EA Sports FC 24 is almost here and with the change of name comes a bunch of new features!
One feature new to EA FC 24 is the inclusion of 'PlayStyles'. A new feature that looks to give the current trait system an overhaul.
We have been given the ratings of 11 players who will have PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ in Ultimate Team, so without further ado, let's take a deep dive into everything you need to know about PlayStyles.
What are PlayStyles in EA FC 24
EA Sports FC 24 introduces the PlayStyles feature, which centres around the individual style and performance of each player. This addition aims to dynamically alter players' movement mechanics while incorporating their distinct styles and movements exhibited on the real-life football pitch.
PlayStyles act as a significant update to the Traits System that was present in FIFA 23. Madden players will recognize similarities to the X-Factors feature in that game. In FC 24, PlayStyles aims to offer a more polished and enhanced iteration of the X-Factors concept.
EA states that: "Every footballer in the world has a distinct way of playing. PlayStyles brings this dimension to The World's Game with signature abilities that take a player's game beyond overall ratings and help them stand out on the pitch."
In addition to PlayStyles, EA Sports FC 24 incorporates the enhanced HyperMotion V feature, which utilises data from over 180 professional men's and women's football matches to synchronize their movements within the game. This implementation unlocks a vast repertoire of 1,200 unique signature run styles, enriching the game with increased authenticity and exclusive content.
There will be 34 PlayStyles in total, each with two distinct levels to them; PlayStyles and PlayStyles+. These PlayStyles are broken into five categories to fit across the game: Passing, scoring, ball control, defending, and goalkeeper.
The difference between someone without a PlayStyle in a certain aspect of the game and someone who has a PlayStyles+ is going to be stark.
What's special about PlayStyles+?
PlayStyles+ is strictly for the best players in the game, or those that excel at one aspect in real life. As EA puts it "Only the best in the world have PlayStyles+, enhancing an ability from special to spectacular. You'll be able to see and feel the difference, with PlayStyles+ providing noticeable boosts that help top players shine on the pitch."
This means that players will be rewarded for leaning into the unique aspects of the players in their team, rather than just trying to play in a certain way with everyone.
It should hopefully remove, or at least change, some of the meta in the gameplay that exists right now.
What PlayStyles are there?
EA has now revealed every PlayStyle, so let's dive into all of them:
Scoring
Power Shot
Who has it?
- A player who is known for taking powerful shots from outside the box
PlayStyle effects
- Performs power shots faster and with increased speed
PlayStyle+ effects
- Performs power shots much faster and with a significant increase in speed
Dead Ball
Who has it?
- A player who is known for being a specialist at taking set pieces
PlayStyle effects
- Set pieces are delivered with increased speed, curve, and accuracy. Ball trajectory preview line is longer
PlayStyle+ effects
- Set pieces are delivered with increased speed, curve, and accuracy. Ball trajectory preview line is at maximum length
Chip Shot
Who has it?
- A player who is known for often trying to chip the goalkeeper when shooting at goal
PlayStyle effects
- Performs chip shots faster and with greater accuracy
PlayStyle+ effects
- Performs chip shots more quickly with exceptional accuracy
Finesse Shot
Who has it?
- A player who is known to try and place the ball when shooting at goal
PlayStyle effects
- Perform finesse shots faster with additional curve and improved accuracy
PlayStyle+ effects
- Perform finesse shots significantly faster with maximum curve and exceptional accuracy
Power Header
Who has it?
- A player who is known to strike with power when heading toward goal
PlayStyle effects
- Performs headers with increased power and accuracy
PlayStyle+ effects
- Performs headers with maximum power and accuracy
Passing
Pinged Pass
Who has it?
- A player who is known for making defence-splitting passes for a teammate to run onto
PlayStyle effects
- Through passes are more accurate, swerve passes are delivered with more curve, and precision passes travel faster to the destination
PlayStyles+ effects
- Through passes are far more accurate, swerve passes are delivered with maximum curve and prevision passes travel at top speed to the destination
Incisive Pass
Who has it?
- A player who is known for making high-speed ground passes
PlayStyle
- Passes travel faster along the ground without impacting the trapping difficulty of the receiver
PlayStyle+
- Passes travel much faster along the ground without impacting the trapping difficulty of the receiver
Long Ball Pass
Who has it?
