Mastering FIFA 23 Custom Tactics: Top Formations and Essential Player Instructions

Unlock your team's potential in FIFA 23 with this comprehensive guide to the best custom tactics, formations, and player instructions. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, these tips will help you dominate the pitch in Ultimate Team and beyond.

Understanding Custom Tactics

Custom tactics are essential for any serious FIFA player, as they allow you to tweak your team's formation and strategy according to your preferred playstyle. By customizing your team's tactics, you can play a more possession-based game or opt for a fast-paced counter-attacking style, depending on your strengths and weaknesses.

Meta Formations: The Best of the Best

To ensure success in FIFA 23, it's important to understand which formations work best in the current meta. Here are some of the top formations that have proven to be highly effective:

a) 4-2-3-1 Narrow: This balanced formation is ideal for controlling possession while maintaining solid defensive coverage. With four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and a lone striker, it provides both stability at the back and versatility up front.

b) 4-3-3 Holding: A popular choice among professional players, this formation offers great width on the wings while keeping things tight in midfield. The holding midfielder provides additional defensive support, allowing more freedom for your attacking players.

c) 4-1-2-1-2 (2): Also known as "the narrow diamond," this formation focuses on quick passing play through central areas. With one defensive midfielder shielding your backline and two central midfielders supporting an attacking midfielder behind a strike partnership, it's perfect for those who prefer intricate build-up play.

d) 5-3-2: If you're looking for a more defensive approach, this formation is an excellent choice. With five defenders and three midfielders, it's tough to break down, while the two strikers can provide a potent counter-attacking threat.

FIFA 23 Tactics: Dominate the Attack

Build Up Play

Control possession and create chances with a balanced approach to build-up play. Set your speed to around 65-70, allowing for quick transitions without being too rushed. For passing, opt for a mixed approach with around 50-60 on the scale, providing flexibility in both short and long-passing options.

Chance Creation

Find the perfect balance between risk and reward by setting your chance creation settings accordingly. Set passing to around 60-70 for a mix of safe and risky options, while crossing should be set at around 40-50 to avoid excessive crosses. Finally, set shooting to around 50 for a variety of shot opportunities both inside and outside the box.

FIFA 23 Tactics: Solidify Your Defense

Defensive Pressure

Maintain defensive stability by setting your pressure settings between 40-50. This ensures your backline remains compact without dropping too deep into your own half. Set aggression at around 60-70 for effective pressing without leaving gaps in the defense.

Team Width

Keep your defensive shape intact by setting team width between 45-55. This provides adequate coverage across the pitch while ensuring that there's enough support for wide areas when needed.

Best FIFA 23 Formations for Ultimate Team Success

1. The Versatile 4-2-3-1 Formation

Player Instructions:

• Fullbacks - Not lower head during an attack
• Defensive Midfielders - Cut Passing Lanes & Stay Back While Attacking
• Wide CAMs - Get Into The Box For Cross

Defensive Tactics:

• Pressure on Heavy Touch
• Width: 45
• Depth: 40

Offensive Tactics:

• Balanced
• Width: 60
• Players In Box: 5
• Corners: 3
• Free Kicks: 2

2. The Formidable 5-1-2-2 Formation

Defensive Tactics:

• Drop Back
• Width: 40
• Depth: 30

Offensive Tactics:

• Long Ball
• Width: 60
• Players In Box: 7
• Corners: 3
• Free Kicks: 2

3. The Aggressive 4-3-2-1 Formation

Defensive Tactics:

• Press After Possession Loss
• Width: 50
• Depth: 60

Offensive Tactics:

• Fast Build Up
• Width: 55
• Players In Box: 7
• Corners :3
• Free Kicks: 2

4. The Balanced and Deadly Narrow Diamond (4-1-2-1-2)

Player Instructions:

• Fullbacks - Not lower head when attacking
• CDM - Overlap the pass, stay behind during the attack, and keep the center covered
• CMs - Get Forward, Cover Wing
• CAM - Stay Forward, Get Into The Box For Cross

Defensive Tactics:

• Balanced
• Width: 45
• Depth: 55

Offensive Tactics :

• Possession
• Width: 50
• Players In Box: 6
• Corners: 3
• Free Kicks: 2

5. The Dynamic Duo of the Classic (4-2-2-2)

Player Instructions :

• Fullbacks - Not lower head when attacking
• Defensive Midfielders - Cut Passing Lanes & Stay Back While Attacking

Defensive Tactics :

• Press After Possession Loss
• Width: 50
• Depth: 55

Offensive Tactics :

• Balanced
• Width: 60
• Players In Box: 6
• Corners :3
• Free Kicks: 2

6. The Timeless and Ever-Effective 4-4-2 Formation

Player Instructions :

• Fullbacks - Not lower head when attacking
• Central Midfielders - Cover Center

Defensive Tactics:

• Balanced
• Width: 50
• Depth: 50

Offensive Tactics:

• Possession
• Width: 55
• Players In Box: 6
• Corners: 3
• Free Kicks: 2

With these custom tactics, formations, and player instructions, you'll be well on your way to dominating FIFA 23. Remember to tweak and adjust settings as needed to suit your play style and your team's strengths. Good luck on the pitch!