What is FC IQ in EA FC 25? Tactics overhaul explained

What is FC IQ in EA FC 25? Tactics overhaul explained

The reveal trailer for EA FC 25 did not provide much new information, except for a quick look at the FC IQ feature. This feature involves revamping player AI and the game’s tactical foundations, a long-awaited change that the community has been eagerly anticipating.

FC IQ is seamlessly incorporated into the main gameplay, allowing you to encounter it in Ultimate Team, Clubs, Career Mode, and the recently added 5v5 Rush mode.

EA FC 25 FC IQ: Understanding the Basics

FC IQ is a significant improvement to custom tactics. Similar to HypermotionV and the different PlayStyles, it serves as a fundamental aspect of EA FC 25’s gameplay. While the other two are in charge of player movements and skills, FC IQ provides additional strategic influence.

The objective is to provide you with greater strategic authority over your team’s movements on the field by offering new customization choices that go beyond simply selecting a formation or adjusting bars, as seen in previous titles.

FC IQ is constructed upon three principles:

  • Player Roles
  • Team Tactics
  • Smart Tactics

All Player Roles in EA FC 25

The utilization of the previously mentioned new AI system allows for the implementation of Player Roles, which determine the movements and thought processes of each player on the field. These Roles specify players’ actions without the ball, their designated areas on the field, and the purpose behind their actions.

For example, a defensive midfielder who has been assigned the ‘Deep-Lying Playmaker’ Player Role will remain in their designated position and actively seek to receive the ball in order to aid their team’s progression. However, if you opt to assign your CDM the ‘Center Half’ Role, they will drop back and position themselves between your center backs, providing an additional layer of defense.

Heung-Min Son and Emre Can in EA FC 25
EA Sports

Roles affect the player’s movement off the ball.

The total number of Player Roles in the game is 31.

  • 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 has a set of 1-3 focuses that enhance its attacking and defending capabilities, and players can be granted the freedom to roam. The effectiveness of these instructions is determined by the player’s familiarity with the Role, and there are four levels of familiarity in total.

The purpose of the system is to allow you to manage your players’ off-ball AI. The game includes an Activity Map which indicates the areas of the field where your players will be positioned, assisting in finding the optimal tactical combination.

Team Tactics in FC 25

The updated Team Tactics screen in EA FC 25 features a revamped visual layout that replaces the previous attacking, balanced, and defensive tactics system. This new design has been simplified for the benefit of inexperienced players and is divided into three sections.

  • Formation
  • Build-up style
  • Defensive Approach

In Team Tactics, you will also be able to utilize tactical presets that replicate those used by actual teams. After configuring your team and assigning Player Roles, a summary will appear providing you with live feedback and outlining the positives and negatives of your choices.

Effective Strategies

Smart Tactics enable you to make quick tactical adjustments during matches using the D-pad. You can access your own customized presets or select from popular pre-set tactics. Additionally, the Smart Tactics system provides suggestions by evaluating the current state of the match.

If you happen to make any strategic modifications, you will be provided with updated graphics and notes that align with the revised strategy. You have the option to store up to five personalized sets of tactics and also have the ability to share them with fellow players on all platforms by utilizing a distinctive code.

If the new system has sparked your curiosity, be sure to learn about the ways you can access the game in advance and explore its various pre-order options.

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