Alright, what's up everyone, it's Omid Dix here, and welcome back to another video! Today, we're diving deep into the world of FC25 formations with a comprehensive tier list. We're going to break down every formation in the game and rank them across four tiers. And, of course, I'll have the Pro tactics codes for all the S-tier formations at the end of the video. Let's get into it!
Elite Formations
First up, we have the 4-2-2-2. It's a decent formation, but there are other variations that are simply better. So, the 4-2-2-2 goes into the Elite tier.
Next, we have the 4-5-1 Attack with the two CAMs. Honestly, this one just doesn't cut it. It's one of the weakest formations in the game. Sorry, but it's a Division 10 formation.
Now, we're talking! The 4-2-3-1 Wide is really good for controlling games. Those first-time through balls are always there. This is an Elite, Champs-ready formation for me.
Then, we have the 4-2-2-2 again. With the removal of the comeback on defense instruction in FC25, this one shouldn't be in the highest tiers. But there's just something about the 4-2-2-2 for counterattacks, and it's a game-changing formation when you need a goal in the last minutes. It goes to the bottom of the Elite tier for now.
The 4-1-4-1 is a powerful formation. It might not be at the top level, but it's up there with the better ones for sure.
Next, we've got the 3-4-3. Not enough options in the middle, lacking defensive stability. It's a Division 10 formation.
The 5-2-3 is a brilliant setup with a much better attack than the 5-4-1.
S-Tier Formations
The 5-3-2 is probably the best all-around competitive formation in the game. It goes straight into the S-tier without a shadow of a doubt.
The 4-4-2 Flat has to be in the S-tier, whether you're a casual player, a sweat, or a pro. It doesn't belong anywhere else.
The 4-2-1-3 is the better variation of the 4-3-3 Attack. A lot of pros use this, and it's a broken formation. Sick defenders, almost impossible to penetrate, and you've got four players always ready for a deadly counterattack. One of the best formations in the game, no debate.
The 4-5-1 Flat is powerful in FC25. The best midfield in the game, a monster in defense. It's such a hard formation to break down, and it's similar to last year's 4-3-2-1. It's a top formation for me, easily S-tier.
The 4-4-1-1 is a pro formation. Top players are using it. It's reliable, balanced, and the first-time through balls are there. One of the best formations in the game, straight into the S-tier for sure.
Other Formations
The 4-3-2-1 is still a playable formation, but you can no longer make it defend in a 4-4-2, and the CAMs don't make those daring runs forward anymore. It's still fun, but I'm not going to call it meta anymore.
The 3-1-4-2 is a Division 10 formation.
The 4-3-1-2 is a really good formation for direct play. Some pros actually use it, so it can be S-tier if you really know what you're doing with it. In general, a solid Elite tier rank for me.
The 3-5-2 is not it, at least not yet. The 3-5-2 with the two CDMs is slightly more stable at the back, so it's not a Division 10 formation, but with all the three backs, they're just not meta anymore.
The 4-3-3 Attack is an absolute monster of a formation. It's my favorite formation this year with the midfield injection and the first-time through balls. But if we're talking meta, I can't place it in the S-tier simply because there is a better variation of this exact lineup that outperforms the 4-3-3 in every aspect. So, it goes at the very top of the Elite tier for me.
The 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow is very similar to the 4-3-1-2, with just one difference: there is a CDM instead of that central CM, which actually ruins this formation defensively. With three central CMs, they all stay on a flat line, which is really hard to break through. But when you replace the central CM with a CDM, they naturally sit deeper in defense and create a gap. The midfield isn't a flat line anymore. As good as the narrow is in the right hands, it's fun but not meta.
The 3-4-2-1 was an incredible formation in the past years, but it's just not all that anymore. As far as the three-at-the-back formations go, it's one of the better ones.
The 4-4-2 Holding with the two CDMs is rock solid defensively, but it lacks the attacking support in the midfield. I like the flat one better. It's a solid Elite tier.
The 4-1-3-2 is another variation of a 4-4-2, and I'm a big fan of this formation. It's actually really good, but it's not good enough to make the top of the list. It's most certainly a great choice if your midfield duo can't both play CM or CDM at the same time.
The 5-2-1-2 is a pro formation. It's super effective, but it's not casual-friendly at all. You really need to know how to play it to get something out of it. The passing options in the midfield are lacking. It's tough to build up with, but nonetheless, it's still a super strong formation. It goes to the top of the Elite tier for me.
The 5-4-1 is the most defensive formation in the game. If you're winning and want to defend your lead in the final minutes, it's even better than S-tier. But in general, the offense is not there. It's a very one-dimensional formation, but perhaps the best at that. A solid Elite tier.
The 3-4-1-2 is the same as the 3-5-2, but the CDMs are now central mids, so it's better offensively, but the 3-5-2 already has a crazy attack, and the problem remains in the defensive stability. One of the better three-at-the-back formations, but this one is so open at the back.
The 4-3-3 Holding is great on paper, but in reality, it lacks the firepower up top. The three attackers are all so isolated. It's fun but not meta.
The 4-3-3 Flat is just mid. The 4-3-3 Attack is better, the defense is better, the 4-2-1-3 is better. The flat is just mid.
The 4-1-2-1-2 Wide is all vibes. It's the OG super attacking formation from back in the days. You can still cook with this formation. It's super fun. You've got the triangle of a CAM and two strikers up top, wide players, a CDM. It's really fun, but you lose so many games on this formation if you're taking it too seriously. This one is super fun, but surely not meta.
The 4-2-3-1 Narrow is another classic. The firepower is there, the defense is there, central players, wide players, everything you need in a formation. But it's just a matter of finding three CAMs that work in this setup, which can be a challenge. I prefer the wide version, to be honest, but this one is still a rock-solid Elite tier.
And that wraps up my FC25 formations tier list!