Alright lads, let's dive into the top four formations and custom tactics I use to dominate in Elite and climb the ranks in Foot Champs. Let's get it!
4-2-3-1 Wide: The Balanced Beast
First up, we've got the 4-2-3-1 wide. This is my go-to formation right now, especially if you're looking for a balanced approach. We've built this to counter the 4-2-1-3, which is a solid starting point for many.
- Build Up Play: Short Passing is key here. It's a lifesaver against those pesky 95-depth defenses. Your players will find better passing options when pressed, making it easier to break out and score those simple goals.
- Depth: We're using a depth of 70. You can adjust this to your comfort, but 70 works well across most of these tactics.
- Player Instructions:
- Fullbacks: Stay Back While Attacking.
- Right Mid: Winger (to provide width).
- CAM: Advanced Forward.
- Shadow Striker: Advanced Forward.
With the ball, the team shape looks like this: fullbacks stay back, the right mid provides width, and Yamal (or your right mid) comes inside, playing next to the striker and shadow striker. There might be a gap between the CDMs and the CAM, but the left and right mids are always there for passing options, especially with short passing. Having the shadow striker and advanced forward means you're essentially playing with two strikers up top, which is a real game-changer. This is, in my opinion, the most solid formation in the game. If you're looking for a reliable starting point, this is it.
4-2-1-3: The Counter-Attacking King
Next up, we have the 4-2-1-3. This is my plan B, the one I bring out when I need to apply more pressure later in the game. I might even crank the depth up to 95 if I'm chasing a goal.
- Build Up Play: Short Passing is crucial here too. You still want to counter those high depths. The left and right wings show better passing options, which is super helpful. If you attack too quickly on the counter, the wingers can sometimes disappear behind the opposition's fullbacks. Short passing keeps them available.
- Depth: 70.
- Player Instructions:
- Fullbacks: Stay Back While Attacking.
- CDMs: One on Deep Line Playmaker (Defend), the other on Holding (Defend).
- CAM: Playmaker (to link play).
- Wingers: Inside Forward.
- Striker: Advanced Forward.
With this formation, you're essentially defending with six players. The CAM on Playmaker will often come in behind the wingers to provide a passing option, especially with short passing. This formation is the best counter formation in the game.
4-4-2 Holding: The Underrated Gem
Now, let's talk about the 4-4-2 holding with two CDMs. I think this formation offers everything the 4-2-1-3 does, but it's incredibly underrated.
- Build Up Play: Short Passing is the name of the game.
- Depth: 70.
- Player Instructions:
- CDMs: Both on Deep Line Playmaker.
- Fullbacks: Stay Back While Attacking.
- Wingers: Provide Width.
- Strikers: Both Advanced Forward.
- Left Striker: Support.
The CDMs are there to defend, but they also help in the buildup. The fullbacks provide width, which is crucial. The strikers are both advanced forwards, and the left striker is on support. I recommend the support striker have the best passing out of your two strikers. This is a super underrated formation if you're looking for balance. I think it gives you the most balance out of any of the formations.
4-2-2-2: The Comeback Kid
Finally, we have the 4-2-2-2. It's probably the most popular formation in FC25 right now.
- Build Up Play:
- Depth:
- Player Instructions:
- CDMs: Stay Back.
- Fullbacks: Stay Back While Attacking.
- Left CAM: Shadow Striker.
- Right CAM: Half Winger.
- Left Striker: Poacher Support.
- Right Striker: Advanced Forward.
This formation is great when you're losing and trying to get back into a game. It exploits the space the 4-2-1-3 leaves. It's not the strongest defensively, but it's effective. The right CAM plays as a half winger to create space. If you want more defensive solidity, put the right CAM on Playmaker. The left striker is a poacher with support, which allows for more AI press. The other striker is just advanced forward.
That's my full custom tactics rotation, lads!