Hey there, fellow FC Mobile enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share my comprehensive guide to the 2nd Anniversary event players and shard exchange. As someone who’s been grinding this event since day one, I’ve tested pretty much every card available and spent countless hours analyzing their performance. Trust me, I know how precious those shards are, and you don’t want to waste them on the wrong players!
The 2nd Anniversary event in FC Mobile has been absolutely massive, introducing some incredible cards that can seriously transform your team. But with so many options and shard costs ranging from 200 to 1500, it’s crucial to make smart decisions. I’ve been there – staring at my shard count, wondering if I should splurge on that 1500-shard icon or save for multiple budget options. After weeks of testing and community feedback, I’m ready to share my complete tier list and recommendations.
Understanding the 2nd Anniversary Event Structure
Before we dive into the tier list, let me break down how this event works. The 2nd Anniversary event runs for 28 days, from September 25 to October 23, 2025. It’s divided into four weeks, with new players being added to the Gallery each week. What’s really cool is that EA has raised the OVR cap to 113 this year, making these cards even more powerful than previous anniversary releases.
The Gallery is where you’ll spend your hard-earned shards, and let me tell you, the shard economy has changed significantly this year. With the higher OVR cap, EA adjusted the exchange rates, giving us fewer shards per player compared to past events. Here’s the current shard exchange rate:
| Player OVR | Shards Received |
|---|---|
| 113 | 250 |
| 112 | 180 |
| 111 | 120 |
| 110 | 60 |
| 109 | 30 |
| 106-108 | 10 |
| 104-105 | 5 |
This means you need to be more strategic than ever about which players you exchange for shards. I’ve learned this the hard way early in the event when I carelessly exchanged some 113-rated players I could have used!
Complete Tier List: S-Tier to C-Tier Players
After extensive testing and analysis, I’ve categorized all the anniversary players into four tiers. This isn’t just about their stats – I’ve considered their in-game performance, value for shards, position flexibility, and how they fit into the current meta.
S-Tier: The Absolute Must-Have Players
These are the cream of the crop – players who offer exceptional value and performance. If you have the shards, these should be your top priorities.
Jude Bellingham (CAM, 113 OVR) – 1,250 Shards
I can’t stress enough how incredible Bellingham is in this event. At 1,250 shards, he’s actually one of the more affordable 113-rated options, but his performance is top-tier. What makes him special is his versatility – I’ve used him successfully as both a CAM and CM, and he excels in both positions. His dribbling feels smooth, his shooting is clinical, and he has the physical presence to dominate midfield battles.
When I first got Bellingham, I was skeptical about spending so many shards on a CAM, but after just a few matches, I knew he was worth every single shard. He’s become the cornerstone of my attack, contributing goals and assists consistently.
Ronaldinho (LW, 113 OVR) – 1,500 Shards
Yes, he’s expensive at 1,500 shards, but Ronaldinho is simply magical in this game. Every Ronaldinho card has been meta-defining, and this anniversary version is no exception. His dribbling is on another level – I’ve scored goals from angles that should be impossible. The finesse shots curve beautifully, and his 5-star skill moves make him unpredictable and deadly.
I’ll admit, I hesitated before investing in Ronaldinho because of the shard cost, but now I can’t imagine my team without him. If you’re someone who enjoys skill moves and creating chances out of nothing, Ronaldinho is worth saving up for.
Patrick Vieira (CM, 113 OVR) – 1,250 Shards
Vieira is the complete midfielder package. At 1,250 shards, he offers incredible value for a 113-rated player who can dominate both defensively and offensively. I’ve used him as both a CM and CDM, and he excels in either role. His height and physicality make him a defensive beast, while his passing and shooting allow him to contribute to attacks.
What I love most about Vieira is his consistency. Match after match, he’s there breaking up plays, winning headers, and starting counter-attacks. If you’re looking for a midfielder who can do it all, Vieira is your man.
Marco Van Basten (ST, 113 OVR) – 1,250 Shards
Van Basten is arguably the best striker available in this anniversary event. He combines pace, strength, and clinical finishing in a way that few other strikers can match. His 5-star weak foot means he’s equally dangerous with both feet, and I’ve scored some incredible goals with him from various angles.