- A player who is known for performing lobbed long passes to teammates
PlayStyle effects
- Lob and lofted through passes are more accurate, travel faster, and are more difficult to intercept
PlayStyle+ effects
- Lob and lofted through passes are even more accurate, travel faster than ever, and are far more difficult to intercept
Tiki Taka
Who has it?
- A player who is known for making first-time accurate and short passes
PlayStyle effects
- Executes difficult first-time ground passes with high accuracy, using backheels when contextually appropriate. Short distance ground passes are highly accurate
PlayStyle+ effects
- Executes difficult first-time ground passes with even greater accuracy, using backheels when contextually appropriate. Short distance ground passes are exceptionally accurate
Whipped passes
Who has it?
- A player who is known for making high-speed whipped crosses into the box
PlayStyle effects
- All crosses are highly accurate, travel faster, and with more curve
PlayStyle+ effects
- All crosses are highly accurate, travel faster, and with more curve. Performs driven crosses with exceptional power
Ball Control
First Touch
Who has it?
- A player who is known for accurate first touch control in difficult situations
PlayStyle effects
- Has reduced error when trapping the ball and is able to transition to dribbling faster with greater control
PlayStyle+ effects
- Has minimal error when trapping the ball and is able to transition to dribbling much faster with greater control
Flair
Who has it?
- A player who is known to try flamboyant moves (traps, passes, and shots)
PlayStyle effects
- Fancy passes and shots are performed with improved accuracy. Performs Flair animations when contextually appropriate
PlayStyle+ effects
- Fancy passes and shots are performed with even greater accuracy. Performs Flair animations when contextually appropriate
Press Proven
Who has it?
- A player who is known for keeping ball possession under physical pressure from the opponent
PlayStyle effects
- Keeps closer control of the ball when dribbling at jog speed and can shield the ball more effectively from stronger opponents
PlayStyle+ effects
- Keeps exceptionally close control of the ball while dribbling at jog speed. Can shield the ball much more effectively from stronger opponents
Rapid
Who has it?
- A player who is known to use speed and knock the ball ahead of their opponent to beat them when dribbling
PlayStyle effects
- Reaches a higher sprint speed when dribbling and has reduced chance of an error when sprinting or performing knock-ons
PlayStyle+ effects
- Reaches even higher sprint speed while dribbling and has greatly reduced chance of an error when sprinting or performing knock-ons
Technical
Who has it?
- A player who regularly tries to beat an opponent by using technical dribbling ability (with little to no use of skill moves or little to no physical contact)
PlayStyle effects
- Reaches a higher speed when performing controlled sprint and performs wide turns while dribbling with more precision
PlayStyle+ effects
- Reaches even higher speed when performing controlled sprint and performs wide turns while dribbling with greater precision
Trickster
Who has it?
- A player who is known for being able to perform skill moves in 1v1 situations
PlayStyle effects
- Grants the ability to perform unique flick skill moves
PlayStyle+ effects
- Grants the ability to perform unique flick skill moves. Is significantly more agile when strafe dribbling
Defending
Block
- Who has it?
A player who is known for performing elastic and overreaching blocks
PlayStyle effect
- Increased reach when performing blocks and improved ability to make a successful block
PlayStyle+ effect
- Even greater reach when performing blocks and improved ability to make a successful block
Bruiser
Who has it?
- A player who is known for winning possession by physical imposition
PlayStyle effect
- Greater strength when performing physical tackles
PlayStyle+ effect
- Even greater strength when performing physical tackles
Intercept
Who has it?
- A player who is known for performing interceptions and keeping ball possession
PlayStyle effect
- Increased reach and improved chances of retaining possession of the ball when performing interceptions
PlayStyle+ effect
- Even greater reach and improved chances of retaining possession of the ball when performing interceptions
Jockey
Who has it?
- A player who is known for being successful in 1v1 situations
PlayStyle effect
- Increased max speed of sprint jockey and improved transition speed from jockey to sprint
PlayStyle+ effect
- Increased max speed of sprint jockey and greatly improved transition speed from jockey to sprint
Slide Tackle
Who has it?
