As we enter Season 1 of MFL, we’re introducing a new layer of depth and strategy with Aging & Retirement. This feature unlocks a significant aspect of the MFL ecosystem, adding realism, challenge, and suspense to the game. It will make managing your squad even more engaging. Let’s dive into what this means for your players and your game.
Aging in MFL: Time Waits for No Player
Starting from Season 1, players will age by one year after each season. Every season, players inch closer to retirement, making it crucial for managers to monitor their performance and fitness closely. This change means managers must think strategically about how to balance the experience of veteran players with the energy of younger talents.
Longevity, the Hidden Clock
Each player has a hidden Longevity (LON) attribute, ranging from 0 to 10, which determines their retirement age — from 32 to 42 years old. For instance, a player with a Longevity of 2 will retire when he turns 34 (i.e. at the end of the season during which he was 33). The exact LON value won’t be revealed until the player announces their retirement, adding an element of mystery and strategy to the game. Managers will need to watch for signs of aging without knowing the precise retirement date too far in advance.
Retirement Announcements: A Farewell Tour
Three seasons before retirement, signs of aging start to show. Energy starts to deplete faster, and recovery slows. The closer they get to their final season, the more this will be amplified. Three seasons before retirement, the player may need slightly more regular resting time, but the impact of aging on fitness is still limited.
When players are ready to retire, they announce it one season in advance, giving managers time to plan for their replacement. During this final season, players’ energy will decrease significantly faster, and their recovery rate will be notably lower. The season becomes a balancing act of making the most of their remaining games while managing their stamina.
Managers must be attentive to these hints — as well as the observations displayed on the player’s page — to gauge when a player’s career might be winding down. Exact percentages or numbers for these declines of energy won’t be displayed.
Contracts and Retirement: What Happens Next?
Players cannot play or sign a new contract after their final season. Their contracts automatically end when the season concludes, allowing managers to make plans for their squad’s future. For now, retired players won’t have any additional roles or utility in the game, though this may change in the future. Until then, their impact and legacy live on through the memories of their performances and accolades 🫡
FAQ
- What about players that are hidden in packs? Will they age?
Yes, even when hidden in packs, players will age, with one exception.
Players in the MFL account — like those minted for future drops or reserved for the MFL Store Reward Packs — will not. - What’s the most common retirement age?
The Longevity (LON) attribute distribution follows a classic bell curve. Most players will retire between the ages of 36–38, while a lesser percentage will hang up the boots on either end of that range.
Prepare for a New Era of Strategy
The Aging & Retirement system is one of many features that will make Season 1 of MFL more dynamic and competitive. Managers will face new challenges, balancing the wisdom and experience of veteran players with the drive and potential of younger talents. This shift makes every decision matter, as managers will have to carefully plan for the seasons ahead while also seizing the present moment.
As you prepare your team for the battles ahead, keep an eye on those seasoned stars — they might have one last great run before passing the torch. The path to glory just became a little more complex, but that’s what makes it all the more rewarding. Are you ready to guide the next generation while giving your retiring legends the send-off they deserve?
Season 1 is coming, and the clock is ticking!
