What Is Free Hit in FPL

Fantasy Premier League has become one of the most popular strategy games in the UK with millions of players taking part each season. The game looks simple on the surface yet genuine success depends on smart planning, an understanding of fixtures and using your chips at the right time. One chip that often causes confusion is the Free Hit. It is powerful and game changing when used well yet many managers do not fully understand how it works. This guide explains everything you need to know in clear friendly language so you can use the Free Hit confidently next time the season presents a tricky round of fixtures.

By the end of this article you will understand what the Free Hit does, who benefits most from using it, how it works in detail, the best and worst times to activate it, how it compares to the Wildcard and Bench Boost and how to build a strong Free Hit squad without wasting transfers or losing points. You will also learn practical advice from experienced FPL strategy used by top ranking managers across the UK.

What the Free Hit Chip Is

The Free Hit is one of the chips available in Fantasy Premier League. It allows you to make unlimited transfers for one gameweek without taking any points hits. Once that gameweek is finished your squad automatically reverts back to the same players you had before using the chip.

It is designed for short term problems rather than long term planning. If you face a gameweek with many blank fixtures, major injuries or difficult scheduling a Free Hit gives you a clean slate for that single round. You can rebuild an entire squad of eleven starters with strong fixtures and target the gameweek aggressively.

Because the squad resets afterwards you do not have to worry about the long term effect of bringing in players you would not normally want. You can focus purely on the best fixtures for that specific week.

Who the Free Hit Is For

The Free Hit chip suits a wide range of FPL managers. It is particularly useful for:

• Players who face a gameweek with many injuries or suspensions
• Managers who want to avoid taking multiple minus four penalties
• Players who are navigating blank gameweeks where several teams do not play
• Competitive managers aiming for a high rank in difficult fixture periods
• Anyone who wants to target one explosive week for maximum points

It is especially powerful for people who follow Premier League fixtures closely. If you keep track of cup competitions, postponements and fixture rearrangements the Free Hit gives you flexibility when the schedule becomes chaotic.

How the Free Hit Works Step by Step

Understanding exactly how the Free Hit functions helps you avoid mistakes.

Step one: Activate the chip

You activate the chip on the transfers page. Once activated you can make unlimited transfers with no points deductions. If you confirm transfers by mistake then take additional transfers later you will not be charged points during the Free Hit week.

Step two: Build your squad for that one gameweek

You can pick any players within your budget. Team value and selling price still apply which means you cannot buy back a player for cheaper than his current price. However you can transfer in expensive assets that you normally could not afford long term.

Step three: Deadline arrives and the Free Hit squad plays

Your selected team scores points for that gameweek in the same way as usual. Captaincy and vice captain rules stay the same. Your bench also functions as normal for automatic substitutions if needed.

Step four: Your team resets after the deadline

Once the next gameweek begins your squad returns to the exact selection you had before activating the Free Hit. Transfers you made during the Free Hit week are wiped. Price rises and drops that occurred during that week still apply to your squad value but your player list is the original one.

Why the Free Hit Matters in FPL Strategy

In a normal gameweek managers often wrestle with injuries, poor fixtures, rotation or postponements. Without the Free Hit you may need to take several minus fours or accept a weak starting eleven. The chip allows you to sidestep these problems completely.

The most common reason for using the Free Hit is a blank gameweek. This happens when clubs play FA Cup matches or face scheduling changes that remove their Premier League fixtures for that round. In some seasons large blank gameweeks appear when many fixtures clash with cup competitions. Managers without a Free Hit often field only seven or eight players which creates a large points disadvantage.

Another important use of the Free Hit is to attack a double gameweek. A double gameweek happens when teams have two matches in one round. With a Free Hit you can build a squad full of double gameweek players which gives you a chance to score well above average.

The Free Hit is also valuable when the fixture difficulty is extreme. If your current squad faces tough opponents and you want to chase a green arrow you can use the chip to bring in players with excellent fixtures for one week without affecting long term structure.

What You Can Expect When Using a Free Hit

Managers who plan a Free Hit properly can expect a noticeable boost in points. You can select premium players who normally stretch your budget and balance them with short term bargains. You can triple up on attackers from sides with easy fixtures or load your defence with clean sheet potential. Many managers report scoring thirty or forty points more than their usual squad in a well targeted Free Hit week.

You will also gain flexibility. You do not need to worry about damaging team structure because the squad resets automatically. This frees you from long term concerns like rotation risk, fixture swings or the need to maintain early season cheap picks. For one week you have complete control.

The experience of using a Free Hit is often exciting because every player you choose has intention behind them. It also makes watching matches more enjoyable because each pick is chosen for that specific fixture.

Safety Considerations in FPL Terms

While the Free Hit brings flexibility it can also create risks if not used carefully.

