FIFA 23 is here, and for most players, FUT is the main attraction. While a player’s ratings and stats do matter quite a lot, your squad’s formation and custom tactics are equally important when it comes to solid defending, quick counterattacks, and winning games. So, if you’re looking to set yourself up for a good year of Division Rivals results and solid Weekend League showings, check out the best FIFA 23 formations below.
We know we can’t say for certain just yet, but we’re confident that EA Sports isn’t going to change the basic format of FIFA Ultimate Team and how you set up your squad in FIFA 23 – it has been more or less the same for the last several years now and, as the saying goes, why fix what isn’t broken? That’s why we can talk about the best FIFA 23 formations right now – because the formations in FIFA 22 aren’t changing. However, of course, we don’t know how much EA Sports is going to change the core gameplay experience between titles. So, it’s worth taking the below with a pinch of salt until we get hands-on with the new FIFA game.
Still, with that being said, this should give you something to think about while we wait for that.
Best FIFA 23 formations
Without further ado, here are the best FIFA 23 formations:
- 4-1-2-1-2 (2) – Narrow
- 4-3-2-1
- 4-3-3 (2) – One CDM
- 4-4-2 Holding
- 4-5-1
4-1-2-1-2 (2) – Narrow
If you find yourself with an abundance of solid midfield options, the 4-1-2-1-2 (2) could be the best FIFA 23 formation for you. You won’t have as much width, so you need a solid short passing game to make the most of this option. However, the sheer number of bodies in the middle should force your opponent out wide and, with any luck, mean that you only have to deal with wide balls into the box.
Looking at the details of custom tactics for this formation, you’re going to want to make sure your lone CDM stays in position, even setting them to ‘stay back while attacking’. Beyond this, it’s also a good idea to make sure your CAM stays in position – with two forwards to play with, you should be able to pass around defenders and get yourself into a few one-on-one situations.
4-3-2-1
In last year’s FIFA, the most important player stat was pace and we’re not sure that’s going to change anytime soon. So, if you want to punish your opponent on the break, the 4-3-2-1 might just be your best bet. Why? Well, to put it plainly, with this formation you get three forwards – more specifically, you can make use of three strikers.
If you want to make the most of the triple threat you have on the pitch, we recommend instructing both your LF and RF to stay central with custom tactics. Additionally, you should consider instructing your central CM to ‘stay back while attacking’ if you want to make sure you’re covering your defence.
4-3-3 (2)
Something, something, “the Dutch system”… We’ve all heard Martin Tyler talk about a 4-3-3 formation in the past, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it just because he isn’t part of the commentary team anymore. This formation is perfectly balanced like all things should be, and having a CDM in the middle will help you cover your defence when you push forwards with your wingers.
Looking at custom tactics, it’s a smart idea to make sure both your LB and RB are going to ‘stay back while attacking’. However, as long as you make sure CDM drops back when defending, you’re free to tweak this however you see fit. If you have a slow striker, it could be worth instructing your wingers to ‘cut inside’ when attacking.
4-4-2 Holding
This formation has been a fan favourite for a couple of years now and its a common feature in FIFA 23’s FUT mode. Why? Well, because you get the defensive solidarity of having two CDMs alongside the advantage of having four attacking players. A standard 4-4-2 isn’t the worst option, but the holding variant just ensures that the two central players will put a good shift in when it comes to defensive play.
As for custom tactics, we recommend making sure your full backs are instructed to ‘stay back while attacking’, first and foremost. Beyond that, if you have the pace for it, you could tell your wingers to ‘cut inside’ or ‘stay wide’ depending on if you prefer passing play or crossing it into the box.
4-5-1 Attack
Do you really want to pile players forwards at every chance you get? Well, using a 4-5-1 is for you – specifically, the Attack variant. With this formation, you get two CAM and a striker alongside your RM and LM when it comes to attack. Better yet, you could even have an attack-minded CM in the middle if you really wanted.
Of course, we recommend telling your full backs to ‘stay back while attacking’, but other than that, you have a bit of freedom. It’s just worth being wary that your LM and RM will run out of energy quicker than in other formations – so, you should make sure you have the squad depth to compensate if it’s a particularly back-and-forth match.
Well, there’s everything you need to know about what we think the best FIFA 23 formations are. For more tips for Ultimate Team, check out guides on the cheapest players that you can nab!