The tactical intricacies of modern football have often been left to Football Manager to replicate in the video game sphere, but EA Sports have stepped up their game for their latest EA FC release.
The introduction of FC IQ in this year's game allows players unprecedented control in an EA FC (formerly FIFA) title, with player roles, tactical ingenuity and formation variety having an even larger impact on your performance.
Knowing where to start can be a little overwhelming and the effectiveness of different systems will adapt as the game is updated and tweaked by EA.
With that in mind, here are the best formations to use in EA FC 25.
The 4-2-3-1 Wide Formation
Those looking for a balanced mainstream formation need look no further than the 4-2-3-1 (2) in EA FC 25. It offers security in the defensive third with two holding midfielders screening a flat back four, but allows versatility in attack with the use of an attacking midfielder and two wide players.
Of course, as for all formations, custom player roles are to be tweaked to best suit your specific gameplay style, but this system lends itself well to those looking for a solid middle ground between attack and defence.
System
- Formation: 4-2-3-1 (2)
- Tactical preset: Custom
- Build-up style: Short passing
- Defensive approach: High
- Code: L&j@lPnSv#7
Player roles
- Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper (Defend)
- Right-back: Falseback (Defend)
- Left-back: Fullback (Balanced)
- Centre-backs: Defender (Defend)
- Defensive midfielders: Holding (Defend)
- Attacking midfielder: Playmaker (Balanced)
- Wide midfielders: Inside Forward (Balanced)
- Striker: Advanced Forward (Attack)
The 5-4-1 Formation
If you're struggling with defending in EA FC 25, there is no shame in using a five-person defence either online or in single player modes. Out of the four formations in the game that have five at the back, the 5-4-1 offers you the most defensive security.
A flat midfield four makes sure there is plenty of cover for your defensive line, but with attacking wingbacks and inside forwards on the flanks, you're also able to create plenty of opportunities.
System
- Formation: 5-4-1
- Tactical preset: Custom
- Build-up style: Balanced
- Defensive approach: Balanced
- Code: L8$B6A&RVNb
Player roles
- Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper (Defend)
- Full-backs: Attacking Wingback (Balanced)
- Centre-backs: Defender (Defend)
- Right central midfielder: Holding (Defend)
- Left central midfielder: Playmaker (Roaming)
- Wide midfielders: Inside Forward (Attack)
- Striker: Advanced Forward (Complete)
The 4-2-4 Formation
For those looking to attack at all costs, the gung-ho 4-2-4 formation allows players to maximise your forward potential. While it may leave you exposed on turnovers, it's a system that is itself suited to benefit from counter-attacks.
This might be a useful system to switch to late in a match when you're chasing a goal, or if you think your one-v-one defensive skills are at a high level.
System
- Formation: 4-2-4
- Tactical preset: Custom
- Build-up style: Counter
- Defensive approach: High
Player roles
- Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper (Defend)
- Full-backs: Fullback (Defend)
- Centre-backs: Defender (Defend)
- Right central midfielder: Holding (Defend)
- Left central midfielder: Box-to-Box (Balanced)
- Wingers: Inside Forward (Balanced)
- Right striker: Advanced Forward (Attack)
- Left striker: Poacher (Poacher)
The 4-2-1-3 Formation
This specific formation has been built to replicate what Pep Guardiola does at Manchester City, utilising a 4-3-3 with an attacking midfielder and two holding players. While not the exact system used by the Spaniard, it's the most similar formation in EA FC 25 when we include our tactical preset and player roles.
System
- Formation: 4-2-1-3
- Tactical preset: Custom
- Build-up play: Short passing
- Defensive approach: High
- Code: 1#P5MKK8#Vp
Player roles
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper (Balanced)
- Right-back: Falseback (Defend)
- Left-back: Fullback (Defend)
- Right centre-back: Stopper (Defend)
- Left centre-back: Ball-Playing Defender (Defend)
- Right defensive midfielder: Holding (Defend)
- Left defensive midfielder: Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend)
- Attacking midfielder: Playmaker (Balanced)
- Right winger: Inside Forward (Attack)
- Left winger: Wide Playmaker (Attack)
- Striker: Poacher (Poacher)
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