EA FC 25 is now available, and before diving into Division Rivals or FUT Champs, it’s essential to confirm that you have the optimal formation and that your tactics are finely tuned.
This edition has introduced significant changes to how you configure your squad, providing managers with unprecedented control over their systems. However, this also means there’s considerably more to consider when establishing your tactics, with even minor adjustments capable of influencing victory or defeat.
Don’t stress—we’ve compiled a list of the best formations in EA FC 25, along with effective tactics and Player Roles tailored for each setup.
Meta Formation in FC 25
The top formation in EA FC 25 is 4-2-3-1 (Wide), particularly in Ultimate Team where its effectiveness is most evident. This formation balances offensive and defensive capabilities, enabling you to attack with multiple players while maintaining solid defensive coverage.
In attack, the CAM serves as the architect of your plays; therefore, aim to recruit someone with high Passing and Dribbling attributes. The wingers play a key role, making deep runs to support and provide for the sole striker.
4-2-3-1 is widely regarded as the most well-rounded formation in the game.
A crucial element of this formation is the midfield setup. For a defensive style, set both midfielders to ‘holding,’ but if you prefer a more proactive approach, consider allowing one of them to advance and assist the forwards.
If you desire a formation that excels across all areas of the pitch, 4-2-3-1 is your ideal choice.
Best Tactics and Player Roles for All Meta Formations
4-2-3-1 (Wide)
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 4-2-3-1 (Wide)
- Build-Up Style: Counter
- Defensive Line: 45
With Ball
- GK: Goalkeeper / Defend
- LB: Fullback / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- RB: Fullback / Defend
- CDM: Deep Lying Playmaker / Roaming
- CDM: Holding / Defend
- LM: Inside Forward / Attack
- RM: Inside Forward / Attack
- CAM: Playmaker / Balanced
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
Without Ball
- GK: Goalkeeper / Defend
- LB: Fullback / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- RB: Fullback / Defend
- CDM: Holding / Defend
- CDM: Holding / Defend
- LM: Winger / Balanced
- RM: Winger / Balanced
- CAM: Playmaker / Balanced
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
This tactical blend keeps your players compact and disciplined when defending, allowing easier interception and recovery of the ball. Upon regaining possession, they will burst into action, making rapid runs forward.
Your midfielders will then need to swiftly transition the ball into dangerous areas and execute precise passes, so ensure your roaming and offensive midfielders have the vision to create scoring opportunities.
4-4-2 (Flat)
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 4-4-2 (Flat)
- Build-Up Style: Counter
- Defensive Line: 40
With Ball
- GK: Goalkeeper / Defend
- LB: Fullback / Balanced
- CB: Defender / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- RB: Fullback / Balanced
- LM: Winger / Balanced
- CM: Box to Box / Balanced
- CM: Holding / Defend
- RM: Winger / Balanced
- ST: Target Forward / Attack
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
Without Ball
- GK: Goalkeeper / Defend
- LB: Fullback / Balanced
- CB: Defender / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- RB: Fullback / Balanced
- LM: Winger / Balanced
- CM: Box to Box / Balanced
- CM: Holding / Defend
- RM: Winger / Balanced
- ST: Target Forward / Attack
- ST: False 9 / Build-Up
If you prefer a straightforward approach, 4-4-2 remains a formidable formation in EA FC 25. Similar to 4-2-3-1, it maintains equilibrium across the pitch. However, the inclusion of a second striker necessitates careful selection of players for each position.
It’s essential to have two hardworking midfielders—one to defend against counterattacks and another to serve as a box-to-box player. Both should be confident on the ball, as losing possession in midfield can be catastrophic, especially against opponents who dominate that area.
For strikers, a combination of a strong target man and a swift runner proves effective. The taller player can win aerial duels, while the quicker partner can capitalize on knock-downs and make runs in behind the defense.
4-3-2-1
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 4-3-2-1
- Build-Up Style: Short Passing
- Defensive Line: 40
With Ball
- GK: Goalkeeper / Defend
- LB: Fullback / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- RB: Fullback / Defend
- CM: Box to Box / Balanced
- CM: Holding / Defend
- CM: Box to Box / Balanced
- CAM: Shadow Striker / Attack
- CAM: Shadow Striker / Attack
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
Without Ball
- GK: Goalkeeper / Defend
- LB: Fullback / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- RB: Fullback / Defend
- CM: Box to Box / Balanced
- CM: Holding / Defend
- CM: Box to Box / Balanced
- CAM: Playmaker / Balanced
- CAM: Playmaker / Balanced
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
Although many fans were disheartened to find that the 4-3-2-1 no longer includes three strikers, it remains a favorite in the EA FC 25 meta. The key change is replacing the two forwards with two CAMs, making player selection vital for success.
Ideally, your CAMs should function similarly to wingers or strikers. If you can’t find suitable players, consider starting with another formation and switching to this in the tactics menu later.
The strength of 4-3-2-1 lies in its attacking potential. With three forwards and two midfielders making late runs into the box, it can easily overwhelm defenses and generate scoring chances.
4-2-2-2
- Tactical Preset: Custom
- Formation: 4-2-2-2
- Build-Up Style: Short Passing
- Defensive Line: 40
With Ball
- GK: Goalkeeper / Defend
- LB: Fullback / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- RB: Fullback / Defend
- CM: Deep-Lying Playmaker / Roaming
- CM: Holding / Defend
- CAM: Half Winger / Attack
- CAM: Half Winger / Attack
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
Without Ball
- GK: Goalkeeper / Defend
- LB: Fullback / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- CB: Defender / Defend
- RB: Fullback / Defend
- CM: Holding / Defend
- CM: Holding / Defend
- CAM: Playmaker / Balanced
- CAM: Playmaker / Balanced
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
- ST: Advanced Forward / Attack
The 4-2-2-2 formation remains a staple in Ultimate Team, showcasing its power in EA FC 25, particularly when utilized with the Short Passing Build-Up Style. This strategy enables seamless transitions through midfield to your creative players.
As wing play becomes increasingly effective this year, it’s recommended to assign both CAMs as Half Wingers, allowing them to drift into the channels to create space for crucial passes to the strikers.
These formations and tactics are some of the best available in EA FC 25 at launch, but as the meta evolves with patches and player strategies, we will continue to update this guide with optimal setups. Be sure to revisit this page frequently for fresh ideas on customizing your team.
Meanwhile, keep an eye out for exciting promos in EA FC 25, including the Total Rush event highlighting the new 5v5 mode in Ultimate Team.
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