Introduction

In EA Sports FC 25, choosing the right formation and setting up custom tactics can completely change the way your team performs. A strong squad means nothing if you don’t use the right system to maximize their strengths.

Here are the best formations and tactics to dominate matches in Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Online Seasons.

1. 4-2-3-1 (Balanced and Meta Formation)

Why it works:

  • Provides defensive stability with 2 CDMs.
  • Central CAM supports the striker for creative play.
  • Perfect balance between attack and defense.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced
  • Width: 45–50
  • Depth: 55
  • Build Up Play: Balanced
  • Chance Creation: Direct Passing
  • Width (Attack): 50–55
  • Players in Box: 6
  • Corners/Free Kicks: 2

Player Instructions:

  • Striker: Stay Central, Get In Behind
  • CAM: Stay Forward
  • Wingers: Come Inside, Get In Behind
  • CDMs: One Stay Back, one Balanced

2. 4-4-2 (Classic and Effective)

Why it works:

  • Great for pressing and counter-attacking.
  • Two strikers provide constant threat.
  • Simple but deadly when executed right.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced / Press After Possession Loss
  • Width: 50–55
  • Depth: 60
  • Build Up Play: Fast Build-Up
  • Chance Creation: Forward Runs
  • Players in Box: 5–6

Player Instructions:

  • Strikers: One Target Man, one Get In Behind
  • Midfield: Box-to-Box pairing
  • Wingers: Cut Inside, Come Short
  • CDMs: Stay Back While Attacking

3. 4-3-2-1 (Narrow Counter-Attack)

Why it works:

  • Compact midfield dominates central play.
  • Attacking trio stays close, great for quick counters.
  • Hard to break down defensively.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced
  • Width: 35–40
  • Depth: 55
  • Build Up Play: Balanced
  • Chance Creation: Direct Passing
  • Players in Box: 6

Player Instructions:

  • Striker: Get In Behind
  • Wide Forwards: Stay Central
  • Midfield: One CDM, two Box-to-Box
  • Fullbacks: Stay Back While Attacking

4. 3-5-2 (Attacking Dominance)

Why it works:

  • Overloads midfield with 5 central players.
  • Wing-backs stretch the pitch.
  • Dangerous for possession play and pressing.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Balanced
  • Width: 45–50
  • Depth: 60
  • Build Up Play: Fast Build-Up
  • Chance Creation: Direct Passing
  • Players in Box: 7

Player Instructions:

  • Strikers: Stay Central
  • CAM: Stay Forward
  • Wing-backs: Join Attack
  • CDMs: One Stay Back, one Balanced

5. 5-4-1 (Defensive but Deadly on Counter)

Why it works:

  • Solid defense for holding leads.
  • Wingers and lone striker create counter-attacks.
  • Best for players who like defensive play.

Custom Tactics:

  • Defensive Style: Drop Back
  • Width: 40–45
  • Depth: 35
  • Build Up Play: Long Ball
  • Chance Creation: Forward Runs
  • Players in Box: 4

Player Instructions:

  • Striker: Get In Behind
  • Wingers: Stay Wide
  • Wing-backs: Balanced Attack
  • CDMs: Stay Back While Attacking

Conclusion

The best formation in FC 25 depends on your playstyle:

  • 4-2-3-1 → Balanced and meta.
  • 4-4-2 → Pressing and counter-attacks.
  • 4-3-2-1 → Compact and strong in the middle.
  • 3-5-2 → Attack-heavy for aggressive players.
  • 5-4-1 → Defensive for closing out matches.

With the right custom tactics and player instructions, you can adapt to any situation, outsmart your opponents, and climb the ranks in Ultimate Team.