Having difficulty performing well in the game? These formations in FIFA 23 can assist in enhancing your gameplay.
Becoming proficient in certain FIFA 23 formations is the most effective way to cope with the expected end-of-season power creep. As TOTS is approaching, the game will soon be filled with overpowered cards, but you can counteract that by becoming a tactician like Pep. FIFA 23 has many intricate details, and our guide on formations highlights four particularly effective strategies that will benefit you in both online and offline gameplay.
Best FIFA 23 Formations: 5-2-1-2
Best For: Counter Attacking Players
Going forward: This formation was successful for me last year, with a 70% win rate, and is still a valuable strategy this year unlike some of the previously popular FIFA formations. The key to this tactic is the active wing-backs, who provide a reliable outlet for your attacks. In FIFA 23, where midfield is often congested, this formation allows you to easily move forward with your wing backs almost always available to continue your attacking play.
Keeping it tight at the back: Although this is not a completely offensive formation, you should take a proactive approach to defend and try to stay on the offensive. The team instruction “Pressure on Heavy Touch” is particularly useful this year, allowing you to pressure the opposition’s slow build-up play effectively. If you prefer a more conservative approach, you can set your fullbacks to only join the attack when instructed by using the “Stay Back While Attacking” option. Then, by simply tapping the L1/LB button, you can send them forward to join the attack.
What you need: It is essential to have wing-backs with tremendous stamina and a strong rate of attack. The model for this kind of formation is Alphonso Davies. If you need some inspiration, have a look at our guide to the fastest players in FIFA 23.
Best FIFA 23 Formations: 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow)
Best For: Controlling the Tempo and Frustrating Your Opponents
Going forward: Perhaps you’ve already noticed that FIFA 23 feels heavier than earlier games. This is beneficial as you acclimatise to a new playing style.
Use the tactical directive “slow build up” and add another strong striker to hold the ball up. By doing so, you can manage the environment this year to execute passing triangles and combos with snappier interplay. Don’t be hesitant to go route 1 and clean up any headers as well.
Keeping it tight at the back: Activating the “Drop Back” instruction may not be considered a sportsmanlike move, but in the world of FUT, everything is fair game. By using this tactic and avoiding manually controlling your CDM, you can establish a strong defensive foundation in your own half. You can adjust the rest of your strategy as you progress, but we’ve discovered that reducing your defensive depth slightly from the default settings can be extremely effective.
What you need: Passing skills are crucial in FIFA 23, so it’s important to populate your midfield with players who have the ability to distribute the ball effectively. Additionally, having a CAM with high levels of agility, balance, and ball control skills is advantageous in the attacking third. It’s also helpful to have two fast strikers. For suggestions, you can consult GR’s FIFA 23 guide on recommended signings.
Best FIFA 23 Formations: 4-3-3 (Flat)
Best For: Players Who Love to Attack – Without Thinking Too Hard About Tactics
Going forward: In FIFA 23, it’s difficult to recommend formations with a lone striker. However, the 4-3-3 is an exception for the time being, as crosses from certain angles can be highly effective. To make the most of this, it’s recommended to have tricky wingers and a tall target man up front. We’ve suggested the flat variation of the 4-3-3 formation because it’s harder to beat a defender one-on-one. Having a variety of options in midfield behind the wingers can help keep the attacking flow going and prevent frustrating turnovers.
Keeping it tight at the back: This formation is quite straightforward for your defense, as it is easy to set up and play. However, it’s important to be cautious of full-backs with high attacking work rates, as they can leave your defense exposed to counterattacks.
What you need: The key is to focus on the striker and work your way backwards. Without a strong forward, this formation will not be as effective as it could be. Having two wingers with FIFA 23 skill moves, acceleration (which is currently more important than sprint speed), and a four-star weak foot is essential for the success of this 4-3-3 formation.
Best FIFA 23 Formations: 4-2-2-2
Best For: Keeping It Tight at the Back
Going forward: Looking ahead, the 4-2-2-2 formation can be quite effective if you manipulate the player’s instructions. By assigning one of your forwards to ‘Drift wide,’ you can create space inside for the narrower CAM to exploit. To enhance your attacking options, you can also instruct your wing-backs to make aggressive overlapping runs, which enables you to overload either side of the field at will.
Keeping it tight at the back: If you’re having trouble keeping the opposition at bay, the 4-2-2-2 formation is a good option. The two CDMs in this formation are crucial, particularly if they are tall players in FIFA 23. With limited space available on the pitch, they can effectively block any midfield runs and prevent the opposition from making passes. Furthermore, their presence provides defensive stability, allowing you to take some risks when attacking knowing that there will always be four players back to defend.
What you need: Even though speed is not as dominant as before, having a quick CAM with excellent dribbling skills can be highly effective in this formation. This player often has to carry the ball through midfield, so their agility is crucial. The two CDMs should have a low attacking work rate and be equipped with sturdy defensive and physical attributes, such as high Interceptions, Defensive Awareness, and Standing Tackle stats of 80 or more. When everything is working well together, you can start celebrating with some FIFA 23 moves.
