Understanding FC IQ in EA FC 25: Explained Tactics and Strategies

EA FC 25 introduces the innovative FC IQ feature, which modernizes tactical gameplay and enhances the realism of the gaming experience.

EA Sports has revealed a host of new features and licenses for their upcoming EA Sports FC release, with FC IQ being a standout for its intricate capabilities and significant impact on gameplay.

Powered by real-world data and advanced AI, this feature will influence tactics and player positioning across all match types in EA FC 25. But what exactly does FC IQ entail, and how does it enhance the game?

Understanding FC IQ

FC IQ serves as a new core component in EA FC 25 that enables a comprehensive approach to managing team tactics and player positions.

While the other frameworks (HypermotionV and PlayStyles) focus on animations and player abilities, FC IQ concentrates on tactical oversight for your entire squad.

This applies not only to the team collectively but to individual players and their specific positions. For instance, not all strikers (ST) possess the same attributes, as these vary depending on your strategic choices.

FC IQ is built upon three foundational elements that will shape player actions on both defense and offense:

Player Roles
Team Tactics
Smart Tactics

EA FC 25 FC IQ Player Roles Screenshot — EA Sports

Player Roles Explained

Player roles determine how athletes behave and move on the pitch when possession is lost, whether through losing the ball or passing to a teammate.

In total, there are 52 distinct roles—with 3 to 5 roles per position—each with specific positive and negative characteristics tailored for the player.

Utilizing historical data from previous seasons, AI identifies roles where players thrive most effectively. For instance, players like Bellingham and Debinha might have a primary role (Half-Winger), whereas others, such as Havertz, excel across multiple roles (Shadow Striker, Half-Winger, and Playmaker).

Complete Player Roles List

GK (GK): Goalkeeper / Sweeper Keeper
Full-Back (RB-LB): Fullback / Falseback / Wingback / Attacking Wingback
Centre-Back (CB): Defender / Stopper / Ball-Playing Defender
Defensive Midfielder (CDM): Holding / Centre Half / Deep-Lying Playmaker
Centre Midfielder (CM): Box-to-Box / Holding / Deep-Lying Playmaker / Playmaker / Half-Winger
Wide Midfielder (RM-LM): Winger / Wide Midfielder / Wide Playmaker / Inside Forward
Attacking Midfielder (CAM): Playmaker / Shadow Striker / Half-Winger
Winger (RW-LW): Winger / Inside Forward / Wide Playmaker
Striker (ST): Advance Forward / Poacher / False 9 / Target Forward

Each role features between 1-3 focuses, allowing for customization that can emphasize attacking, roaming, defensive, or other play styles. This results in a staggering range of between 100-400 million permutations for players to explore in EA FC 25.

Additionally, each player will possess one of four familiarity levels, influencing their proficiency in a role. Higher familiarity translates to improved work rates for the player.

For a complete overview, refer to the details on what each FC IQ player role and focus entails.

EA FC 25 Image Showing FC IQ Player Roles with and without the Ball — EA Sports

Team Tactics Defined

Team Tactics involves setting up the squad’s formation, build-up style, and defensive strategy. EA Sports has enhanced the visuals, making it easier to grasp the overall setup, incorporating templates inspired by real-life clubs suited for novice players.

Once your configurations are finalized, Team Tactics assesses your team’s dynamics and selected player roles across six different elements to provide you with dynamic feedback on your tactics, summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of your choices, alongside how your team will function with and without possession.

A new feature allows players to save up to five fully customized tactics, generating a universal code for sharing with others. Alternatively, you can adopt tactics from your favorite managers.

Smart Tactics Overview

Smart Tactics is where both Roles and Team Tactics are manifested during matches. It introduces new visuals, functionalities, and commentary, enhancing player engagement with tactical changes as they unfold.

Moreover, Smart Tactics provides real-time tactical suggestions based on current match conditions. You will also have the ability to initiate tactical shifts or substitutions at any moment, facilitated by new on-screen prompts.

Utilizing FC IQ will enable you to maximize the potential of promising young players, free agents, and the top 50 rated athletes.

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