EA Sports Match Experience Producer Thomas Caleffi described the new tactical system in FC 25 as the Fut 25 Coins "most significant change to tactics in over a decade" and a "beyond massive gameplay change." This overhaul alters how player responsibilities are managed in tactical menus and the underlying mechanics dictating player actions on the pitch.
Key Changes to Tactics:
Elimination of Work Rates:
The old system of work rates, which verbally described a player's effort in attack and defense, has been removed. Previously, work rates primarily determined player positions at different moments. Now, player behavior is dictated by their "role" and the "focus" within that role.
Introduction of Roles and Focus:
Players are now assigned specific roles and focuses similar to the "roles" and "duties" system in Football Manager (FM).
For example, a central midfielder might be assigned the "Playmaker" role with a choice of Balanced, Attack, or Roaming focus. Different roles have different focuses available.
Role Examples:
Roles include Box-to-Box, Half-Winger (Mezzala), Holding, Deep-Lying Playmaker, among others. Some roles, like Box-to-Box, have only one focus option (Balanced).
In-Game Tactical Demonstration:
In a studio presentation, Caleffi showcased how these roles function in a match scenario:
Example setup: right back with the Falseback role, center back with Centre Half, left back with Attacking Wing Back, right winger with Half Winger, and attacking midfielder with Shadow Striker.
As the ball moved forward, players automatically adjusted positions: the left back pushed high up the wing, the right winger moved into a narrow "half space," and the attacking midfielder advanced beyond the striker.
Automated Movements and Tactical Changes:
The new system supports simultaneous, semi-automated movements, a significant shift from the previous manual control for player runs.
Team-Wide Tactics:
Preset tactics like Tiki-taka or Gegenpressing allow quick team setups.
Deeper sliders on a 99-point scale offer fine-tuned adjustments (e.g., passing directness), influenced by overarching settings.
A code system enables sharing tactics across platforms.
Smart Tactics and Adaptive Gameplay:
Smart tactics enhance in-game tactical adjustments:
Quick access to overall tactical focus and custom tactical plans via the D-pad.
Real-time tactical suggestions and prompts.
New commentary reacts to tactical changes.
AR graphics highlight tactical elements on the pitch.
A new substitution system allows for custom subs or suggested changes on the fly.
Player Role Familiarity:
Players have varying levels of familiarity with roles:
Base Familiarity: Any player in a given position (e.g., left winger) can play all associated roles at a basic level.
Role+: Indicates a player is accomplished in a role; each player has at least one Role+ designation.
Role++: Denotes world-class expertise in a role, reserved for a few players at launch.
Out-of-position players receive a simplified descriptor.
Impact and Expectations:
The FC IQ system aims to address player intelligence and tactical subtleties, promising a more nuanced gameplay experience.
While it remains to be seen how effective these changes will be in practice, the overhaul shows a commitment to enhancing tactical depth, even if it might not yet rival the complexity found in games like Football Manager.
Overall, the tactical changes in FC 25 represent a significant shift towards a more sophisticated and Best place to buy eafc 25 coins automated approach to player behavior and team strategy, offering a potentially richer and more dynamic gaming experience.