FIFA 22 New Tactics and Formations Explained

Three new formations have been added to FIFA 22, and the FIFA 21 meta has most likely lost its validity for good.

FIFA 22 New Formations

Formation: 3-5-1-1

It enters FIFA 22 with three centre-backs at the back and a five-man midfield in front of them.

Formation: 5-4-1 (Diamond)

The new formation will be a 5-4-1 similar to FIFA 21 and earlier games, but it will take a diamond shape.

Formation: 5-2-3

The 5-2-3 formation features three centre-backs, two wing-backs and three forwards up front.

Formation: 4-3-2-1 and 3-4-2-1 Changes

These two formations show that the RF and LF (right and left forward) of FIFA 21 will now be in CF roles in FIFA 22.

FIFA 22 New Tactics

How Do Custom Tactics Work in FIFA 22?

Custom tactics let you set your average defensive line in FIFA 22, whether a low, medium or high press block. From there, you can also choose the football style you want to play, such as a cold, possession-based game against the opponent or high-pressing football. These have changed since last year for both defense and attack.

FIFA 22 Defense Settings

On July 29, EA announced Pitch Notes for FIFA 22 revealing a series of defensive tactic changes. There are four main things to note.

Depth and Width Slider Bars

The Depth and Width slider bars now range from 1 to 100, allowing more detailed customization.

"Free Roam" Player Instruction Change

The "Free Roam" instruction for CDMs lets a deep false playmaker role move even closer to support the player on the ball, and also drop deeper to receive a pass during possession or the start of an attack.

Step Up Player Instruction

The "Step Up" instructions for centre-backs and full-backs let them leave their positions and, when they are free to win the ball, can force opposing attackers to defend after them. This is the opposite of the "Stick to Position" instruction.

Overlap Player Instruction

Overlap instructions for centre-backs (only for 3- or 5-at-the-back formations) let CBs, when in the right position, spread wide and provide attacking support for teammates.

FIFA 22 Attack Settings

There are now two types of attacking tactics: "Build Up Play" and "Chance Creation".

Build Up Play

Balanced: Stick to your formation when attacking. Players make supporting runs when needed.

Slow Build Up: There are not many forward runs, but players support each other. It can be called the best choice for those who like a short passing game.

Long Ball: Players make runs behind the defensive line and wait for long balls. You get the best results with fast strikers.

Fast Build Up: Its biggest downside is that you concede counter-attacks. However, players move forward with dangerous runs and play as fast as possible.

Chance Creation

Balanced: The team's shape is kept while attacking. Players support and make runs when they think the time is right.

Possession: Very ideal for teams that pass well. The main focus is a tactical approach in which you play short passes with few penetrating runs, lulling the opponent to sleep a little and drawing them onto you.

Direct Passing: The attempt is to put attackers in position by playing direct passes from your own half into the opponent's half.

Forward Runs: This tactic makes players move into the attacking penalty area. For this reason, the chance of conceding a counter-attack is also high.