Division 7 in Rivals proved to be a challenging experience as I dedicated four hours to the game yesterday without securing a single victory. It led me to question if I’ve suddenly forgotten how to play. Consequently, I’ve decided to take a break from the game for a while. Historically, I’m someone who achieves 11 wins in Weekend League, and when actively engaging in Rivals, I usually find myself in D2/D3. My best finish in Weekend League last year was 15 wins. While life and work have limited my playtime this year, I still consider myself knowledgeable about the game. I’m not a pro, but I’m far from a novice.
Admittedly, my mental state wasn’t at its best after the first two hours of continuous losses. All I wanted was to secure a win before calling it a night, but it proved elusive. I’ve had a Weekend League qualification ready for a couple of weeks, yet the fear of using it looms large. If I can’t win a single match in Division 7, what fate awaits me in Weekend League? A potential 0-20 outcome feels daunting.
This experience is new to me. While I understand that some players intentionally lower their skill level in Rivals, the prospect of never winning is something I’d rather avoid. Losing every game doesn’t contribute to an enjoyable gaming experience for me.
Several factors might be at play. The initial weeks after a season reset tend to be more challenging, but the difficulty usually evens out over time. Last season, I spent what felt like an eternity in Division 6 before eventually reaching Division 4. The player base appears more condensed, with many casual players losing interest in the game. There’s also a lack of real incentive for grinding Rivals, resulting in players not getting promoted and intentionally staying at lower divisions for matchmaking reasons.
The prevalence of the 71 depth press tactics adds another layer of difficulty. While beatable, it makes every game feel like a slog, with many players adopting similar strategies, such as utilizing wingers and cutbacks. This creates a sense of trying to beat the game rather than the opponent’s team, which becomes dull and repetitive.
Additionally, there are moments when it feels like the game is working against you. The attacking AI seems ineffective, defending becomes risky, and passes go awry. This overall experience diminishes the enjoyment of the game, especially during a streak of poor results. Moods take a direct hit, moods are low, and losing matches and FC 24 coins is a regular occurrence.