EA FC 24 best formations, custom tactics & player instructions for all playstyles

❘ Updated: 2024-03-07T14:31:33

EA SPORTS

The ultimate way to excel in EA FC 24’s different modes is to know the best formations and strategies to push your team to the limit. Here are all the insights you need to dominate the competition and the pitch.

The implementation of Tactical Visions in EA FC 24‘s Career Mode presents a significant enhancement in tactical customization. Knowing the best formations is crucial for victory in all the game‘s modes, Ultimate Team included.

With so many possibilities on the pitch, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what formations and tactics are the most effective so we’ve got you covered with a list of the very best options right here.

Here are the best formations to use in EA FC 24, including the top custom tactics and player instructions, so you can find a system that is perfect for you.

The best formation in EA FC 24

The best formation in the current EA FC 24 meta is the 4-2-3-1, as recommended by professional esports athletes and streamers. On top of that, we have deep-dived our five best setups here so you have plenty of options to suit your playstyle, tactical setup, and most importantly – your players.

Want an attacking form like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool? Here are the best formations in EA FC 24.

Here is a list of the best formations in EA FC 24 in the current meta – and below, we’ll show you the exact custom tactics you need to unlock their potential:

Best EA SPORTS FC 24 formations
- 5-4-1 custom tactics

EA FC 24: Best 4-3-2-1 custom tactics

The 4-3-2-1 has CFs instead of LF and RF these days.

Player instructions

Left-back: Stay back while attacking
Right-back: Balanced
CM: Cover center, Stay back while attacking
LCM: Cover center, stay back while attacking
RCM: Cover wing
CFs: Get in behind
ST: Stay central, get in behind

Defensive tactics

Defensive Style: Balanced
Width: 45
Depth: 65

Offensive tactics

Build-Up Play: Balanced
Chance Creation: Direct passing
Width: 45
Players In Box: 5 bars
Corners and Free Kicks: 1 bar

Everything depends on the strong foot of your attacking player in center mid. If the player is right-footed, use them as an RCM, and vice versa. The fullback with stay back while attacking goes on the same side as the attacking central mid, while the other outside back remains balanced.

Following those steps ensures that the team will attack in a 4-2-4 and defend in a 4-4-2.

EA FC 24: Best 4-1-2-1-2 (narrow) custom tactics

The narrow version of this formation is excellent, with the right custom tactics.

Player instructions

Left-back: Stay back while attacking
Right-back: Stay back while attacking
CDM: Cover center, Stay back while attacking
CMs: Get into the box for crosses, Get forward
CAM: Stay forward
ST: Stay forward, Get in behind

Defensive tactics

Defensive Style: Balanced
Width: 40
Depth: 55

Offensive tactics

Build-Up Play: Balanced
Chance Creation: Forward Runs
Width: 40
Players In Box: 70
Corners and Free Kicks: 2 bars

Packing out the midfield gives you plenty of options when trying to build an attack and play through the lines while also making it hard for your opponent to find space in the middle of the park.

It’s also possible to add some width if you don’t mind committing bodies forward. Picking two center midfielders with pace can simulate the effect of having wingers, or you can set the full-backs to bomb forward and deliver crosses.

The best balanced formation: Best 4-2-3-1 custom tactics

The 4-2-3-1 is a classic.

Player instructions

Left-back: Stay back while attacking
Right-back: Stay back while attacking
CDMs: Cover center on both, Stay back while attacking on one, Balanced on the other
CAM: Stay forward, Get into the box for crosses
ST: Stay forward, Get in behind

Defensive tactics

Defensive Style: Balanced
Width: 35
Depth: 55

Offensive tactics

Build-Up Play: Direct Passing
Chance Creation: Forward Runs
Width: 40
Players In Box: 70
Corners and Free Kicks: 2 bars

This formation is the epitome of well-balanced. With both CDMs and outside backs staying back on the attack, it makes it incredibly different for opposing sides to even attempt a counter-attack. Mounting any sort of quick attack yourself also becomes difficult, but smart passes and patient play should still result in plenty of goals.

We recommend using a 4-2-3-1 if you are struggling on offense or defense. Practicing these tactics should make it easier to get more comfortable before transitioning to a more advanced formation.

The best transition formation: Best 3-4-2-1 custom tactics

Try something different with three at the back with this 3-4-2-1 formation.

Player instructions

LM & RM: Come back on defense, Stay wide, Stay on edge of the box for cross
CMs: Cover center, Stay Back while attacking, Stay on the edge of the box for cross
ST, LF & RF: Stay Central, Get in behind, Stay Forward

Defensive tactics

Defensive Style: Balanced
Width: 35
Depth: 55

Offensive tactics

Build Up Play: Balanced
Chance Creation: Direct Passing
Width: 50
Players In Box: 6 bars
Corners and Free Kicks: 2 bars

The depth is so low because through balls can be an issue if your center backs aren’t deep enough. Keeping the left and right mid on defensive tactics is crucial because you don’t want them to over-commit and expose an easy counter-attack.

All three of the forwards wait in the attacking third for passes to be sent directly to them. This formation works best when you get them the ball as fast as possible. From there, it should be easy with three attackers going at once.

The best defensive formation: Best 5-4-1 custom tactics

Football heritage.

Player instructions

LWB: Join the attack, overlap
RWB: Join the attack, overlap
CMs: One on Cover Center, Stay Back, and the other stays Balanced and Cover Center
LM & RM: Come back on defense, Get in Behind, Get into the box for cross
ST: Stay forward, Stay central, Get in Behind

Defensive tactics

Defensive Style: Balanced
Width: 35
Depth: 50

Offensive tactics

Build-Up Play: Long Ball
Chance Creation: Direct Passing
Width: 50
Players In Box: 8 bars
Corners and Free Kicks: 3 for corners & 2 for free kicks

The 5-4-1 is very strong defensively and is a good option for high-level competitive matches. If you are in the final few matches of a Weekend League and absolutely need to win a match, these tactics work perfectly.

Players who like to play through the middle of the field won’t like this formation. The goal on offense is to use the outside midfielders and outside backs to overload a wing and create openings in the final third with a cross.

That’s all you need to know about the best formations and custom tactics for EA FC 24. For more game content, check out our guides below:

EA Sports FC best player rating | Fastest players in EA Sports FC 24 | Best EA SPORTS FC Premier League players | Fastest players in EA FC 24 | Squad Battles rewards