In the 28th installment of the popular EA Sports football simulation game, FIFA 21, players can manage a team and train them to compete for the greatest prize in the game, take on the role of many of their favorite players from multiple leagues, and compete with other fans from around the globe. The game includes new features and additions, like a revamped interactive match simulation mode in the game's Career Mode, Division Rivals, Squad Battles, and Friendlies for multiplayer co-op play in Ultimate Team mode, and an improved training system, and reintroduces past mechanics like headers. Part of the fun is getting creative and controlling the field to improve a player's individual game, but even for veterans of the series, getting good at FIFA 21 can take time.
As in any sport, practice will be key if players are looking to get good at FIFA 21 and become competitive in multiplayer. Players will also want to take advantage of the new features that improve gameplay and skill and be patient rather than tricky when it comes to moves on the field. Here are some tips to get better at FIFA 21 so players can hold their own when competing against friends and strangers.
How To Get Good At FIFA 21
There are a few things players can do to improve their game in FIFA 21, but it typically comes down to practicing, learning new skills from the game and professionals, and making strategic moves when building a squad in FIFA Ultimate Team.
Practice
Players can practice their skills in the Practice Arena or in Skill Games. This is a low-stress way to improve at ball handling, tricks, and big moves like free kicks.
It's also a good idea to practice defending. Many players agree that this mechanic has gotten a little more difficult in this new installment to the series, and that goalkeepers can be unreliable. Improving defense will be key in the multiplayer experiences, so it is a good idea to work on it when playing in Career Mode.
Learn the New Mechanics
Players will want to get comfortable with some of the new in-game features, like Agile Dribbling and Creative Run. Agile Dribbling is a new mechanic that allows players to keep the ball close and maintain control while moving more slowly. Creative Run will allow the player to control the timing and direction of a teammate's running to allow for better passing. Both features will be extremely useful for better control over any match. It also makes the player need to think more about their moves and setups, which can be difficult at first but can help them absolutely dominate games once they get the hang of it.
It's important to be patient while playing, both when it comes to their style and when dealing with the new skill learning curve FIFA 21 introduces. As players improve their skills and master some of the tricks, they will be tempted to get flashy in their play style and may become overly hard on themselves. When trying to improve, players should be more patient in their play style, focusing on ball handling and control more than showy tricks. They should also use their losses as learning experiences and make sure not to be too hard on themselves. The more they play, even when they lose, the better they will become.
Find a Formation
In addition, players will want to find and maintain a formation that fits their unique style. Navigating proper positioning can improve any player's game. Options include standard 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 and more offense-heavy options like 5-2-2-1 or 3-5-2. Players can determine where they want to place the greatest number of players to achieve their desired effects. It's a good idea to experiment with different formations and plays to see what works best and feels the most natural.
Getting players back in formation after a run will also be important. If a player competing against another finds their midfielders too far up, it can spell disaster for the defensemen. Leaving gaps is never a great idea, but it can be especially deadly in competitive play, so players will want to strategize to determine the best way to fill gaps and prevent opponents from taking advantage of open spaces.
Start Small in Co-op
When players move to competitive play, it is a good idea to start in Squad Battles. These tend to be a little less intense. Players can improve their weekly rankings and earn some coins and rewards while practicing playing against a real opponent as opposed to the game's AI.
Be Strategic with Your Squad
In Ultimate Team, players should be strategic about choosing players. If they can get creative, it is always a good idea to opt for a cheaper player outside the more popular leagues. Players from the same clubs or nations can create chemistry, and because the game does not limit a player from choosing from any one specific league in Ultimate Team, it can be fun to experiment with less popular players and build a cheaper and more powerful squad. Experts also seem to agree players are cheaper after the weekend, so when purchasing a new player for the squad, fans of the game should wait until after peak time to get a better deal.
Learn from the Pros
A final strategy might be to watch streamers and professional players to learn from their games and absorb some of their strategies and moves. Players can combine this with practice to help them learn the same tricks used by players they admire.
FIFA 21 is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Xbox One.