Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is one of the most popular fantasy sports games in the world, allowing football fans to build a team of real Premier League players and compete for points based on their weekly performances. Millions of managers join every season, picking their squads, transferring players, and planning strategies to stay ahead of rivals.
To make the game even more exciting, FPL offers special features known as “chips.” These chips give managers unique advantages during the season, helping them deal with injuries, fixture changes, or simply to boost points in key gameweeks. Among these powerful tools, the Wildcard in Fantasy Premier League and free hit in fantasy premier league chips are the most important.
Many managers often ask what is wildcard in fantasy premier league and how it works. The Wildcard chip lets you make unlimited transfers in a gameweek without taking any points hit. This means you can completely reshape your team when injuries, poor form, or fixture congestion strike, all without losing valuable points. It’s like getting a fresh start while staying within the same season.
On the other hand, understanding what is a free hit in fantasy premier league is equally important. The Free Hit chip allows you to make unlimited transfers for just one gameweek, perfect for navigating tricky weeks when many teams don’t play or when you want to target players with great fixtures. After that gameweek ends, your team automatically reverts to its original lineup, so it’s a short-term but powerful strategy.
Knowing when and how to use these two chips can make the difference between an average finish and a top ranking. Whether you are new to the game or an experienced manager, mastering the timing of the Wildcard and Free Hit is key to climbing the leaderboard and staying ahead of your competition in the 2025 FPL season.
What is a Wildcard in Fantasy Premier League?
The Wildcard is one of the most powerful chips in Fantasy Premier League. It allows managers to make unlimited transfers in a single gameweek without any point deductions. Normally, every extra transfer beyond the free weekly move costs four points, but the Wildcard removes those penalties. By using it, you can completely reset your squad, bringing in as many new players as you like while staying within the team budget.
This chip is a game-changer when your team needs a fresh start. Whether your squad is struggling with injuries, players are out of form, or upcoming fixtures look tough, activating the Wildcard gives you the chance to rebuild and plan for the weeks ahead. Understanding what is wildcard in fantasy premier league is crucial for anyone aiming to stay competitive throughout the season.
For football fans looking to compete weekly, premier league fantasy football offers an exciting way to test your knowledge and strategy.
How Many Wildcards Do You Get in FPL?
Fantasy Premier League gives managers two Wildcards each season.
- First Wildcard: Available from the start of the season and can be used anytime before the first half of the season ends, usually around late December or early January.
- Second Wildcard: Becomes available in the second half of the season and must be used before the final gameweek deadline.
If you don’t use a Wildcard in its allotted period, it expires and cannot be carried over. That means careful planning is important so you don’t waste this valuable chip.
When to Use Your Wildcard?
Timing your Wildcard can make a huge difference to your overall rank. Some of the best moments to consider using it include:
- After injuries or suspensions: If multiple key players in your squad are unavailable, a Wildcard lets you replace them all at once without losing points.
- When fixture swings happen: Premier League schedules often change, and some teams may face easier or tougher runs of matches. Using the Wildcard during a favourable fixture swing allows you to target players with the best upcoming games.
- To maximize double gameweeks: In certain weeks, some clubs play twice. Activating a Wildcard before a double gameweek helps you load up on players who have two matches, giving you a higher chance of scoring big points.
Strategic use of the Wildcard can transform your season, turning a struggling team into one capable of climbing the Fantasy Premier League rankings.
What is a Free Hit in Fantasy Premier League?
The Free Hit is another key chip in Fantasy Premier League that gives managers unlimited transfers for just one gameweek. It works as a one-week makeover for your squad. You can bring in as many new players as you like before the deadline without worrying about transfer penalties or point deductions.
The main difference from the Wildcard is that the Free Hit chip is temporary. Once that specific gameweek is over, your squad automatically reverts to its original lineup from the previous week. This makes it a perfect short-term tool when you need to adapt quickly to unusual fixture schedules or unexpected team news. Knowing what is free hit in fantasy premier league is essential for handling tricky weeks and staying competitive against other managers.