At 1,250 shards, he’s reasonably priced for a 113-rated striker of his quality. I’ve compared him to other expensive strikers like Ibrahimovic, and Van Basten consistently outperforms them in my testing.
Lilian Thuram (RB, 113 OVR) – 1,250 Shards
If you need a right-back, Thuram is the safest choice you can make. At 1,250 shards, he’s not cheap, but he’ll likely remain the best RB in the game for a long time. His defensive stats are outstanding, he’s quick enough to keep up with speedy wingers, and he contributes to attacks with decent passing and crossing.
I’ve tested Thuram against some of the most challenging wingers in the game, and he rarely lets me down. If you’re struggling with defensive stability, investing in Thuram could be the solution you need.
Toni Kroos (CM, 113 OVR) – 1,000 Shards
Kroos is an absolute bargain at 1,000 shards for a 113-rated player. While his work rates could be better, his passing and vision are exceptional. I’ve used him as a deep-lying playmaker, and his ability to pick out passes that other players can’t see is game-changing.
What makes Kroos special is his value. At 1,000 shards, he’s one of the cheapest 113-rated options, yet his performance is on par with much more expensive players. If you’re looking to build a strong midfield without breaking the bank, Kroos should be your first choice.
Emmanuel Petit (CDM, 112 OVR) – 800 Shards
Petit might be the best value in the entire event. At just 800 shards for a 112-rated player, he’s an absolute steal. His defensive stats are outstanding, and his animations make him incredibly effective at breaking up plays and winning the ball back.
I’ve used Petit in various midfield combinations, and he consistently outperforms players costing twice as many shards. His standing tackles are particularly impressive – I’ve won countless balls in crucial defensive situations thanks to his positioning and tackling ability.
Cha Bum Kun (RW, 112 OVR) – 1,000 Shards
The South Korean legend is arguably the best RW currently available in the shard exchange. His combination of pace, dribbling, and shooting makes him a constant threat on the right wing. As an added bonus, he has 5-star weak foot, making him unpredictable and dangerous when cutting inside.
I’ve tested Cha Bum Kun extensively, and he’s become my go-to RW for important matches. At 1,000 shards, he’s reasonably priced for a player of his quality, and he consistently delivers in big moments.
Carles Puyol (CB, 112 OVR) – 650 Shards
Puyol is incredible value at just 650 shards. While he might not have the highest stats among CBs, his in-game performance is outstanding. He’s aggressive in tackles, strong in the air, and has the leadership qualities that make him a defensive rock.
I was initially hesitant about Puyol because of his relatively modest OVR compared to other options, but after using him, I’m convinced he’s one of the best defensive investments you can make. At 650 shards, he’s an absolute bargain.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (GK, 111 OVR) – 300 Shards
If you’re looking for a budget goalkeeper option, Vanja is the best choice at just 300 shards. While he might not have the highest rating, his performance in goal is solid, and he’s capable of making crucial saves when you need them most.
I’ve used Vanja as my starting GK for weeks now, and he rarely disappoints. At 300 shards, he’s an absolute steal, and unless another better GK option becomes available later in the event, he’s the best choice for budget-conscious players.
A-Tier: Great Players with Minor Drawbacks
These players are excellent choices but have some limitations that prevent them from being S-tier. They’re still great investments if they fit your team needs.
Lucio (CB, 113 OVR) – 1,500 Shards
Lucio is a fantastic CB with great stats and in-game performance. However, his height might be a concern for players who prefer taller defenders. At 1,500 shards, he’s also quite expensive, and I feel his cost should be lower given his height limitation.
I’ve used Lucio in various formations, and while he’s solid defensively, I’ve noticed he struggles against taller, more physical strikers. If you don’t mind his height and have the shards to spare, he’s still a great CB option.
Theo Hernandez (LB, 112 OVR) – 1,200 Shards
Theo Hernandez is an offensive powerhouse at LB, but his 1,200-shard price tag is way too high in my opinion. While he’s probably the best offensive LB available, along with Ballon d’Or Roberto Carlos, his defensive capabilities are somewhat lacking.
