Alright, what's up y'all! Today, we're diving deep into the 4-4-2 formation. This video is going to be a bit quicker than usual, focusing on the core tactics and how to make this formation work for you in FC25. I'll have the code for the custom tactics in the comments and description, but let's break down what you're working with and what to watch out for when you're using it in-game.
The 4-4-2: A Consistent Foundation
The 4-4-2 is one of the most consistent formations in the game. It's pretty straightforward, and you can find success with various player combinations. It's a solid, all-around formation, and arguably one of the best in the game. I'm keeping this video concise because I'm changing the structure of my FC25 videos. My next videos, especially the ones with custom tactics, will primarily feature RTG (Road to Glory) gameplay. I'll explain what's happening through the gameplay itself, drawing from my Twitch streams. So, expect about 90% gameplay in those videos. I actually hit Division 3 earlier this morning using these custom tactics for the 4-4-2, though I didn't stream it live.
Custom Tactics Breakdown
Let's get straight to the custom tactics for the 4-4-2. You can find the code in the top left of the screen. Now, let's go over the specifics and any adjustments you might want to make based on your players, their roles, and chemistry. Remember, I'm using a different squad here, a five-back squad, for a future video, so ignore the out-of-position players.
- Defensive Approach: Counter.
- Width: 89. The code system doesn't always include the exact line height, so if it says 70, go ahead and put 89. You can use 70, but 89 makes it a bit more aggressive.
- Build Up Play: Fast Build Up.
- Chance Creation: Direct Passing.
- Width: 40.
- Players in Box: 7.
- Corners: 3.
- Free Kicks: 3.
Player Instructions: Key Roles
Now, let's talk about player instructions. These are crucial for making the 4-4-2 tick.
- Advanced Forward: Attack. This player is your reliable option to have the ball at their feet, making runs, coming short, and being able to turn and skill move.
- Poacher: Get in Behind. This player is all about pace and making runs in behind the defense.
- Wingers: Attack. They hug the touchline and bring a fullback with them. This stretches the opponent's defensive line, creating space for the poacher to run into. If the winger is marked, you'll have options down the middle, especially for through balls to the poacher.
- Inside Forward: Stay Forward, Get Into Box for Cross. This player links up with the left striker, so you want someone with good dribbling and shooting skills. They need to be good in pace, dribbling, and shooting.
- Box-to-Box Midfielder: Balanced. You can experiment with a playmaker here if you're feeling brave, but playmakers can bomb the box, leaving your midfield open. The box-to-box midfielder is everywhere you need them.
- Holding Center Mid: Stay Back While Attacking, Cover Center. This player is your CDM, preventing them from bombing into the box unless you trigger them or in a counterattack situation.
- False Back: Balanced. They position themselves well to send through balls to the poacher or winger. The AI on this is really helpful.
- Fullback: Stay Back While Attacking.
- Center Backs: Balanced. They're closing down the other team's strikers and enforcing the offside trap more aggressively.
- Sweeper Keeper: Balanced. This year, the sweeper keeper will be almost at midfield when you have the ball.
- Fullback: Balanced.
Adapting and Understanding
Remember, this FIFA isn't like the last one. You can't just copy and paste custom tactics and expect the same results. You need to understand what's going on with your tactics and make adjustments when something isn't working. Know what you need to change. This is a solid custom tactic and a great formation.
That's all for now, folks!