filled with Icons, Mbappé, and Messi. It’s hard to keep up when you’re playing with a 150,000-coin team. And then, there’s no way back down.
This is what the community says: The issue is frequently discussed in the FIFA subreddit. Some players point out that one should be patient and wait for more balanced divisions: “Give it time. I also lost many matches in Division 7. Then in Div 5. Now I’m in Div 4. You will improve. Don’t play too much if you are losing a lot,” says user iaruso (via reddit).
Similar comments can be found from other players who have tried to adjust, improve, and celebrated more success over time. They miss relegation less.
At the same time, some comments highlight that preventing relegation can also be fun and add excitement.
Many players see a plus in that the system prevents too skilled players from preying in lower divisions and causing issues there – the relegation regulation should remain. However, some players see problems in connection with FUT Champs and the Weekend League.
Rivals affects Weekend League qualification
Why this is important for the Weekend League: The “FUT Champions” mode has also been restructured and now consists of “Play-Offs” and the “Weekend League” as the final. To get into the Weekend League, you have to succeed in the Play-Offs.
But to reach that, you need 1,500 Champs points, which you can earn in Rivals. And if you are in a division where winning seems nearly impossible, it becomes challenging.
“The biggest problem are the Play-Offs. Achieving 1500 points when you win 2 out of 15 matches is just a huge hassle. The qualification should be changed,” believes user “FlyingTeaput” (via reddit) and finds quite a bit of agreement: “Otherwise, I really like not being relegated, as I don’t feel pressured and the games are always fun; losses don’t matter.”
It’s particularly frustrating when you then fail to earn the necessary victories for the Weekend League in the Play-Offs. You then have to start over to gather the 1,500 points again – putting you back in the Rivals problem.
What do you think about the current Rivals system? Do you feel it should be changed? And what are your thoughts on the Weekend League qualification issue? Let us know in the comments!
And if you’re looking for a way to earn more victories: Here are some tips on how to perform better in FUT Champs.