I’ve used Theo when I need attacking threat from my full-backs, and he certainly delivers in that regard. However, I often find myself exposed defensively when using him, which makes me hesitant to recommend him at his current price point.
Jamal Musiala (CAM, 112 OVR) – 800 Shards
Musiala is a talented CAM with great dribbling and shooting, but his physicality stats and 4-star weak foot let him down. At 800 shards, he’s reasonably priced, but I’ve found him to be inconsistent in physical matches.
I wanted to love Musiala because of his real-life performances, but in-game, he often gets pushed off the ball too easily. If you prefer a more technical, less physical style of play, he might work for you, but there are better options at similar price points.
Kyle Walker (RB, 111 OVR) – 800 Shards
Walker is a solid RB option with great pace and defensive stats. Despite being only 111-rated, he has the attributes to shine in the current meta. However, his price of 800 shards feels too high for a 111-rated player.
I’ve used Walker when I needed a quick RB to counter speedy wingers, and he certainly delivers in that regard. His pace is exceptional, and he’s rarely beaten in a foot race. At 800 shards, though, I feel you’re paying a premium for his name rather than his performance.
Diego Maradona (CAM, 113 OVR) – 1,500 Shards
Maradona is an incredible CAM with amazing dribbling and shooting, but his 1,500-shard cost and low physicality stats place him in A-tier for me. While he’s undoubtedly a meta player, I’ve found him to be less effective in physical midfield battles.
I’ve tested Maradona extensively, and while he’s magical with the ball at his feet, he often gets pushed around by stronger midfielders. His stamina can also be an issue in longer matches. If you have the shards and can protect him with stronger midfielders, he’s still a great choice.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST, 113 OVR) – 1,250 Shards
Ibrahimovic is an excellent striker with great physicality and finishing, but he’s overshadowed by Van Basten in this event. If Van Basten wasn’t available, Zlatan would easily be S-tier, but the comparison makes him fall to A-tier.
I’ve used both Van Basten and Ibrahimovic, and while Zlatan is undoubtedly a great striker, Van Basten feels more complete and consistent. At 1,250 shards, Ibrahimovic is still a good investment if you need a strong, physical striker.
Samuel Eto’o (RW, 113 OVR) – 1,500 Shards
Eto’o is a quality RW with great pace and shooting, but his 4-star weak foot is a significant limitation at the RW position. At 1,500 shards, he’s also very expensive for a player with this limitation.
I’ve used Eto’o when I needed a pacey RW, and he certainly delivers in terms of speed and shooting. However, I often find myself wanting to use his weaker foot, only to be disappointed by the results. For 1,500 shards, I expect a more complete player.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM, 112 OVR) – 800 Shards
De Bruyne is an elite CM with incredible passing and vision, but he lacks slightly in defensive stats. At 800 shards, he’s reasonably priced, but I’ve found him to be a liability defensively against stronger midfield opponents.
I love using De Bruyne for his passing ability – he can pick out passes that other players can only dream of. However, I often have to pair him with a more defensive CM to cover his defensive shortcomings. If you have the right midfield partner for him, he’s still a great choice.
Luis Diaz (LW, 112 OVR) – 800 Shards
Diaz has extraordinary agility and great pace, making him a constant threat on the left wing. At 800 shards, he’s reasonably priced, and I’ve found him to be consistent in matches.
I’ve used Diaz as my primary LW for weeks, and he rarely disappoints. His agility makes him difficult to mark, and his pace allows him to get behind defenses easily. While he might not have the highest rating, his in-game performance is solid.
Federico Dimarco (LB, 111 OVR) – 450 Shards
Dimarco is a great budget option if you can’t afford Theo Hernandez and need to upgrade your LB position. At just 450 shards, he offers good value with solid defensive and attacking stats.
I’ve used Dimarco when I needed a cheap LB upgrade, and he’s performed better than expected. He’s not going to win you matches single-handedly, but he’s a reliable option that won’t break the bank.
Jonathan Tah (CB, 111 OVR) – 450 Shards
Tah is an excellent budget CB option at just 450 shards. Standing at 6’5″, he has stellar defensive stats and is dominant in the air. I’ve used him as a budget CB, and he’s been surprisingly effective.
