FPL 2025/26: New Rules, Chips, and Scoring Changes Explained

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is back for the 2025/26 season (you can already start building your drafts on FPL Team) — and this year, some major updates are shaking up how FPL managers will need to plan, strategise, and chase those all-important green arrows.

From additional chips to defensive bonus points, here’s your ultimate guide to the new FPL features, scoring rules, and gameplay changes for the upcoming season.

🔥 What’s New in FPL 2025/26?

FPL fans can expect fresh tweaks to both chips and the points-scoring system this season, all of which will influence tactics, team selection, and chip strategy across the campaign.

All 4 FPL Chips Can Now Be Used Twice in 2025/26

One of the biggest headlines this year is the change to FPL chips. For the first time ever, all four chips can be used twice per season — once in each half of the campaign (Gameweeks 1–19 and 20–38).

✅ Available FPL Chips in 2025/26:

• Bench Boost (x2) – Points from your bench players count towards your total.

• Free Hit (x2) – Make unlimited transfers for one gameweek only; squad reverts next week.

• Triple Captain (x2) – Your captain’s points are tripled instead of doubled for one gameweek.

• Wildcard (x2) – Unlimited permanent transfers with no points hit.

🛑 Removed: The Assistant Manager chip has been scrapped and will not feature this season.

Strategy Tip: Having two Wildcards, two Free Hits, and two Triple Captains will create more opportunities for aggressive plays around double gameweeks, fixture swings, and blank gameweeks.

New Defensive Points System in FPL 2025/26

Defensive contributions are finally being recognised in FPL — not just through clean sheets, but through actual in-game defensive actions.

How It Works:

Players now earn additional bonus points for defensive contributions such as:

• Clearances

• Blocks

• Interceptions

• Tackles

• Ball recoveries

Bonus Points Breakdown:

• Defenders: +2 points for every 10 defensive actions in a match.

• Midfielders/Forwards: +2 points for every 12 defensive actions in a match.

This means hard-working defensive midfielders and active centre-backs will have more FPL value than ever before — even without goals, assists, or clean sheets.

Who Would Have Benefitted in 2024/25?

• James Tarkowski (Everton): 44 additional bonus points

• Moises Caicedo (Chelsea): 42 additional bonus points

Both players would have been standout options with this rule in place last season.

What These Changes Mean for FPL Managers

These updates make FPL 2025/26 more tactical, opening up new strategies:

• Defensive midfielders (often overlooked) may become more popular.

• Centre-backs with high involvement could rival attacking full-backs in value.

• Managing chips becomes more flexible — more options for recovery or attack.

Additional Changes for 2025/26 - Assists are being simplified

Additional Changes for 2025/26 - 5 Free Transfers for AFCON

When Will FPL 2025/26 Launch?

The official FPL 2025/26 launch is imminent and expected to take place during W/C 21st July. Watch the video below for more information:

Final Thoughts

With new defensive points, double chips, and the removal of the assistant manager chip, Fantasy Premier League 2025/26 promises to be one of the most strategic seasons yet. 5 Free Transfers for AFCON and simplified assists will also create new variables with the FPL points record likely to be broken during 2025/26.

If you want to climb the ranks this year, adapt early, study defensive metrics, and plan your chips wisely.