How to Play
Everything you need to know about Squad Survivor - the ultimate Premier League prediction game.
Quick Start Guide
Get started in 3 simple steps
Pick a Team
Each gameweek, select one Premier League team you think will win their match.
Survive
If your team wins, you survive. Draw or loss? You lose a life (or get eliminated in Hard mode).
Last One Standing
Outlast everyone else in your league to win. The last survivor takes the glory!
The Rules
Simple rules, endless strategy
One Pick Per Gameweek
Each Premier League gameweek, you must select exactly one team that you believe will win their match. Your pick must be submitted before the deadline (kickoff of the first match in the gameweek).
Use Each Team Only Once
This is the catch! Once you've picked a team, you cannot pick them again until you've used all 20 teams. Choose strategically - don't waste Manchester City on an easy fixture when you might need them later!
Deadlines Matter
You must submit your pick before the gameweek deadline. If you miss the deadline, you'll be auto-assigned the first available team alphabetically - which is usually not ideal!
Results & Scoring
After the gameweek concludes, results are processed automatically. What happens depends on your game mode:
| Result | Hard | Medium | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Win | Survive | Survive | +2 pts |
Draw | Eliminated | -1 life | +1 pt |
Loss | Eliminated | -2 lives | 0 pts |
In Hard and Medium modes, you're eliminated when you run out of lives. In Points mode, play all 38 gameweeks and the highest score wins.
Game Modes
Choose the mode that suits your style
Hard Mode
ClassicThe original survivor experience. One life, no safety net.
- Start with 1 life
- Draw or loss = eliminated
- Maximum stakes
- Games end quickly
Medium Mode
PopularMultiple lives give you room to recover. Strategy matters more.
- Start with 10 lives
- Draw = -1 life
- Loss = -2 lives
- Games last longer
Points Mode
CasualNo elimination. Earn points and compete for the highest score.
- Win = 2 points
- Draw = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
- Play all 38 gameweeks
Strategy Tips
Tips from experienced survivors
Don't Burn Big Teams Early
Save top teams (City, Arsenal, Liverpool) for difficult gameweeks or when you really need a win. Using them against relegation sides early wastes their value.
Check the Fixtures
Look at home/away records and upcoming fixtures. A mid-table team at home against a struggling side can be a safer pick than a big team away.
Plan Your Cycles
Think 5-10 gameweeks ahead. Which teams have favorable runs? Can you use weaker teams during easy fixture periods?
Watch for Fixture Congestion
Teams in multiple competitions often rotate squads. A "strong" team might field a weakened lineup midweek.
Home Advantage Matters
Teams are significantly more likely to win at home. Factor this into every pick, especially for mid-table teams.
Don't Panic Pick
If you're low on lives, don't just pick the "safest" option. Think about which teams you'll need later and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my team's match is postponed?
Postponed matches are treated as if they didn't happen for that gameweek. You'll keep your team pick available and can use them in a future gameweek.
Can I change my pick after submitting?
Yes! You can change your pick as many times as you want before the gameweek deadline. Once the deadline passes, your pick is locked.
What if I forget to make a pick?
If you miss the deadline, you'll be auto-assigned the first available team alphabetically from your remaining teams. We send reminder emails at 24 hours and 2 hours before each deadline.
How do leagues with prize pools work?
League creators can set an entry fee. All entry fees go into the prize pool. The winner (last survivor standing or highest points in Points mode) takes the prize pool.
Can I join multiple leagues?
Yes! You can be in as many leagues as you like. Each league is independent - you might use different strategies in each one.
What if everyone gets eliminated?
If all remaining players are eliminated in the same gameweek, they share the win. In leagues with prize pools, the pot is split equally.
Ready to Play?
Join thousands of football fans competing in Squad Survivor. Create a league with friends or join an existing one.