What I love most about Tah is his value. At 450 shards, you’re getting a tall, strong CB with good defensive stats. While he might not have the highest pace, his positioning and strength make up for it.
B-Tier: Budget Options with Decent Performance
These players are average choices that have decent stats but should only be considered if you have a limited shard budget or specific team needs.
Alisson (GK, 112 OVR) – 1,000 Shards
Alisson is overpriced at 1,000 shards in my opinion. While he’s a good goalkeeper with solid stats, there are better options available for fewer shards. I’ve tested him extensively, and I can’t justify spending 1,000 shards on him when Vanja at 300 shards performs almost as well.
If you’re a collector or specifically want Alisson for your team, he’s not a terrible choice, but from a pure performance perspective, there are better values available.
Joe Cole (CAM, 111 OVR) – 300 Shards
Joe Cole is a good card with great in-game stats, and at just 300 shards, he’s priced perfectly. I’ve used him as a budget CAM option, and he’s performed better than expected.
While he might not have the highest rating or the most impressive stats, Joe Cole is a solid budget option that can contribute to your attack without costing too many shards.
Freddie Ljungberg (RM, 111 OVR) – 450 Shards
Ljungberg is a good budget option if you need a new RM. At 450 shards, he’s reasonably priced, and I’ve found him to be decent in matches.
I’ve used Ljungberg when I needed a cheap RM upgrade, and while he’s not going to dominate matches, he’s a reliable option that can provide decent width and crossing from the right flank.
Viktor Gyokeres (ST, 112 OVR) – 800 Shards
Gyokeres has always been meta in previous events, but this version feels clunky to use. At 800 shards, he’s not cheap, and I’ve found him to be inconsistent in front of goal.
I wanted to like Gyokeres because of his real-life form, but in-game, he often feels sluggish and his finishing can be hit-or-miss. If you still need a striker at 800 shards and have exhausted other options, he might be worth considering, but there are better choices available.
Socrates (CM, 112 OVR) – 1,000 Shards
I’ve loved using many Socrates items over the years, but this version at 1,000 shards is way overpriced. While he’s a decent CM with good passing, his defensive stats are lacking, and at 1,000 shards, I expect more.
I’ve tested Socrates extensively, hoping he would live up to his previous versions, but I’ve been disappointed. If you’re a fan of the player or specifically need his skill set, he might be worth considering, but from a value perspective, there are much better options available.
Victor Osimhen (ST, 111 OVR) – 600 Shards
Osimhen has quick pace and decent shooting, but as a 111-rated card at 600 shards, he doesn’t offer great value. I’ve used him as a budget striker option, and while he’s not terrible, there are better choices available at similar price points.
What I like about Osimhen is his pace – he can get behind defenses easily. However, his finishing can be inconsistent, and at 600 shards, I expect more reliability.
Kenan Yildiz (LW, 111 OVR) – 450 Shards
Yildiz has good pace, a 5-star weak foot, and is well-priced at 450 shards. I’ve used him as a budget LW option, and he’s performed decently in matches.
While he might not have the highest rating or the most impressive stats, Yildiz is a solid budget option that can provide decent attacking threat from the left wing without costing too many shards.
C-Tier: Players to Avoid (Unless Desperate)
These players should generally be avoided unless you have extra shards with no other use or very specific team needs.
Jack Grealish (LW, 111 OVR) – 450 Shards
While I like Grealish’s in-game stats, his 3-star weak foot and 450-shard cost reduce his potential value significantly. I’ve tested him extensively, and his weak foot is a major limitation that makes him predictable in attack.
If you’re a fan of Grealish or specifically need his dribbling style, he might be worth considering, but from a pure performance perspective, there are much better options available at similar or lower price points.
Federico Chiesa (RM, 110 OVR) – 300 Shards
If you need a new RM, it’s better to go with Ljungberg, even though the Swede costs 150 shards more. I’ve used both, and Ljungberg consistently outperforms Chiesa in almost every aspect.
Chiesa isn’t terrible by any means, but when you can get a significantly better player for just 150 more shards, it’s hard to recommend him.