When Should You Use Free Hit in FPL?
Choosing the right moment to activate your Free Hit chip can help you avoid lost points and take advantage of high-scoring opportunities. Here are the most common scenarios where it works best:
- During blank gameweeks when few teams play: Sometimes, Premier League matches are postponed due to cup competitions or weather issues, leaving only a handful of fixtures in a gameweek. Using your Free Hit ensures you can field a full team without taking multiple transfer hits.
- To maximize double gameweeks with strong fixtures: In certain weeks, some teams play twice. Free Hit lets you load up on players from those clubs for one week, boosting your chances of a huge points haul.
- To avoid hits when many players are unavailable: Injuries, suspensions, or sudden fixture changes can leave your squad weakened. Free Hit allows you to replace several players at once without losing points, keeping your team strong for that crucial gameweek.
By using the Free Hit chip wisely, you can navigate difficult periods in the season and stay on track for a top finish in Fantasy Premier League. Many global players join the english premier fantasy league each season to build dream squads and chase top rankings.
Wildcard vs Free Hit – Key Differences
The Wildcard and Free Hit chips may sound similar because both allow unlimited transfers, but their effects on your team are very different. The Wildcard makes permanent changes to your squad for the rest of the season, while the Free Hit only lasts for a single gameweek before your original team returns. Understanding these differences helps you plan when to use each chip for maximum advantage.
| Feature | Wildcard | Free Hit |
| Transfers | Unlimited transfers without point hits | Unlimited transfers without point hits |
| Duration | Permanent team change | One gameweek only, team reverts afterward |
| Availability | 2 per season (first and second half) | 1 per season |
| Best Use | Full squad overhaul or long-term plan | Blank or double gameweek for short-term gains |
In short, the Wildcard is ideal when you need a long-term reset of your Fantasy Premier League squad, while the Free Hit is the perfect one-week strategy to handle unexpected blanks or take advantage of double gameweeks. Using each chip at the right time can be the difference between an average finish and climbing into the top ranks.
Strategy Tips for Using Wildcard and Free Hit
Both the Wildcard and Free Hit are powerful Fantasy Premier League chips, but their impact depends on timing. Here are some smart strategies to get the most out of them:
- Plan around fixture swings: Check the upcoming fixtures for every team. When certain clubs have a run of easy matches or double gameweeks, it might be the perfect time to use a Wildcard or Free Hit.
- Save chips for later gameweeks when rank gains matter: Many managers waste chips early in the season. Holding them for the second half, when injuries, fixture congestion, and double gameweeks are more common, often leads to bigger rank boosts.
- Avoid wasting them early in the season: Early weeks can be unpredictable, with new signings and form changes. Waiting a few weeks before using your chips allows you to gather more information and make smarter long-term decisions.
FAQs – FPL Wildcard and Free Hit
Q1: Can I cancel a Wildcard once activated?
No. Once you confirm the Wildcard and hit the final save, it cannot be cancelled. Make sure you are ready before confirming your transfers.
Q2: Does Free Hit affect team value?
No. Any price changes that happen to the players you transfer in with the Free Hit do not affect your squad’s overall value. Your team reverts to its original lineup and value after the gameweek ends.
Q3: Can Wildcard and Free Hit be used in the same week?
No. Fantasy Premier League allows you to use only one chip per gameweek, so you must choose between them.
Q4: What happens if I forget to save changes after using Wildcard?
If you don’t confirm your transfers before the deadline, your team will stay the same as it was before activating the Wildcard. Always double-check and save changes to avoid missing out.
Conclusion – Mastering FPL Chips
The Wildcard is a long-term power tool, giving you the ability to rebuild your squad for the rest of the season. The Free Hit is a short-term lifesaver, perfect for navigating blank or double gameweeks. Using these chips with smart timing especially during fixture swings and high-pressure periods separates top Fantasy Premier League managers from casual players. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and you’ll have the best chance to climb the rankings in the 2025 season.
