After the UEFA EURO and Copa America, EA Sports FC 24 is nearing its final stages, allowing us to determine the endgame formation and instructions that will guide us until the release of the next instalment in the series.
The endgame meta formation is the 4321, which, with the right instructions, will let you attack with a 3421 and defend with a more compact 442, ensuring your team remains balanced on the pitch.
The 4321 formation has been a staple throughout this edition of EA FC 24, consistently being one of the most used formations alongside the 442 and 4222. However, of these three, the 4321 will undoubtedly provide you with a greater advantage in Division Rivals and Champions Weekend League matches.
Let’s move on to tactics. The defensive style should be balanced, with width between 40 and 45. This parameter varies based on your style; if you are aggressive and defend manually, opt for a wider line. Conversely, if you prefer a more passive approach and rely on CPU automations for defence, a narrower line is better.
The same applies to depth, which should range between 60 and 65. If you are generally aggressive, choose a higher line; if you are more passive, go for a lower defensive line.
Moving to the offensive phase, set build-up play to balanced and chance creation to direct passing. The width in the offensive phase should match the defensive phase to avoid the accordion effect that occurs when losing the ball during a counter-attack, causing the team to spread out and then compact again.
The parameter for players in the box should be between 5 and 7. If you are strong in defence, opt for more players in the opponent’s half to have more passing options to reach the opponent’s penalty area.
For corners and free kicks, we recommend setting both to 2 but be cautious on corners, as you will be more vulnerable to counter-attacks if you lose the ball near the opponent’s penalty area with many players, including central defenders, upfield.
Now for player instructions, which are crucial for this formation to work correctly. For the goalkeeper, both values should be left balanced.
For the full-backs, identify the one participating in the offensive phase. For this player, set join the attack under attacking runs and overlap under run type. For the other full-back, who will focus on the defensive phase, set stay back while attacking. Like the goalkeeper, no specific instructions should be given to the central defenders, so leave their instructions as default.
The midfield is the team’s core, and the instructions are fundamental for maintaining balance during both phases of play. For one of the two central midfielders and the central midfielder, set stay back while attacking under attacking support and cover centre under defensive position. For the other central midfielder, leave the instructions as default.
This way, during the offensive phase, the three midfielders will line up, allowing space for the full-back and the two forwards, while in the defensive phase, the midfielder with no instructions will move to the flank, and the other two midfielders will occupy the central space.
For the three forwards, proper instructions ensure the correct movements during the offensive phase and the right setup to switch to a 442 during defence. For the striker, set stay central under support runs, get in behind under attacking runs, and stay forward under defensive support.
Give the same instructions to one of the wide forwards as the striker. For the other wide forward, who should be opposite the midfielder with no defensive position change, set stay central under support runs, get in behind under attacking runs, and come back on defence under defensive support.
By meticulously following these player instructions, your team will attack in a 3421 formation and defend in a more balanced 442.
To summarise, here is a detailed list of tactics and instructions:
Defence
- Defensive Style: Balanced
- Width: 45
- Depth: 65
Offence
- Build-Up Play: Balanced
- Chance Creation: Direct Passing
- Width: 45
- Players in Box: 7
- Corners: 2
- Free Kicks: 2
Player Instructions by Position
Goalkeeper
- Default Instructions
Right Back
- Attacking Runs: Stay Back While Attacking
Centre Backs
- Default Instructions
Left Back
- Attacking Runs: Join The Attack
- Run Type: Overlap
Central Midfielder
- Attacking Support: Stay Back While Attacking
- Defensive Position: Cover Centre
Right Central Midfielder
- Attacking Support: Stay Back While Attacking
- Defensive Position: Cover Centre
Left Central Midfielder
- Default Instructions
Striker
- Support Runs: Stay Central
- Attacking Runs: Get In Behind
- Defensive Support: Stay Forward
Left Forward
- Support Runs: Stay Central
- Attacking Runs: Get In Behind
- Defensive Support: Stay Forward
Right Forward
- Support Runs: Stay Central
- Attacking Runs: Get In Behind
- Defensive Support: Come Back On Defence
This way, the left-back will join the offensive phase, the left central midfielder will move wide during the defensive phase, and the right forward will cover the respective flank in defence. You can swap instructions to have the right-back join the attack if preferred.
This formation, tactics, and instructions will not achieve unexpected results alone; training and reviewing matches to understand and correct errors are essential for improving performance. Using this guide will not guarantee 20 wins in the Champions Weekend League immediately; consistent practice is key to reaching that goal.
EA SPORTS FC 24 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Steam. Keep on following us also through our social Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for other news and Promo.