Joao Palhinha (CDM, 110 OVR) – 200 Shards
Palhinha is a decent CDM if you need a reliable option at just 200 shards. I’ve used him as a budget CDM, and while he’s not going to dominate matches, he’s a functional option that can break up plays reasonably well.
At 200 shards, he’s not a terrible investment if you desperately need a CDM, but there are better options available if you can save up a few more shards.
Olivier Giroud (ST, 110 OVR) – 200 Shards
Giroud is too slow for the current meta and has poor work rates. While he’s strong in the air, his lack of pace makes him largely ineffective against most defenses. I’ve tested him, and he struggles to get involved in matches unless you’re specifically crossing to him.
At 200 shards, he’s not expensive, but I’d rather save those shards for a more effective option or combine them with other shards for a better player.
Thiago Almada (LM, 110 OVR) – 200 Shards
Almada is quick but behind the power curve compared to other options. I’ve used him as a budget LM, and while he has decent pace, his other stats are lacking, making him largely ineffective in matches.
At 200 shards, he’s not a terrible investment if you desperately need width on the left, but there are much better options available if you can save up a few more shards.
Beukema (CB, 110 OVR) – 200 Shards
Beukema has extremely weak stats and is too short for a CB in the current meta. I’ve tested him, and he struggles against most strikers, particularly those who are strong or good in the air.
At 200 shards, he’s not expensive, but I’d rather use those shards elsewhere or save them for a more effective CB option.
Yann Sommer (GK, 110 OVR) – 300 Shards
Sommer is the same price as Vanja but has one less OVR and inferior stats. I’ve used both, and Vanja consistently outperforms Sommer in almost every aspect.
At 300 shards, there’s no reason to choose Sommer over Vanja, who is clearly the better option at the same price point.
Week 3 and Week 4 Player Analysis
As the event progresses, we’ve seen new players added in Weeks 3 and 4. Let me break down the standout options from these more recent additions:
Week 3 Standouts
Rodri (CDM, 113 OVR) – 1,000 Shards
Rodri is an exceptional CDM at 1,000 shards. He’s strong defensively, has great passing, and can control the midfield effectively. I’ve used him extensively, and he’s become one of my favorite CDMs in the game.
What makes Rodri special is his balance – he’s excellent defensively but also contributes to attacks with his passing and vision. At 1,000 shards, he’s reasonably priced for a 113-rated player of his quality.
Henry (ST, 113 OVR) – 1,500 Shards
Henry is an incredible striker with pace, strength, and clinical finishing. At 1,500 shards, he’s expensive, but his performance justifies the cost. I’ve used him as my primary striker, and he rarely disappoints.
What I love most about Henry is his versatility – he can play as a lone striker or in a partnership, and he’s effective in both roles. His combination of pace and strength makes him difficult for defenders to handle.
Mbappe (LW, 113 OVR) – 1,500 Shards
Mbappe is arguably the most lethal attacker in the game. His pace is unmatched, his finishing is clinical, and he has the strength to hold off defenders. At 1,500 shards, he’s expensive, but if you can afford him, he’s worth every shard.
I’ve used Mbappe in various attacking positions, and he consistently delivers. Whether you’re playing on the counter or building up play, Mbappe’s pace and finishing make him a constant threat.
Alexander-Arnold (RB, 112 OVR) – 800 Shards
Alexander-Arnold is a fantastic RB with great passing and crossing ability. At 800 shards, he’s reasonably priced, and I’ve found him to be effective both defensively and offensively.
What makes Alexander-Arnold special is his attacking contribution – his crossing and passing are exceptional, and he can create chances from seemingly impossible positions. While his defensive stats aren’t the highest, his attacking output more than makes up for it.
Week 4 Standouts
Cole (LB, 113 OVR) – 1,250 Shards
Cole is an excellent LB with great defensive stats and good attacking ability. At 1,250 shards, he’s reasonably priced for a 113-rated player, and I’ve found him to be more complete than Theo Hernandez.
I’ve used Cole extensively, and he’s become my preferred LB option. He’s solid defensively but also contributes to attacks with good passing and crossing. If you’re looking for a well-rounded LB, Cole is an excellent choice.
