Alright, let's dive into some custom tactics for FC25! I've spent a good chunk of time, about three hours, tweaking and experimenting to find the perfect setups. It was a bit of a headache, but I've landed on three formations that I'm really happy with: a balanced 4-3-3, a defensive 4-3-3, and an attacking 4-3-3.
Balanced 4-3-3 Tactics
This is the formation you'll likely be using the most. It's a solid all-around setup.
- Formation: 4-3-3 (Second Variation)
- Build Up Play: Balanced. I tried short passing, but balanced just feels better.
- Defensive Approach: Balanced. The 4-3-3 is already an attacking formation, so balanced is perfect.
Player Roles
This is where things get interesting, and where you might need to adjust based on your players.
- Goalkeeper: Normal. Keep it simple.
- Center Backs: Defender. If you have two defenders with the "Defender" player role, that's ideal. If not, a Stopper is a good alternative for one of them.
- Fullbacks/Wing Backs: One Wing Back (like Gusto) and one Attacking Wing Back (like Garcia). The key is to pair the Attacking Wing Back with your Inside Forward.
- Wingers: One Wide Playmaker (like Brahim Diaz) and one Inside Forward (like Reon). The Inside Forward will cut inside, so you want your Attacking Wing Back on that side to provide width.
- Striker: Advanced Forward. If you have a bigger striker, keep the focus on attack.
- Midfield: This is crucial!
- CDM: Holding. This is non-negotiable. You need a CDM with a Holding player role.
- Center Mids: One Box-to-Box (like Roberto) and one Playmaker.
Defensive 4-3-3 Tactics
This is your "sit back and counter" formation.
- Formation: 4-3-3 (Defend)
- Build Up Play: Counter.
- Defensive Approach: Deep.
- Line Height: 25.
Player Roles
- Inside Forward: Attack.
- Wing Back: Normal.
- Fullback: Normal.
- CDM: Holding.
- Right CDM: Deep Lying Playmaker.
Attacking 4-3-3 Tactics
This is your "panic stations" formation, for when you need a goal in the last few minutes.
- Formation: 4-3-3 (Attack)
- Build Up Play: Balanced.
- Defensive Approach: Aggressive.
- Line Height: 95.
Player Roles
- Center Backs: Ball Playing Defenders.
- Wing Backs: Attacking Wing Backs.
- CAM: Shadow Striker.
- Center Mids: Box-to-Box.
Gameplay Examples
The key to this formation is the interplay between the Attacking Wing Back and the Inside Forward. The Attacking Wing Back provides width when the Inside Forward cuts inside, creating a dynamic attacking threat. The Midfield is also crucial, with the Holding CDM providing defensive stability, the Box-to-Box midfielder linking defense and attack, and the Playmaker dictating the tempo.