Just like in the real world of football, setting your team up correctly and using the most effective tactics is one of the keys to success in FIFA 23.
With loads of different tactical options now available within FIFA 23, including various formations, instructions and custom presets, it can be difficult to know where to start.
So, we're here to simplify things for you. We're taking an in-depth look at the very best custom tactics, formations and instructions to use in FIFA 23 right now.
Check out the most meta custom tactics to use in FIFA 23 that will allow you to dominate any game, from a crucial FUT Champions match in Ultimate Team to a UCL final in Career Mode.
Formations
Whilst there are many different viable formations for players to use, two stand out above the rest as the most effective in FIFA 23 right now.
These meta formations are the 3-4-2-1 and the 4-3-2-1.
We recommend creating presets for both these formations as it will allow you to switch between the two with ease whilst in-game.
3-4-2-1
The 3-4-2-1 formation is extremely effective as it allows you to create an overload in the wide attacking areas.
With many attacking scenarios, you will find your opponent's full-back isolated in a 1v2 situation against your wide midfielder and wide forward.
This makes beating the opponent's full-back relatively straightforward, allowing you to get to the byline and create a goal-scoring opportunity.
The 3-4-2-1 formation can leave you quite open defensively, though. You'll need to make sure your wide centre-backs are quick and mobile.
You may opt to use full-backs in the left and right centre-back positions in order to cope with your opponent's wingers.
Your two centre mids should be versatile. You'll want midfielders with good stamina and solid stats across the board so they can not only contribute going forward but also in defence.
Instructions:
Using the appropriate instructions in the 3-4-2-1 formation is vitally important.
In order to retain some defensive structure, you'll want to instruct your left and right midfielders to Come Back On Defence and Stay Wide.
You'll need to instruct at least one of the central midfielders to Stay Back While Attacking, whilst both should be set on Cover Centre.
Your striker should be instructed to Stay Central.
You can get creative with your wide forwards. If you have a particularly quick wide forward, like Kylian Mbappe for example, you can instruct him to Get In Behind.
4-3-2-1
The 4-3-2-1 formation is slightly more solid defensively than the 3-4-2-1.
The three narrow central midfielders will provide good cover for the centre-backs in and around the box, allowing your full-backs to join the attack.
The overlapping full-backs will bring the width to the team, whilst the wide forwards can penetrate the opponent's defence behind the CBs.
You should always have a free man to pass to in the 4-3-2-1 formation which makes it great for keeping possession of the ball at the end of tight matches.
Instructions:
As with the 3-4-2-1 formation, using the correct instructions for the 4-3-2-1 is the key to success.
Make sure to instruct both full-backs to Stay Back While Attacking and Overlap.
Your central centre-mid should be on Cover Centre and Stay Back While Attacking in order to provide defensive stability.
You can instruct one wide centre-mid to Cover Centre, whilst the other can be left with no altered instructions.
Make sure to set your striker to Stay Central. Keep one of your wide forwards on Stay Forward and Get In Behind, in order to give your opponent more trouble defensively.
Custom Tactics
As far as the custom tactics go, you can use identical presets for various different formations.
The same custom tactics preset that is used for the 3-4-2-1 formation can be used for the 4-3-2-1.
Defence
Your default Defensive Style should be left set on Balanced. However, if you are chasing the game, you'll want to switch this to Constant Pressure.
In order to plug the gaps in midfield, bring your defensive Width down to 45.
Increasing the defensive Depth to 55 will put your team on the front foot, allowing you to dominate the ball for long periods in your opponent's half.
Attack
Again, you are best leaving the offensive Build Up Play and Chance Creation on Balanced.
You'll want to up the attacking Width to 55, making the pitch seem bigger and creating more space for your attackers.
Make sure you have at least six Players In Box. This will encourage your midfielders and wingers to make runs into more dangerous areas.
For Corners and Free Kicks, you can set the number of players to just two. This will leave more space for the players that are left in the box for set pieces.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
FIFA