Courtois (GK, 113 OVR) – 1,250 Shards
Courtois is arguably the best goalkeeper available in the event. At 1,250 shards, he’s expensive, but his shot-stopping ability is exceptional. I’ve used him as my primary GK, and he’s made saves that other goalkeepers simply couldn’t make.
What makes Courtois special is his consistency – match after match, he’s there making crucial saves when you need them most. While 1,250 shards is a lot for a goalkeeper, if you can afford him, he’s worth the investment.
Gilberto Silva (CDM, 113 OVR) – 1,000 Shards
Gilberto Silva is a defensive beast at CDM. At 1,000 shards, he’s reasonably priced, and I’ve found him to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the game.
What I love most about Gilberto Silva is his positioning and tackling ability – he seems to be in the right place at the right time, breaking up plays before they become dangerous. If you’re looking for a purely defensive CDM, Gilberto Silva is an excellent choice.
Isak (ST, 113 OVR) – 1,250 Shards
Isak is a fantastic striker with great pace, dribbling, and finishing. At 1,250 shards, he’s reasonably priced for a 113-rated player, and I’ve found him to be effective in various attacking roles.
I’ve used Isak as both a lone striker and in a partnership, and he excels in both situations. His combination of pace and dribbling makes him difficult for defenders to handle, and his finishing is clinical when he gets opportunities.
Shard Management Strategy
Now that we’ve covered all the players, let me share my strategy for managing your shards effectively throughout the event. This is crucial because making smart decisions with your limited shards can make the difference between having a mediocre team and a dominant one.
Understanding Your Shard Income
First, let’s talk about how many shards you can realistically expect to earn during the event. Based on my calculations and experience, here’s what you can expect:
- From free gifts: 45 shards
- From the main event path: 5 shards
- From Week 1 rewards: approximately 70 shards
- From Week 2 rewards: approximately 75 shards on average (can be up to 160 if lucky)
- From Week 3 rewards: approximately 75 shards
- From Week 4 rewards: approximately 25 shards (the worst case)
This gives you a total of approximately 295 shards from event rewards alone. Additionally, you can earn shards by exchanging duplicate players, with the amount depending on their OVR (as shown in the exchange rate table earlier).
Budgeting Your Shards
With a limited shard income, it’s essential to budget effectively. Here’s my recommended approach based on different shard budgets:
Low Budget (300-600 Shards)
If you have a limited shard budget, I recommend focusing on these value options:
- Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (GK, 300 shards)
- Joe Cole (CAM, 300 shards)
- Jonathan Tah (CB, 450 shards)
- Federico Dimarco (LB, 450 shards)
These players offer excellent value for their shard cost and can significantly improve your team without breaking the bank.
Medium Budget (800-1,200 Shards)
With a medium budget, you can afford some of the better options:
- Emmanuel Petit (CDM, 800 shards)
- Toni Kroos (CM, 1,000 shards)
- Cha Bum Kun (RW, 1,000 shards)
- Carles Puyol (CB, 650 shards)
These players offer a great balance of performance and value, and they can be the foundation of a strong team.
High Budget (1,250+ Shards)
If you have a high shard budget, you can afford the premium options:
- Jude Bellingham (CAM, 1,250 shards)
- Patrick Vieira (CM, 1,250 shards)
- Marco Van Basten (ST, 1,250 shards)
- Lilian Thuram (RB, 1,250 shards)
These players are the best in their positions and can transform your team into a dominant force.
When to Save vs. When to Spend
One of the most common questions I get is whether to save shards for future weeks or spend them immediately. Here’s my approach:
Save your shards if:
- You’re close to affording a premium player you really want
- You’re not sure about your current team needs
- You’re waiting to see what players will be released in future weeks
Spend your shards if:
- You have a clear weakness in your team that needs addressing
- A player you want is available at a good value
- You have excess shards beyond what you need for your target players
I generally recommend saving at least some shards for the later weeks of the event, as EA often releases some of the best players toward the end. However, if you see a player that perfectly fits your team needs at a good value, don’t hesitate to invest.
