Best formations in EA FC 25

Choosing the right formation in EA FC 25 will be your first step to success.

Whether you’re playing Ultimate Team or Career Mode, a good formation is the cornerstone on which to build. Plenty of different formations exist, but like the last few years, there’s a clear meta. While this meta will change in time with title updates, certain formations are far more efficient.

Best formations to pick in EA FC 25

It’s worth noting that the new FC IQ tactics have changed how formations work. In EA FC 25, players no longer have work rates. Instead, they have roles and playstyles, which determine how they behave in a particular tactical setup. To make the most out of these formations, you’ll need to choose the roles accordingly.

5-4-1

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EA Sports has again allowed the use of 5-at-the-back formations in the pro scene, and its byproduct is the rise of the 5-4-1. This formation offers one of the strongest defenses, as the three CBs form a line that’s hard to break. For me, beginners should avoid using this formation, as it’s thin in attack. While you may not concede too many goals, scoring your own could be challenging if you don’t know how to create space in attack. That said, the 5-4-1 is a top-tier formation, especially when you combine it with the speed boost.

5-2-1-2

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Another 5-at-the-back formation in EA FC 25 offers great tight control. Compared to the 5-4-1, you play with a narrow approach that allows you to lock down the centre of the field. While I like the 5-2-1-2 more than the 5-4-1, the lack of width in attack can be problematic at times. With the 5-2-1-2, you’ll want to manually send your players forward to make the most out of the attacks.

4-4-2

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There has yet to be a single FIFA game where the 4-4-2- hasn’t been good. It’s no different in EA FC 25, and this formation is better than ever. With the new roles, you can change the setup to suit more in either offense or defense. It’s also an excellent formation for beginners, as the overall balance of the formation makes it easy for you to learn the game.

4-1-2-1-2 (2)

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If you love to play narrow but want to avoid playing with 5-at-the-back, the 4-1-2-1-2 (2) is your best bet. This formation became my favorite in the first week of the game. With the introduction of the roles, you can put one of your CMs as a Half Winger as well. The presence of Shadow Striker on your CAM could also change the shape of this formation to the beloved 4-3-2-1 in attack. Just make sure to send a few accurate through balls to the middle to crack open any defense.

There are several other formations you can try and master in EA FC 25. The 4-3-3 is always an honorable mention, with all its different variations. Similarly, the 4-2-3-1 remains a potent choice as well. However, the ones I mentioned on this list certainly have an edge, especially if you want a competitive advantage over your opponents.

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