Welcome to Madden Ultimate Team (MUT)! If you’re starting out, figuring out how to build a competitive team can be overwhelming. Whether you just picked up the game or are unwrapping it this holiday season, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to quickly improve your team without spending a single coin.
We’ll cover the best programs to focus on, where to earn free players and coins, and a few tips to maximize your rewards. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Dive Into the Zero Chill Program
The Zero Chill program is the best place to start right now. It’s loaded with free players, coins, and rewards to help you improve your team quickly. Even better, all Zero Chill players get boosted stats until January 9, giving you a significant advantage on the field.
What to Do First:
1. Open the Zero Chill Welcome Pack:
- This free pack gives you 84 OVR Montez Sweat (LE) and 84 OVR David Njoku (TE).
- Add them to your lineup to activate Zero Chill Chemistry, which boosts the stats of all Zero Chill players.
2. Complete Zero Chill Challenges (Frozen Fortress & 25 Days of Madden):
- These solo events reward Snow (program currency), XP, and free BND players to fill out your roster.
3. Grind the Field Pass:
- The Field Pass unlocks rewards like:
- Free presents (opening on Christmas Day for mystery rewards).
- Snow to upgrade players or purchase items.
- Free high-OVR Zero Chill players.
87 OVR Stocking Stuffers: Budget Beasts
Some of the 87 OVR Stocking Stuffers are incredible value for new players. These cards are affordable, easy to get, and pack a real punch on the field. They also get abilities for 1-AP until 9 January. Here are four must-haves to kickstart your team:
- D’Andre Swift (RB): Fast, elusive, and perfect for breaking off big runs. He’s a reliable option for anyone needing a strong ground game.
- Jalen Carter (DT): A monster in the trenches who can collapse the pocket and pressure quarterbacks. He’ll immediately upgrade your defensive line.
- Gardner Minshew II (QB): A budget-friendly quarterback who’s reliable and gets the job done. If your QB spot is weak, Minshew will stabilize your offense.
- Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS): A playmaking safety who’s all over the field. He snags picks, shuts down big plays, and anchors your secondary.
These players will instantly boost your team without spending a fortune or grinding too long. Combine them with the Stocking Stuffer CBs (DaRon Bland, Asante Samuel Jr., and Zyon McCollum), and your defense will look elite in no time.
Step 2: Focus on AKA Challenges for Free Champions
The AKA program offers some of the best free players in MUT. By completing all the AKA Challenges, you’ll earn enough tokens to redeem two AKA Champion players.
Best AKA Players to Target:
- The Mad Stork (Ted Hendricks): A dominant linebacker with incredible range.
- Sun God (Amon-Ra St. Brown): A versatile receiver perfect for short and medium routes.
- J.J. Swatt (J.J. Watt): A relentless pass-rusher.
- The People’s TE (George Kittle): A top-tier tight end who can block and catch.
- The Captain (Andrew Luck): A quick-release QB to pick apart opponent defenses.
Pick the Champions that fill gaps in your lineup or improve your playstyle the most.
Step 3: Grind Legend Challenges for More Free Players
The Legend Challenges are another great source of top-tier players. Like AKA, completing these challenges earns you tokens to redeem for free Legends. Right now, you can unlock THREE free Full Legends.
Top Legends to Consider:
- Kam Chancellor: An elite safety with hard-hitting tackles and excellent coverage skills.
- Donovan McNabb: A mobile QB with Gunslinger ability, helping you make faster throws and hit deeper passes.
If you don't need either of those, just hold onto your tokens until a new player comes out (on Saturdays) that fits your need/theme team.
Step 4: Take Advantage of Old Field Passes
Older programs like All-Madden and Unstoppable still offer great rewards for new players. Even though you can no longer earn login upgradeable players, you can still grab plenty of coins, packs, and players by completing their challenges and objectives.
Here’s What You Can Earn:
- All-Madden Program:
- Solos Challenge Reward: 86+ OVR BND player.
- Field Pass Rewards:
- 84+ OVR BND player.
- 86+ OVR BND player.
- 89+ OVR BND player.
- Unstoppable Program:
- Solos Challenge Reward: 10,000 coins and an 85 OVR BND player.
- Field Pass Rewards:
- 40,000 coins.
- 83+ OVR BND player.
- Four 85+ OVR BND players.
- Two 88+ OVR BND players.
How to Complete Objectives:
- Add Program Players: To track objectives for old Field Passes, you’ll need to add 1–2 players from that program into your active lineup.
- Play the Right Modes: Some objectives only count in Solo Seasons or Head-to-Head games. Be sure to check the requirements to make sure your progress counts.
These rewards add up quickly, helping you fill out your roster and earn coins for future upgrades.
Step 5: Work on the Team Captains Program
Team Captains are a must-have for new players. These players are free to upgrade and provide massive value to your team.
What You Need to Know:
- Add a Team Captain to Your Lineup: Pick your Captain (if you haven’t already) and start completing objectives in the Team Captains Field Pass to earn upgrade tokens.
- Free Upgrades: Team Captains can be upgraded throughout the year at no cost.
- All Team Chemistries: These players can use any team chemistry, making them easy to slot into your lineup.
Team Captains are long-term assets for your team and will keep improving as you progress. Kickers and Punters are people, too; I just hate spending coins on them. 3x Team Chems at those positions is a big win for me. (Who kicks anyway?)
Step 6: Link Your EA and Twitch Accounts for Free Rewards
Link your EA and Twitch accounts to earn free rewards by watching Madden Championship Series (MCS) streams.
How to Get 92 OVR CB Lamar Jackson:
- Link your EA and Twitch accounts.
- Watch the MCS stream Wednesday, January 18th, to claim your reward.
- Why Lamar Jackson is a Must-Have:
- 94 Speed: One of the fastest cornerbacks in the game.
- A perfect addition to your defense without spending any coins.
Final Thoughts
Starting MUT can feel overwhelming, but the Zero Chill program is the perfect place to begin. Add players like Montez Sweat, David Njoku, and the Stocking Stuffer CBs to your lineup to gain an immediate advantage. Then, branch out to programs like All-Madden, Unstoppable, Team Captains, AKA, and Legends for free upgrades, coins, and powerful players.
Don’t forget to link your EA and Twitch accounts to snag 92 OVR Lamar Jackson!
Who’s your favorite free player you’ve earned in MUT?
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