- A player who is known for often performing slide tackles
PlayStyle effect
- Grants the ability to top the ball directly at their feet when performing slide tackles
PlayStyle+ effect
- Greatly improved slide tackle coverage. Also grants the ability to stop the ball directly at their feet when performing a slide tackle
Anticipate
Who has it?
- A player who is known for having a high success rate getting ball possession on tackles with a low fouling rate
PlayStyle effect
- Improved chances of standing tackle success and grants the ability to stop the ball directly at their feet when performing a standing tackle
PlayStyle+ effect
- Significantly improved changes of standing tackle success and grants the ability to stop the ball directly at their feet when performing a standing tackle
Physical
Acrobatic
Who has it?
- A player who tends to perform acrobatic passes, clearances, and shots.
PlayStyle effect
- Performs volleys with improved accuracy and has access to acrobatic volley animations
PlayStyle+ effect
- Performs volleys with significant accuracy and has access to unique acrobatic volley animations.
Aerial
Who has it?
- A player who is known for having a high success rate winning aerial battles in both offence and defence..
PlayStyle effect
- Performs higher jumps and has improved aerial physical presence.
PlayStyle+ effect
- Performs even higher jumps and has greatly improved aerial physical presence.
Trivela
Who has it?
- A player who is known for passing, crossing, and shooting with the outside of the foot.
PlayStyle effect
- Contextually triggers "outside of the foot" passes and shots.
PlayStyle+ effect
- Contextually triggers "outside of the foot" passes and shots. Reduced error on "outside of the foot" passes.
Relentless
Who has it?
- A player who is known for covering a greater area of the field compared to other players in the same position.
PlayStyle effect
- Reduces fatigue loss during play and increases fatigue recovery during half-time.
PlayStyle+ effect
- Greatly reduces the long-term fatigue effects on attributes, reaction time, and defensive awareness. Reduces fatigue loss during play and significantly increases fatigue recovery during half-time.
Quick Step
Who has it?
- A player who is known to have quick burst of speed when accelerating on and off the ball.
PlayStyle effect
- Accelerates faster during explosive sprint
PlayStyle+ effect
- Accelerates significantly faster during explosive sprint.
Long Throw
Who has it?
- A player who is known to throw the ball further than the average player.
PlayStyle effect
- Performs throw-ins with increased power to cover greater distance.
PlayStyle+ effect
- Performs throw-ins with more power to cover maximum distance
Goalkeeper
Far Throw
General effect
- Goalkeeper can target players further away with thrown passes.
PlayStyle effect
- Be a Goalkeeper (BAG) players will have increased reach and handling closer to the end of the match.
PlayStyle+ effect
- BAG players will have greatly increase reach and handling closer to the end of the match.
Footwork
General effect
- Goalkeeper will perform saves with their feet more frequently.
PlayStyle effect
BAG players will have increased reactions and speed in 1v1 situations.
PlayStyle+ effect
BAG players will have greatly increased reactions and speed in 1v1 situations.
Cross Claimer
General effect
- Goalkeeper will try to intercept a cross if they can get to it slightly before the opponent.
PlayStyle effect
- BAG players will have increased reflexes and reactions during opposing set pieces.
PlayStyle+ effect
- BAG players will have significantly increased reflexes and reactions during opposing set pieces.
Rush Out
General effect
- Goalkeeper is more aggressive when coming out of the box to gather over-the-top balls or long through balls.
PlayStyle effect
- BAG players will have increased speed when running.
PlayStyle+ effect
- BAG players will have greatly increased speed when running.
Far Reach
General effect
- BAG Exclusive.
PlayStyle effect
- BAG players are more effective at saving shots from outside the box with increased reach and jumping.
PlayStyle+ effect
- BAG players are significantly more effective at saving shots from outside the box with greatly increased reach and jumping
Quick Reflexes
General effect
- BAG exclusive.
PlayStyle effect
- BAG players have increased reflexes and reactions when saving shots from inside the box.
PlayStyle+ effect
- BAG players have greatly increased reflexes and reactions when saving shots from inside the box.
Powered by Opta
EA Sports has partnered with Opta ahead of the release for EA FC 24 where this partnership will allow for athletes in the game to be dimensionalised. Opta allows players in EA FC to go beyond their ability by having their own PlayStyles. This is an upgrade on the current 'trait' system that we have in FIFA 23. Traits allow players to specialise in specific areas of their game such as long shots, flair or even saves with feet with goalkeepers.
