Wildcard is a chip in FPL that allows you to make unlimited Gameweek transfers when activated. You use the Wildcard by making first some transfers and activating it on the transfer confirmation page. Wildcard in FPL when you feel your team needs substantial changes that would otherwise give you many minus points.
If you have free transfers before activating Wildcard, they remain in your balance. You cannot use Wildcard together with other chips. The difference between Wildcard and Free Hit is that the Wildcard makes permanent changes while Free Hit lasts just one Gameweek.
What is Wildcard in FPL?
Wildcard is a chip in FPL that allows you to make unlimited Gameweek transfers when activated. It is one of five different chips that can be used during the FPL season, and it is unique because it can be used twice. Hence, there are two Wildcards in FPL.
- The first Wildcard can be used between Gameweeks 1 and 19
- The second Wildcard can be used between Gameweeks 20 and 38
Don’t forget to use the first Wildcard before Gameweek 20, or it will become unavailable. You cannot save the first Wildcard and have two Wildcards available between Gameweeks 20 and 38.
Wildcard only applies to the upcoming Gameweek when it’s activated. The standard transfer rules apply to the following Gameweeks. Plan your Wildcard use carefully and try to maximize its benefits by thinking long-term. Our Fixture Difficulty Rating tool will be helpful in that.
How to use Wildcard in FPL?
You use the Wildcard by making first some transfers and activating it on the transfer confirmation page.
- Make some transfers (it doesn’t matter how many)
- At the confirmation page, click to activate the Wildcard
- You can now make unlimited transfers for free
Watch the following video to see how it’s done in practice.
Be careful when activating the Wildcard because the action cannot be reversed!
When to Wildcard in FPL?
Wildcard in FPL when you feel your team needs substantial changes that would otherwise give you many minus points. Typically, the first Wildcard is activated between Gameweeks 5-10. This is because there is lots of uncertainty at Gameweek 1 from the summertime, new transfers, new managers, promoted teams, etc. In other words, a lot of guesswork needs to be done.
Many FPL managers notice after the first 1-2 months that they have made significant mistakes and that the team needs a big change. This could also be combined with injuries and suspensions.
There is no need to use the Wildcard if you can make all the desired changes with free transfers accumulated each Gameweek. The longer you can postpone the Wildcard, the better. Don’t use it just because everyone else is using it.
Wildcard is the most powerful chip you have. You have a significant advantage if you can save it because there will always be some surprises that might require you to make substantial changes. If you have the Wildcard chip available, that would be great.
Do I lose my free transfers if I use Wildcard?
If you use Wildcard, you won’t lose your free transfers. They remain in your balance, but you don’t get a new one from the Gameweek that Wildcard was activated on.
Here is an example:
- You have three free transfers in your balance at Gameweek 9
- For Gameweek 10, you activate Wildcard
- For Gameweek 11, you’ll have four free transfers (3 previous ones + 1 new for Gameweek 11)
This means you keep your existing free transfers but don’t gain a new one from Gameweek, where you used Wildcard.
Can I use Wildcard with other chips?
You can’t use Wildcard together with other chips. Only one chip can be active in Gameweek. For example, you can’t use simultaneously Wildcard and Triple Captain.
Free Hit vs. Wildcard
The difference between Wildcard and Free Hit is that the Wildcard makes permanent changes while Free Hit transfers are reversed after one Gameweek. In other words, when you use the Free Hit chip, your team returns to its original status after the Gameweek it was used for.
An example:
- You have certain players at Gameweek 19
- You use Free Hit for Gameweek 20 and make transfers
- Your Gameweek 21 team is exactly the team you had at Gameweek 19 before using the Free Hit
When should you use Free Hit vs. Wildcard? Use the Free Hit chip when you have short-term issues with your team. This typically means injuries and suspensions. There will be Gameweeks with postponed matches in spring because of FA Cup matches. These are the times when the Free Hit chip should be used.
It is wise to save the Free Hit chip for the end of the season if possible.
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