Exclusive Exchange Options
In addition to the Gallery players, there are also exclusive exchange options that allow you to trade multiple players for a specific anniversary card. These can be great value if you have excess high-OVR players.
Current Exclusive Exchanges
Endrick (ST, 112 OVR) – 400 Shards
Requirements:
- 2 × 110+ OVR players
- 3 × 109+ OVR players
- 6 × 108+ OVR players
Endrick is a fantastic young striker with great potential. At 400 shards plus the player requirements, he’s excellent value if you have the fodder to complete the exchange.
Kahn (GK, 110 OVR) – 400 Shards
Requirements:
- 3 × 108+ OVR players
- 4 × 107+ OVR players
- 4 × 106+ OVR players
Kahn is a solid goalkeeper option, but at 400 shards plus the player requirements, he’s less valuable than Vanja at just 300 shards from the Gallery.
Donnarumma (GK, 112 OVR) – 600 Shards
Requirements:
- 3 × 110+ OVR players
- 4 × 109+ OVR players
- 4 × 108+ OVR players
Donnarumma is a high-quality goalkeeper, but at 600 shards plus significant player requirements, he’s only worth considering if you have excess high-OVR players and really want a premium GK.
Doue (LW, 111 OVR) – 300 Shards
Requirements:
- 2 × 109+ OVR players
- 5 × 108+ OVR players
- 4 × 107+ OVR players
Doue is a decent LW option, but the player requirements are quite steep for a 111-rated player. I’d only consider this exchange if you have excess players and specifically need a LW upgrade.
David Raya (GK, 111 OVR) – 300 Shards
Requirements:
- 2 × 109+ OVR players
- 4 × 108+ OVR players
- 5 × 107+ OVR players
Like Doue, Raya has steep player requirements for his rating. At 300 shards plus the player requirements, Vanja from the Gallery is clearly the better value.
Son (ST, 110 OVR) – 450 Shards
Requirements:
- 4 × 108+ OVR players
- 4 × 107+ OVR players
- 3 × 106+ OVR players
Son is a quality striker with great pace and dribbling, but the player requirements are significant. I’d only consider this exchange if you have excess players and specifically need a ST upgrade.
Formation and Chemistry Tips
Having the right players is only half the battle – you also need to use them in the right formation and ensure good chemistry. Let me share some tips on getting the best out of your anniversary players.
Best Formations for Anniversary Players
Based on my testing, here are the formations that work best with the anniversary players:
4-3-3 Holding
This balanced formation works great with players like Bellingham, Vieira, and Kroos in midfield. The holding midfielders provide defensive stability, while the attacking midfielders support the forwards.
I’ve had great success with this formation using:
- GK: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
- RB: Lilian Thuram
- CB: Carles Puyol and Jonathan Tah
- LB: Federico Dimarco
- CDM: Emmanuel Petit
- CM: Patrick Vieira and Toni Kroos
- RW: Cha Bum Kun
- LW: Luis Diaz
- ST: Marco Van Basten
4-2-3-1 Narrow
This formation focuses on controlling the midfield and works well with technical players like De Bruyne, Musiala, and Bellingham. The two CDMs provide defensive cover, while the three CAMs support the lone striker.
I’ve had success with this setup:
- GK: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
- RB: Kyle Walker
- CB: Lucio and Carles Puyol
- LB: Cole
- CDM: Emmanuel Petit and Gilberto Silva
- CAM: Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jamal Musiala
- ST: Marco Van Basten
3-5-2
This formation offers many offensive options and works well with attacking full-backs like Theo Hernandez and Cole. The three CBs provide defensive stability, while the five midfielders control the game.
I’ve used this formation effectively with:
- GK: Courtois
- CB: Lucio, Carles Puyol, and Jonathan Tah
- LWB: Cole
- RWB: Alexander-Arnold
- CM: Patrick Vieira and Toni Kroos
- CAM: Jude Bellingham
- LM: Luis Diaz
- RM: Cha Bum Kun
- ST: Marco Van Basten and Kylian Mbappe
Chemistry Tips
Chemistry is crucial in FC Mobile, and getting it right can significantly boost your players’ performance. Here are some tips for maximizing chemistry with your anniversary players:
- Position Chemistry: Always play players in their preferred positions or positions they’re naturally suited for. For example, Bellingham works well as both CAM and CM, but he’ll have better chemistry in one of those positions than if you play him at ST.