Now in EA FC 24, players will have their own PlayStyles that are implemented into their movements on and off the ball allowing for a more dynamic approach to the game.
A recent keynote by EA highlights an overview of EA FC partnerships, updates and changes in order for EA FC 24 to take in-game realism to the next level, describing Opta as:
'PlayStyles optimised by Opta dimensionalises athletes, going beyond overall ratings to bring to life the on-pitch abilities that make players special. Each PlayStyle gives players unique capabilities you’ll see and feel that make their way of playing more authentic.'
Improvements in EA FC from Opta
The introduction of PlayStyles in EA Sports FC revolutionizes the way athletes are portrayed in the game, surpassing traditional overall ratings to highlight the distinct on-pitch abilities that make players truly exceptional. By leveraging real-world player data from Opta and other reliable sources, PlayStyles adds a new dimension to gameplay, providing players with unique capabilities that accurately reflect their authentic playing styles.
PlayStyles not only capture the essence of players' individual talents but also elevate their signature abilities to a world-class standard through PlayStyles+. This enhancement showcases the extraordinary skills possessed by elite players, enabling them to perform at a level that few others can reach. For instance, players like Haaland can demonstrate their renowned "Power Shot" ability, which accurately mirrors their real-world prowess.
With PlayStyles, the game becomes more immersive as players exhibit their own specific PlayStyles, making each match feel distinct and authentic. The incorporation of these unique traits brings a higher level of realism, allowing gamers to experience the gameplay nuances that set each player apart.
This innovation ensures that the virtual representation of players in EA Sports FC truly captures their individuality and showcases their special abilities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience for football enthusiasts.
Personalities with Opta PlayStyles
Personalities will be included as a new trait system in EA FC 24. PlayStyles will not only impact Ultimate Team, it will also have a large impact on Career Mode and Clubs.
Allowing for My Pro upgrades to be made in Clubs and Player Career Mode to determine what type of PlayStyles you want your player to have. Personalities are a part of FIFA currently but we look forward to seeing the impact Opta has through PlayStyles on the personality and mannerism of players.
Clubs PlayStyles and PlayStyles+
EA put a lot of emphasis on PlayStyles being a huge addition to Clubs, through having the ability to create a more dynamic clubs player. PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ will allow club players to have more dynamic play styles with the aim being that the level of customisation should make every game of clubs unique.
Clubs PlayStyles concerns
Popular clubs streamer @WorldofJCC states how every position will have set PlayStyles that will be used by every club player. Making the game feel the same, especially once the Meta is found.
Career Mode PlayStyles
EA have confirmed that PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ will not be in EA FC 24 Career Mode.
PlayStyles will only come into effect for EA FC 24 'Be a Goalkeeper' mode. The Career Mode my player mode for Goalkeepers.
The following PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ can be seen below for Goalkeepers.
Ultimate Team Evolution PlayStyles in EA FC
With Ultimate Team Evolutions, fans have the opportunity to pick which type of player meets specific evolution criteria. By completing a set of objectives, players can improve the individual skills, PlayStyles, and overall ratings of these chosen players, ensuring their competitiveness throughout the year. Additionally, players can even customise the appearance of their Evolutions Player Items with new designs and animated backgrounds, allowing them to showcase their progress and milestones achieved for their club.
The introduction of PlayStyles in Ultimate Team adds a fresh dynamic that transcends traditional overall ratings. It empowers players to construct their squads based on their knowledge of the players' actual on-pitch performances. PlayStyles takes this experience to the next level by bestowing unique abilities upon players, setting them apart from others on the field. These PlayStyles are prominently displayed on the Player Item, making it easy for users to identify the distinctive qualities and standout attributes of each player.
This innovative feature not only adds depth and personalisation to Ultimate Team but also elevates the gameplay experience by accurately reflecting how players perform on the pitch. With PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ at their disposal, players can strategically assemble their squads and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of player abilities, creating an immersive and dynamic environment for FIFA enthusiasts worldwide.
With a roadmap of EA FC 24 released, we have a lot of new information being updated on RealSport101 so make sure you stay up to date with the latest EA FC 24 news!