You know that feeling when you log into Fantasy Premier League, and suddenly, your star players have blank fixtures? Or worse, a double gameweek is coming, and you don’t know who to pick? That’s when the Free Hit chip becomes your secret weapon. One gameweek. Unlimited transfers. Maximum points. And then—poof—your team goes back to its original state.
For FPL managers, Free Hit isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategy, an opportunity, and sometimes pure adrenaline.
What Exactly is a Free Hit in FPL?
Think of Free Hit as a “one-week superpower.” Unlike a Wildcard, which permanently reshuffles your squad, Free Hit lets you completely rebuild your team for a single gameweek without touching your long-term strategy.
Once the gameweek ends, your squad snaps back like nothing happened. It’s perfect for blank gameweeks, double gameweeks, or any week where fixtures look like a nightmare.
Why it matters:
- It gives you unlimited transfers for that week.
- You can chase maximum points without risking your main squad.
- It’s the ultimate tool to jump up the overall rank when used correctly.
How Free Hit Works in Practice
Here’s the beauty of Free Hit: it’s simple, but powerful.
- Pick the right gameweek – Blank and double gameweeks are prime targets.
- Build a temporary squad – Grab players you normally wouldn’t afford or wouldn’t pick.
- Rack up points – Your Free Hit squad scores as normal.
- Snapback – Your original team returns automatically in the next gameweek.
Imagine this: it’s Gameweek 28, and Liverpool, Arsenal, and Man United all have blanks. Your usual starting XI suddenly feels like a bench of ghosts. You hit Free Hit, bring in players with fixtures, maybe even snatch a differential like Chris Wood or Ismaila Sarr, and suddenly your points haul skyrockets.
When Should You Use Your Free Hit?
Timing can make or break your season. Here’s what the pros look for:
- Blank Gameweeks – Postponed matches leave your squad exposed. Free Hit fixes that.
- Double Gameweeks – Perfect for racking up points from captains and key assets playing twice.
- Fixture Chaos or Injuries – Rotation risk? Injuries? Free Hit has you covered.
Last season, savvy managers used Free Hit during GW31 and GW37 to catapult hundreds of thousands of places up the overall rank. That’s the kind of swing you can’t achieve with normal transfers alone.
Building a Winning Free Hit Team
A great Free Hit squad balances star players, differential picks, and cheap bench options. Here’s how:
- Start with high-value assets – Think Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland.
- Add differential players – Those lesser-owned gems can skyrocket your rank.
- Balance your squad – Cover GK, DEF, MID, FWD to maximize clean sheets and attacking returns.
- Don’t forget the bench – Cheap bench players can score small points and save your budget.
Example Free Hit Squad for a Double Gameweek:
| Position | Player Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Vicente Guaita | Plays in blank-heavy week |
| DEF | Reece James | Double fixtures, attacking |
| MID | Mohamed Salah | Captain potential |
| MID | Ismaila Sarr | Differential pick |
| FWD | Chris Wood | Budget-friendly, regular starter |
Common Free Hit Mistakes
Even the best managers slip up. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Playing it too early – Don’t waste Free Hit on a normal week.
- Overloading one team – Diversify to avoid getting zero points from a blank.
- Ignoring next gameweeks – Remember, Free Hit is temporary. Plan for the rebound.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Free Hit
- Pair with Bench Boost or Triple Captain – Double points opportunities can be insane in double gameweeks.
- Track FPL price changes – Don’t waste transfers on players who are about to rise or fall.
- Use stats and tools – FFScout app and FFS membership give fixture analysis, expected points, and more.
- Pick your captain carefully – Free Hit is your chance to swing big with doubles.
FAQs
Q1. What is Free Hit in FPL?
A chip that allows unlimited transfers for a single gameweek, then restores your original squad.
Q2. When should I use Free Hit during the season?
Best during blank or double gameweeks, or when fixture congestion leaves your squad exposed.
Q3. Can Free Hit improve my overall rank?
Absolutely. A well-timed Free Hit can turn a bad week into a points bonanza and boost your overall rank significantly.
Conclusion: Make Free Hit Your Secret Weapon
The Free Hit chip isn’t just a safety net—it’s an opportunity for strategic brilliance. Whether it’s navigating blank gameweeks, cashing in on double fixtures, or seizing a rank-boosting differential, it’s a must-use for any serious FPL manager.
Remember: timing, strategy, and squad balance are everything. Used wisely, your Free Hit can turn a chaotic week into a masterclass of Fantasy Premier League dominance.
So next time you see a tricky gameweek, don’t panic—hit Free Hit, and watch your points soar.
Visit: Pure Magazine
