THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST FORMATION AND TACTICS IN EA FC 25
Finding the best formation and tactics can give you the edge on the virtual pitch in EA Sports FC 25.
Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the game, understanding the most effective strategies is crucial to dominating your opponents and climbing the ladder.
In this guide you’ll discover the top formations and custom tactics that are shaping the meta, so read on, take notes and take your game to the next level!
THE 5-2-1-2 FORMATION: THE NEW META
The 5-2-1-2 formation offers the perfect balance between solid defence and strong attack, making it a great choice for professional and casual players alike. You can use the code for this formation which is: %snypSiUYLy
Custom tactics breakdown (5-2-1-2)
To get the most out of the 5-2-1-2 formation, you need to set up your custom tactics correctly. Here’s a breakdown of all the key settings:
- Set “Tactical Preset” to “Custom”,
- Set “Tactic to use” to “5-2-1-2”,
- Set “Build-up Style” to “Counter”,
- Set “Defensive Approach” to “High (with Line Height at 70)”.
Player instructions breakdown (5-2-1-2)
As with custom tactics and getting the most out of the settings, it’s also important to get your player instructions right. So here’s a breakdown of all the important settings:
- Set GK to “Balanced” and “Sweeper Keeper”,
- Set LB to “Attacking Winger” and “Balanced”,
- Set CB to “Defender” and “Defender”,
- Set CM to “Box-to-box” and “Balanced”,
- Set CAM to “Playmaker” and “Balanced”,
- Set ST to “Advanced Forward” and “Attacking”.
Pros and cons of 5-2-1-2
This formation allows you to maintain a solid backline while still posing a significant threat up front.
One of the main advantages of this formation is the use of full-backs. Players such as Theo Hernández and Achraf Hakimi have the speed and stamina to excel in this role. They add width to your attack and can quickly switch back to defence when needed.
The weakness of this formation, however, is that it can leave your midfield exposed at times. With only two central midfielders, you may find yourself outnumbered in the middle of the park against teams playing with three or four midfielders.
BRINGING 4-3-2-1 BACK TO LIFE WITH 4-5-1 FLAT FORMATION
This well-balanced formation offers both solid attacking options and defensive stability, making it a top choice for competitive play. You can use the code for this formation which is: E#d4vJsK%io
Custom tactics breakdown (4-5-1 flat)
To set this up, go to team management and edit your tactics. Here’s what to choose:
- Set “Tactical Preset” to “Custom”,
- Set “Tactic to use” to “4-5-1 Flat”,
- Set “Build-up Style” to “Counter”,
- Set “Defensive Approach” to “High (with Line Height at 70)”.
Player instructions breakdown (4-5-1 flat)
To make this formation shine, you will also need to set the right player instructions. Here’s a breakdown of all the key settings:
- Set GK to “Balanced” and “Sweeper Keeper”,
- Set LB to “Fullback” and “Defend”,
- Set RB to “Wingback” and “Balanced”,
- Set CB to “Defender” and “Defend”,
- Set CM (left hand side) to “Playmaker” and “Attack”,
- Set CM to “Holding” and “Defend”,
- Set CM (right hand side) to “Box-to-box” and “Balanced”,
- Set LM to “Inside Forward” and “Attack”,
- Set RM to “Inside Forward” and “Balanced”,
- Set ST to “Advanced Forward” and “Attack”.
Summary of 4-5-1 flat
By using these custom tactics and player instructions, you’ll be able to recreate the effectiveness of the 4-3-2-1 formation in EA FC 25. This setup offers a perfect balance between attack and defence, making it one of the best formations and tactics in the game. Remember to practise with this formation to fully grasp its potential and dominate the virtual pitch.
DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE WITH 5-4-1 FLAT
This formation offers excellent protection at the back while still allowing for quick counter-attacks. You can use the code for this formation which is: L8$B6A&RVNb
Custom tactics breakdown (5-4-1 flat)
To get the most out of the 5-4-1 formation, you need to set up your custom tactics correctly. Here’s a breakdown of the most important settings:
- Set “Tactical Preset” to “Custom”,
- Set “Tactic to use” to “5-4-1 flat”,
- Set “Build-up Style” to “Balanced”,
- Set “Defensive Approach” to “Balanced”.
Player instructions breakdown (5-4-1 flat)
To maximise the potential of the 5-4-1 formation, you must also set the correct player instructions, which are as follows:
- Set GK to “Goalkeeper” and “Defend”,
- Set LB to “Attacking Wingback” and “Balanced”,
- Set RB to “Attacking Wingback” and “Balanced”,
- Set CB to “Defender” and “Defend”,
- Set CM (left hand side) to “Playmaker” and “Roaming”,
- Set CM (right hand side) to “Holding” and “Defend”,
- Set LM to “Inside Forward” and “Attack”,
- Set RM to “Inside Forward” and “Attack”,
- Set ST to “Balanced Forward” and “Complete”.
When to use the 5-4-1 (flat) formation?
You should consider using the 5-4-1 formation if you’re facing opponents with strong attacking players or if you’re struggling to maintain possession.
This formation is particularly effective against teams that rely on through balls or have powerful strikers such as Erling Haaland. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a more methodical, possession-based approach rather than fast-paced, direct play.
THE VERSATILE 4-1-2-1-2 NARROW
This versatile setup allows you to dominate the midfield while maintaining a strong presence in both attack and defence. You can use the code for this formation which is: J&h6rNdQTLt
Custom tactics breakdown (4-1-2-1-2 narrow)
To truly dominate the midfield, you’ll need to set up your custom tactics correctly. Here’s a breakdown of the most important settings:
- Set “Tactical Preset” to “Custom”,
- Set “Tactic to use” to “4-1-2-1-2 narrow”,
- Set “Build-up Style” to “Short passes”,
- Set “Defensive Approach” to “Balanced”.
Player instructions breakdown (4-1-2-1-2 narrow)
To get the most out of the 4-1-2-1-2 narrow, you also need to assign the right roles to your players:
- Set GK to “Keeper” and “Defend”,
- Set LB to “Fullback” and “Balanced”,
- Set RB to “Fullback” and “Balanced”,
- Set CB to “Defender” and “Defend”,
- Set CDM to “Winger” and “Balanced”,
- Set CM to “Box-to-box” and “Balanced”,
- Set CAM to “Winger” and “Balanced”,
- Set ST to “Deep Striker” and “Attack”.
Balanced approach with 4-1-2-1-2
With four midfielders and two strikers, this formation focuses on short, quick passes and intricate play. This approach is ideal for players who prefer a tiki-taka style of football, allowing for quick build-ups and plenty of attacking opportunities.
To get the most out of this formation, set your build-up style to ‘short passes’. This will encourage your team to maintain possession and create chances with quick, accurate passing.
CONCLUSION
To wrap up, the key to success in EA FC 25 is to understand these formations and adapt them to suit your game.
By applying the individual tactics and player instructions outlined in this guide, you’ll be well equipped to take on any opponent.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with these formations to find what works best for you!