FC 24 best formations and tactics to use

Having the best EA FC 24 formations and the strongest tactics will be the difference between winning and losing in Ultimate Team, so you’re in the right place.

FC 24 best formations: Erling Haaland looking up and to the right against a blurred background of gameplay.

What are the best FC 24 formations? If you’re looking to rise up the ranks of Ultimate Team, then knowing the EA FC 24 best formations is the key to doing just that. With how competitive building the perfect team can be, it’s a good idea to get a head start and begin planning right away, that’s why we’ve prepared everything you need to know to set up the best formations and tactics.

In this guide, we’ll not only provide the best FC 24 formations and tactics, but also explain why it’s important to set your team in the soccer game up properly in the first place. Alongside setting up your team for success, the brand-new FC 24 Ultimate Team Evolutions will also play a big role in the mode.

EA FC 24 best formations

The best FC 24 formations are:

  • 4-2-1-3
  • 4-4-2
  • 4-3-2-1

Each of the three listed formations have their pros and cons, which we’ll delve into below. While there’s no de facto best formation in FC 24 right now, this could very well change as the meta develops – be sure to bookmark this guide and check back should things shift.

4-2-1-3

A brand new formation for FC 24, the 4-2-1-3 is a variation of the tried and true 4-3-3, albeit with a CAM and two CDMs instead of the typical mix of CM/CDMs you’d find in a flatter midfield.

We already expect the 4-2-1-3 to be a huge hit in online play, thanks to the fact that you can operate high up the pitch with the best FC 24 wingers, while ensuring you have the defensive cover in the event of a counter-attack with those two CDMs. The key to making this formation work will lie in incorporating some of the best FC 24 CM players that can be deployed at CDM, such as Rodri and Patri Guijarro, as they can progress the ball and link up with their forward line as effortlessly as they can protect their defensive one.

For tactics, keep things nice and balanced for now, as your squad has a natural push-pull between offense and defense. It’s a good idea to experiment with the depth slider here, as keeping it low will turn the 4-2-1-3 into a potent counter-attacking formation thanks to its low block and quick-release. Conversely, gegenpressing higher up the pitch with your CDMs operating more as CMs will certainly make for a more entertaining game, though you’ll need to make sure they have the engine to track back.

4-4-2

The classic 4-4-2 was arguably the best formation in 2023, thanks to the great versatility in offensive and defensive options it offers. We suspect that it will continue to remain a popular choice in EA Sports FC 24, especially for new players who have yet to really experiment with more unorthodox formations like the previously-discussed 3-2-4-1.

The 4-4-2 formation has been a go-to in the soccer game community for quite some time thanks to it offering a balanced set up that can always be relied on, especially against fast teams. As for tactics, we’d recommend a balanced defense and offense. This works great with the overall balanced playstyle of the formation, giving defenders room to move around as they need without leaving your goals vulnerable. Likewise, offensive players are able to hound the opposition and look for openings without giving the opponents too much space.

4-3-2-1

Also referred to as the ‘Christmas Tree’ formation, the 4-3-2-1 is a heavily defensive formation if you’re looking to shut down the opposition. With strong midfielders, there’s lots of potential for counter-attacking the other team, though it can prove tricky to stay on the offensive. However, you’ll have a near impenetrable defense that can block even the most aggressive opponents.

If you’re after some solid custom tactics to get the best out of the 4-3-2-1, then check out this video from ‘DavisPlayz’.

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Why does the best EA FC 24 formation matter?

If you’re really looking to make it big in Ultimate Team, then the best EA FC 24 formations will be vital in taking on the toughest opponents, whether in single-player or against other players. And if you’re already on the hunt for the best players to build out your dream team, why stop there? Putting them in the most optimal formation will let them flourish, much like ensuring you’ve got a strong EA FC 24 chemistry.

With the formations and tactics systems being as straightforward or complex as you like, there’s little getting in your way of at least experimenting with the best formations in FC 24, so certainly give it a go. If opponents are giving you trouble, chances are a change of formation will do the trick.

And that covers the best EA FC 24 formations. Before you go, be sure to check out how the new FC 24 PlayStyles that will make Ultimate Team more fun than ever. You’ll also want to check out the FC 24 ratings to make sure you’re filling your formations out with the best of the best. Good luck out there on the pitch.