- League and Nation Chemistry: Try to build partnerships between players from the same league or nation. For example, pairing Bellingham (England) with Walker (England) and Kane (England) will boost their chemistry.
- Team Chemistry: Don’t forget about overall team chemistry. Having a balanced team with good links between all players will boost everyone’s performance.
- Manager Chemistry: Choose a manager that matches your formation and boosts the chemistry of your key players. For example, if you’re using a 4-3-3 formation with many Premier League players, choose a Premier League manager who prefers the 4-3-3 formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shards can I earn during the 2nd Anniversary event?
Based on my calculations, you can earn approximately 295 shards from event rewards alone, plus additional shards from exchanging duplicate players. The exact amount depends on your luck with pack pulls and how efficiently you complete event objectives.
Which position should I prioritize with my shards?
I generally recommend prioritizing midfielders and attackers, as they have the most direct impact on your ability to score goals and win matches. However, if you’re conceding a lot of goals, investing in a quality CB or GK might be more beneficial for your specific situation.
Are the 113-rated players worth the high shard cost?
In most cases, yes. The 113-rated players are significantly better than lower-rated options and will remain relevant for longer. However, you need to consider your specific team needs and budget. A well-balanced team with good chemistry will often perform better than a team with one or two expensive players but poor chemistry.
Should I save my shards for later weeks or spend them now?
I recommend saving at least some shards for the later weeks of the event, as EA often releases some of the best players toward the end. However, if you see a player that perfectly fits your team needs at a good value, don’t hesitate to invest.
What’s the best value player in the event?
In my opinion, Emmanuel Petit at 800 shards offers the best value. He’s an exceptional CDM who can dominate midfield battles, and his performance is on par with players costing twice as many shards.
How do I earn more shards during the event?
The best ways to earn more shards are:
- Complete all daily and weekly event objectives
- Exchange duplicate high-OVR players for shards
- Participate in all event activities and mini-games
- Watch ads for additional tokens (up to 3 per day)
Are the exclusive exchange players worth it?
Some of them are, but it depends on your specific situation and what players you have available for exchange. Endrick at 400 shards is excellent value if you have the required players, but some of the other options are less impressive considering their requirements.
How long will these anniversary players remain relevant?
The 113-rated players should remain relevant for several months, possibly until the next major promo event. The 112-rated players will be useful for a shorter period, while the 111-rated and lower players might become obsolete relatively quickly.
Should I invest in multiple players from the same position?
Generally, no. It’s better to build a balanced team with good chemistry than to have multiple players in the same position. However, if you frequently change formations or need specific players for different game modes, having options can be beneficial.
What’s the best way to use my anniversary players in different game modes?
For Division Rivals and Weekend League, I recommend using your best players regardless of chemistry, as these modes are more about individual player quality. For campaign and skill games, chemistry becomes more important, so I suggest building a balanced team with good links between players.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After weeks of testing and analysis, I can confidently say that the 2nd Anniversary event has introduced some incredible players that can significantly improve your team. However, with limited shards, it’s crucial to make smart decisions.
If I had to recommend just one player to invest in, it would be Jude Bellingham. At 1,250 shards, he offers incredible value as a versatile midfielder who can dominate both offensively and defensively. He’s the type of player who can single-handedly transform your midfield and elevate your entire team’s performance.
For those on a tighter budget, Emmanuel Petit at 800 shards is an absolute steal. He’s been one of the most consistent performers in my testing, and his defensive prowess is unmatched at his price point.
And if you’re looking for a budget option that punches above its weight, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic at 300 shards is the best goalkeeper value in the event. He’s been incredibly reliable for me, making crucial saves in important matches.
Remember, the key to success in FC Mobile isn’t just having the best players – it’s building a balanced team with good chemistry that suits your playstyle. Use this tier list as a guide, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you make the most of your shards during the 2nd Anniversary event. Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference, as I’ll be updating it with new information and player analysis as the event progresses.
Good luck with your shard investments, and may your team dominate the pitch!
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