The latest eFootball update, version 4.4.0, brings several important gameplay improvements, new features, and usability upgrades as many of which respond directly to community feedback. From a major shift in how passing stats influence play to the addition of VS AI in eFootball League, there’s a lot to unpack. Here’s what you need to know.
New Gameplay Features: VS AI and Cross-Platform Play
Two long-requested features have been added:
- VS AI in eFootball League: A new mode that allows users to play ranked matches against AI teams made by other players. The difficulty scales with your division, giving newcomers and offline-focused players a new way to compete.
- Cross-Platform Online Play: Players on PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, and PC can now face each other in Friend Matches, Co-op, eFootball League, and Ranking Events. The feature can be toggled on or off in the settings for each platform.
Gameplay Improvements: Sharper Passing, Smarter Movement
The v4.4.0 update fine-tunes core gameplay mechanics with a focus on balance and realism. Passing stats now play a more meaningful role, influencing pass speed, accuracy, and trajectory. This makes player selection more impactful, especially in build-up play.
AI behavior has also been refined. Attacking players create smarter passing lanes, while defenders apply pressure in more natural ways. The Defensive Engagement stat now affects how well AI players block passing lanes and react to play.
Goalkeepers benefit from improved save animations and faster reactions, particularly in one-on-one situations. Motion tweaks across the board like smoother heading, trapping, and collisions help make the overall flow of matches feel more fluid and responsive.
Smart Assist Comes to League Mode
Smart Assist, a feature that helps with shot strength and dribbling direction, is now enabled by default for new players and is also available in eFootball League. It can still be toggled off for those who prefer full manual control.
Squad Management Just Got Easier
Two key changes have improved usability when managing squads:
- Mass Release Option: When signing players from the Special Player List, you can now release multiple unwanted players in one go.
- Backup Player Slots: If you’ve already maxed out your 900-player limit, you can now purchase up to 500 additional slots with GP. Players stored in these backup slots can’t be trained or added to your Game Plan, but it’s a helpful way to store cards you don’t want to delete.
There’s also a new mobile-friendly Game Plan display that shows your full lineup in one view.
More Control Over Skill Development
Another welcome change is Advanced Skill Training, which lets users target specific Additional Skills rather than leaving it to chance. You can now also remove previously learned skills one by one if they no longer fit your player’s role or system.
Updated Visuals and Season Data
The update also refreshes visuals across several areas, including new player faces, celebrations, cinematics, boots, kits and even commentary tweaks. Team data has been updated for:
- Brazilian League
- Brazilian 2nd Division
- USL Championship
Bug Fixes and General Enhancements
From passing bugs to offside call improvements, v4.4.0 includes a long list of refinements:
- Ball control and dribbling are now more responsive.
- Defensive players are less likely to commit unnecessary fouls when blocking.
- Heading and clearing accuracy has been improved.
- Players react faster after kicks or passes, reducing animation delays.
- Improved handling of awkward in-air collisions and unintentional stumbling.
- Added an antenna icon to some modes to show the connection quality during matches.
- Improved the way the offside line is displayed during replays.
eFootball v4.4.0 is one of the more grounded updates in recent months. Rather than adding flashy new modes or gimmicks, it aims to fix longstanding issues with gameplay balance, responsiveness, and usability. For fans looking for a smoother, more realistic experience, especially when it comes to passing and team shape, it’s a welcomed step forward.
If you’ve been away from eFootball for a while, now might be a good time to return and test out these changes for yourself.
