Is the FIFA Menu Grind Worth Your Time? Players Weigh In!

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FIFA has always been a well-liked choice among gamers, appreciated not just for its gripping matches but also for the detailed and occasionally exasperating work required in navigating its menus. A discussion emerged recently, questioning whether this labor truly brings about rewarding results. User Bostongamer19 voiced their dissatisfaction over the repetitive chore of scrolling through numerous menu pages and collecting packs, instead of jumping right into gameplay. Many players shared similar feelings, wondering if the pursuit for improved cards and player enhancements justifies the countless hours spent idly clicking on controllers or smartphone apps.

Summary

  • The general sentiment amongst players leans towards dissatisfaction with the current menu grind system in FIFA.
  • Many players feel overwhelmed by the quantity of packs and choices, leading to a diminished excitement about card pulls.
  • Discussion reveals a longing for past FIFA editions, where the focus was more on actual gameplay rather than grinding through menus.
  • Some players have found enjoyment in the grind, especially when using mobile apps to multitask.

The Grind is Real

In the original post, Bostongamer19 expresses a widespread annoyance: they find the time spent navigating menus in FIFA to be too much. They complain that it takes over an hour just to prepare their team for a match by building packs. This pre-match labor leaves some players wondering if the rewards are worth the effort. Many players share this feeling of exhaustion, as they create cards that may never be used or become material for the next Squad Building Challenge (SBC). One user, Moistkeano, echoes this sentiment: “Not really. It has been at times, but it’s not worth it now.” It appears that what was once a satisfying experience has turned into a never-ending treadmill, where players run but seem to get nowhere.

Packs, Packs, Packs

The abundance of card packs has not only brought excitement but also criticism. Instead of being thrilled about fresh cards, some gamers find themselves swamped. BostonGamer19 notes that when numerous cards perform at comparable levels, the joy of obtaining a “Team of the Season” (TOTS) player decreases significantly. The pleasure of discovering a rare treasure has been overshadowed by an overabundance of choices, leading to debates among players about whether new cards are worthwhile. As Gerritkroket observes, “I have plenty of grind packs waiting, but my duplicate storage is always full of 86 and 87 fodder that I don’t utilize.” The irony of gathering countless cards only to end up with numerous duplicates doesn’t elude the FIFA community, causing many players to feel stuck.

Nostalgia for Simplicity

One topic under debate often centers around a nostalgic yearning for older FIFA games, where gameplay was more prominent than menus. User Bostongamer19 echoes this sentiment, expressing a desire to return to when the only way to get special players like TOTS or big pulls was through weekend league packs or rewards from rivals. This takes us back to an era where thrill stemmed from actually playing the game rather than sifting through menus and constantly creating cards. Gamers reminisce about past seasons where a handful of strong players could significantly impact the game. Today, it seems everyone is competing for the latest “Gullit group,” top-tier players that offer more choices but diminish the unique identity and fulfillment that once came from constructing a team.

The Grind as Multitasking

It’s intriguing to note that not everyone agrees about the aspect of ‘grinding’ in FIFA. Some players view it as a crucial element that enhances their gaming experience, even finding enjoyment in it when multitasking. For instance, OverpassingSwedes shared his experience, stating he managed to complete Gullit within a week primarily through the app. Players adept at mobile gaming and balancing their daily lives have learned to blend grinding into their routines. This suggests that maybe grind isn’t universally disliked; it could depend on one’s perspective. Players such as TheCroz15 have made grinding part of their casual routine, performing tasks while walking their dog or waiting for dinner, thus integrating it seamlessly into their daily flow, indicating that it might not be inherently unwelcome—it’s all about the approach.

Yet, there persists a notable gap in enthusiasm among players, such as Sunziba. For them, the repetitive tasks have turned into a tedious obligation rather than an enjoyable challenge. They primarily engage in upgrade Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) to eliminate duplicates, not from excitement about what they can accomplish within the game. In their own words, “The grind lost its appeal around TOTY,” suggesting a waning affinity for the content cycle.

In the midst of all the discussion, it appears that there is a strong agreement that EA should strike a balance between menu grinding, packs, and engaging gameplay. Various ideas have surfaced, such as simplifying procedures or compensating players better for their invested time and effort during this lengthy grind. The diverse opinions expressed by each player demonstrate that while some are enjoying their adventure, others find themselves constrained by the very system meant to improve their gaming experience.

As time goes on, FIFA’s appeal and enjoyment rely heavily on keeping players motivated. Whether it’s the excitement of getting new players, loving the gameplay itself, or the thrill of competition, it’s crucial for both the gaming community and developers to consider what made FIFA such a cherished game from the beginning. Finding the right mix between the repetitiveness of menus and the allure to play will guarantee that players stay engaged and continue to return. In essence, excessive repetition can transform the joy of playing into monotonous work, and no one wants to feel like they’re working for their virtual team rather than enjoying the sport they admire.

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2025-05-01 20:00