Last minute injuries and rotation

If you activate the Free Hit early then news breaks about a player being unavailable you may need to adjust your entire plan. This is why many experienced managers wait until close to the deadline.

Incorrect bench use

Some managers build a too strong bench even though the squad resets next week. The bench only matters if one of your starting players does not play. Focus on starters and spend less on your substitutes.

Price changes

Your players can rise or fall in price during the Free Hit week but you will not suffer or benefit from price changes related to temporary transfers. Only your original squad will be affected.

Using it at the wrong time

Many managers burn the Free Hit too early when a difficult week appears. Often later blank gameweeks are even more challenging. Planning ahead is crucial.

Cost and Availability of the Free Hit

You get one Free Hit chip each season. You cannot buy more and you cannot earn additional chips through gameplay. The cost is simply the opportunity cost of when you choose to use it. The chip cannot be carried over to the following season.

If you play FPL draft then the Free Hit chip does not exist because squad structure is different.

When to Use the Free Hit for Maximum Impact

Choosing the right moment to activate the Free Hit is one of the most important decisions in the season.

Option one: Large blank gameweeks

This is the most common and effective time to use the chip. When many teams have no fixtures you can build a full squad of eleven players who actually play. This often gives you a massive advantage over managers who are forced to field reduced teams.

Option two: Major double gameweeks

A Free Hit in a double gameweek allows you to bring in players who play twice. You can load up on captains and vice captains from teams with favourable double fixtures. The uplift in points can be huge if your chosen teams perform well.

Option three: Gameweek where your squad is badly aligned

Sometimes your squad structure is completely mismatched to the fixtures. You may have defenders against strong attacking sides or strikers against elite defences. A Free Hit allows you to reset for one week.

Option four: Chasing rank near the end of the season

If you are targeting a specific rank or aiming to win a mini league you can use the Free Hit in the final weeks when managers around you cannot. This gives you a tactical edge by picking differential players.

When Not to Use the Free Hit

Sometimes the Free Hit is wasted if used at the wrong time.

Do not use it for minor problems

If you have one or two injuries a simple transfer is enough. Save the chip for structural issues.

Avoid using it too early

Early fixtures can be unpredictable. Blank and double gameweeks tend to appear later so early usage removes a valuable tool.

Do not use it during international break uncertainty

Player availability is often unclear. Waiting for confirmed news is safer.

Avoid using it when your current squad already has strong fixtures

If your squad is well positioned for the week you can save the chip for a tougher moment.

How the Free Hit Compares to Other Chips

Free Hit vs Wildcard

Both give unlimited transfers but the Wildcard permanently changes your squad. The Free Hit resets after one week. Use the Wildcard when you want long term restructuring. Use the Free Hit for short term targeting.

Free Hit vs Bench Boost

Bench Boost scores points from all fifteen players. It is best used in a double gameweek. Free Hit is not ideal for Bench Boost because your bench does not matter much during a Free Hit.

Free Hit vs Triple Captain

Triple Captain boosts the score of one chosen captain. It targets one player. Free Hit targets your entire squad.

Practical Advice for Building a Free Hit Team

To make the most of the chip follow these guidelines.

Focus on fixtures first

The Free Hit is about maximising one week. Ignore long term potential. Pick players with the best fixtures even if you would never want them in your normal squad.

Target attacking players in strong form

Midfielders and forwards carry higher points ceilings. If fixtures are favourable prioritise goal involvement.

Consider clean sheet combinations

Defenders from teams with excellent fixtures can deliver strong points. Doubling on a defence can work if the fixture is very safe.

Use reliable starters

Rotation risks are dangerous during a Free Hit because losing one starter reduces your advantage. Pick players who usually play ninety minutes.

Choose a captain with a standout fixture

The captaincy choice is often the difference between a good Free Hit and a great one. Prioritise players with strong form and opponent weakness.

Build a cheap bench

Your bench only matters if someone misses out. Avoid overspending. Use the money on your starting eleven instead.

Check team news close to the deadline

A late injury or rotation announcement can ruin your plan. Leave flexibility and avoid locking your squad too early.

Final Thoughts

The Free Hit chip is one of the most flexible and powerful tools available in Fantasy Premier League. It gives you the chance to wipe the slate clean for a single week and build a strong squad that targets the best fixtures. Used well it can deliver a major points swing that moves you up the rankings and strengthens your position in mini leagues.

To get the most out of it you need to understand how it works, plan for blank and double gameweeks, build a squad with strong fixtures and avoid common mistakes like overspending on your bench or activating the chip too early. If you time it correctly the Free Hit becomes a vital part of your season strategy and helps you navigate difficult fixture swings with confidence.