In EA FC 25, building a competitive Ultimate Team (UT) squad often comes down to one key element: completing Squad Building Challenges (SBCs). SBCs are an essential part of the game, offering a variety of rewards, including high-rated player cards, special campaign items, and Icons. However, SBCs can often require a significant amount of fodder, or players with high ratings, which can be expensive and drain your resources if not managed correctly.

To save coins and maximize the efficiency of your SBCs, it’s crucial to focus on acquiring affordable, high-rated players—particularly those between the 84 and 88 ratings. These players aren’t always the most meta on the field, but their ratings fulfill the requirements for SBCs without breaking your bank. This guide will walk you through some of the cheapest and most effective players in each rating category, alongside valuable tips for managing your Ultimate Team budget and completing SBCs efficiently.

Why Use Cheap SBC Fodder?

High-rated fodder players are vital when completing SBCs in EA FC 25. Many SBCs require specific ratings for the squads you need to build. Instead of purchasing expensive players or ones you want to use in your active lineup, you can fill out these challenges with cheap, high-rated players to fulfill the SBC requirements without overspending.

While these players may not always be the best in terms of gameplay or meta effectiveness, their main value lies in their rating. These affordable players can be utilized to meet the required overall rating for SBCs, allowing you to save your coins for acquiring top-tier meta players for your starting squad. When SBCs reward you with valuable players, especially Icons or campaign cards, these cheap 84-88 rated players serve as excellent fodder for those challenges.

Additionally, by strategically investing in these players, you ensure that you have a steady stream of fodder available to tackle future SBCs. As prices fluctuate, you can take advantage of the best deals and complete SBCs without feeling the strain on your coin balance.

Cheapest High-Rated Players in EA FC 25

Let’s break down the cheapest high-rated players you can find in EA FC 25, from 84-rated all the way to 88-rated, to help you complete SBCs efficiently and save coins in the process.

Cheapest 84-Rated Players

The 84-rated players are typically the most affordable option when building SBC squads, and they usually cost around 2,000 to 2,100 coins on both consoles and PC. While these players are not generally considered "meta" for gameplay, their rating makes them perfect for fulfilling SBC requirements.

Some of the cheapest 84-rated players include:

Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)

Alex Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen)

Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)

Casemiro (Manchester United)

Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

These players serve as excellent fodder when you're completing SBCs that require high-rated players but don’t necessarily demand the very best performers on the field. Their affordable price makes them a smart investment for completing tasks without draining your coin balance.

Cheapest 85-Rated Players

When you move up to 85-rated players, you can expect to spend around 4,300 to 4,400 coins on consoles, with PC prices being slightly higher. These players are perfect for mid-tier SBCs, such as Player SBCs or other campaign-related challenges. While they’re a bit more expensive than 84-rated players, they still offer great value for your coin investment.

Some of the most affordable 85-rated players include:

Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund)

Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

John Stones (Manchester City)

Raphael Varane (Manchester United)

These players offer a great balance of price and rating, making them ideal for mid-range SBCs. They're not the highest meta picks, but their role as fodder makes them indispensable for efficient SBC completion.

Cheapest 86-Rated Players

86-rated players are slightly more expensive, usually costing around 7,000 EA FC 25 Coins on most platforms. Despite the price increase, they remain an excellent choice for completing SBCs with higher rating requirements. Their slightly higher rating makes them essential for more demanding SBCs.

Some of the most affordable 86-rated players include:

Pedri (Barcelona)

Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Houssem Aouar (Lyon)

While these players are more costly than the previous tiers, they remain affordable compared to other high-rated options and are essential for SBCs that require a bit more firepower.

Cheapest 87-Rated Players

87-rated players start to climb in price, typically costing around 11,000 coins for most options. These players are ideal for high-value SBCs, such as Icon Upgrades or Featured Player SBCs, where you need a significant rating boost without spending a fortune on premium cards.

Some of the cheapest 87-rated players include:

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Yann Sommer (Inter Milan)

Rose Lavelle (Gotham)

Fabinho (Liverpool)

These players can be incredibly useful for those looking to complete SBCs that require higher-rated squads but are still cheaper than many other 87-rated options. They provide excellent value for players building SBC fodder for the long term.

Cheapest 88-Rated Players

88-rated players are at the higher end of the spectrum in terms of SBC fodder prices, costing around 16,000 coins on most platforms. While they are still much cheaper compared to the most meta players in the game, they are a crucial part of high-tier SBCs and are often required for completing the most rewarding challenges.

Some of the most affordable 88-rated players include:

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Beth Mead (Arsenal)

Kylian Mbappé (PSG) (though sometimes more expensive depending on market fluctuations)

These players are highly valuable in SBCs that require a lot of high-rated fodder, and their prices are still relatively accessible compared to the top meta players in the game. They're excellent for fulfilling top-tier SBC requirements without overspending.

Tips for Efficient SBC Completion

While acquiring affordable high-rated players is essential, there are also strategies you can use to ensure you’re completing SBCs as efficiently as possible. Below are some tips for saving coins while maximizing your SBC completion:

Monitor the Market

The Transfer Market in EA FC 25 can fluctuate throughout the day, with prices often lower during low-traffic periods (early mornings or late nights). Make sure to check the market regularly to snag the best deals on high-rated players.

Use SBC Upgrade Packs

Participating in upgrade SBCs, such as the Gold Upgrade SBC or Rare Player Upgrade SBC, can yield high-rated players that you can use for future SBCs. These upgrade packs are a great way to stockpile fodder without needing to spend your precious coins on the Transfer Market.

Complete Daily Objectives

Daily objectives often reward you with packs, players, or coins, all of which can help you gather SBC fodder. Consistently completing these objectives ensures that you have a steady flow of affordable high-rated players and other valuable rewards, helping you build up a stockpile for future SBCs.

Prioritize High-Value SBCs

Focus on completing SBCs that offer valuable rewards, such as Icon Upgrades, Featured Player SBCs, or Ultimate Packs. These SBCs tend to provide high returns on investment, and having the necessary fodder stocked up in advance will make them much more affordable.

Conclusion

SBCs in EA FC 25 are an integral part of building your Ultimate Team, offering exciting rewards that can elevate your squad. By focusing on the cheapest 84-88 rated players for SBC fodder, you can save FC 25Coins and still meet the rating requirements of even the most demanding challenges.

Take advantage of the Transfer Market, participate in upgrade packs, and keep an eye on daily objectives to gather affordable players. With the right strategy, you can efficiently complete SBCs, improve your squad, and keep your coin balance intact.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a savvy SBC manager and building a competitive Ultimate Team without overpaying for unnecessary players.