More than a month has passed since EA Sports FC 24 became available worldwide. The EA FC community is finally figuring out the best players, custom tactics, formations and instructions available in the game to give them a competitive advantage over their opponents. We’ve already covered the players that are considered to be the META in their position.
However, simply using META players in your squad isn’t enough for guaranteed success. Your strategy must align with how you play. For instance, if you like to exploit open spaces, choosing a tight formation might backfire, making it easier for opponents to snatch the ball. Likewise, if you excel at keeping possession, relying on long passes could disrupt your flow. Thus, choosing the right formation and smart tactics are crucial for performing well in EA FC 24.
So without further ado, let’s have a look at the three most META formations, custom tactics and player instructions according to FC Pro players.
Best 4-3-2-1 Custom Tactics
According to ePremier League 2023 finalist and popular FC 24 content creator Huge Gorilla, 4-3-2-1 is the most META formation in EA FC 24. It is worth noting that this formation was also highly favored in FIFA 23. However, it’s important to point out that Gorilla’s version of the 4-3-2-1 setup isn’t symmetrical, suggesting a customized approach to the formation.
META Player Instructions for 4-3-2-1
- Center Backs: Default
- Right Back: Stay back while attacking and Overlap
- Left Back: Overlap (Must have good Pace and Dribbling)
- Right Central Midfield:Default
- Central Midfield and Left Central Midfield: Stay Back while attacking and Cover Centre
- Left Central Forward: Come Back on Defence
- Right Central Forward: Stay Central
- ST: Stay Central
Defense
- Depth: 71
- Defensive Style: Balanced
- Width: 50
Attack
- Build Up Play: Balanced
- Chance Creation: Direct Passing
- Width: 50
- Player in Box: 7/10
- Corners: 2
- Free Kicks: 2
Best 4-2-2-2 Custom Tactics
If last year’s ePremier League runner-up prefers 4-3-2-1, the eLaLiga Cup 2023 runner-up and Manchester City eSports‘ newest signing, Matias, advocates for the 4-2-2-2 formation in EA FC 24.
The 4-2-2-2 is considered one of the most balanced formations, featuring two defensive midfielders responsible for disrupting the opposition’s attacks early. Given the effectiveness of Zonal Defense and AI pressing in the game, attacking through the middle of the pitch is nearly impossible, making this formation a strategic fit for the current META. It focuses on play away from the center, except for the strikers.
The Argentinian pro player also instructs all his players to track back on defense, aiming to compress the space available to the opponent, which can be a game-changer in EA FC 24.
META Player Instructions for 4-2-2-2
- Center Backs: Default
- Full Backs: Default
- Central Defensive Midfielder: Stay Back while attacking and Cover Centre
- Left Central Midfielder: Default
- Right Central Midfielder: Stay Back while attacking
- Attacking Midfielder: Stay Forward
- Strikers: Get in Behind
Defense
- Depth: 70
- Defensive Style: Balanced
- Width: 45
Attack
- Build Up Play: Balanced
- Chance Creation: Direct Passing
- Width: 50
- Player in Box: 5/10
- Corners: 3
- Free Kicks: 3
Best 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow) Custom Tactics
eChampions League 2023 winner Emre Yilmaz is unfazed by the fact that AI press is extremely powerful and considers the narrow version of 4-1-2-1-2 to be the superior formation in EA FC 24. The Dutch pro even suggests setting the Width on Offence to zero, indicating a highly concentrated, central approach to gameplay.
META Player Instructions for 4-1-2-1-2 (2)
- Center Backs: Default
- Full Backs: Stay back while attacking and Overlap
- Central Defensive Midfielders: Cut Passing Lanes, Stay Back while attacking and Cover Centre
- Attacking Midfielders: Come Back on Defense and Get into Box
- Strikers: Come Back on Defense
Defense
- Depth: 71
- Defensive Style: Balanced
- Width: 40
Attack
- Build Up Play: Balanced
- Chance Creation: Direct Passing
- Width: 1
- Player in Box: 5/10
- Corners: 3
- Free Kicks: 3
The reason all the professional players mentioned prefer a defensive depth of at least 70 is linked to the aforementioned Zonal Defense mechanic in EA FC 24. According to EA, with a depth setting over 45, players will actively mark adversaries further up the pitch, closer to the ball carrier, effectively intercepting potential passes.
The tactic becomes particularly potent at a depth of 70 or more. At this setting, the ball carrier faces intense pressure from a host of defending players, drastically reducing their attacking options. This can make the defense frustratingly tough to break down, as the ball possessor is quickly surrounded with limited chances to progress the play.
Mastering the META in EA FC 24 means embracing the 4-3-2-1 for balance, the 4-2-2-2 for a strong defense, or the narrow 4-1-2-1-2 for central control, all while exploiting the high defensive depth’s Zonal Defense. These tactics, championed by the pros, are your ticket to a competitive edge in the game. Keep these strategies in mind, refine your gameplay, and you’ll be well on your way to success in EA FC 24.
