FIFA 22 is finally here, and everyone is trying to learn the new game style. The game has changed in some respects compared to the old version. The gameplay is different, and the goalkeepers are all overpowered when facing close range shots but are then terrible against shots from long range. Frustrating? Yeah, that's playing FIFA is half the time playing the game, but we still love it. In this article, we look at formations and there are 30 of them in the game to choose from and it might take you a long time to settle with a formation that suits your playing style. That's why I would take you through five of the best formations and we would also dive into custom tactics to set your squad up for either the career mode or online games.
Best Formations on FIFA 22
1. The 4-3-2-1
If you are looking to flood your opposition's back line with 3 attackers at once, then this is the formation for you. It's a formation that is fantastic if you are into the counter attacking gameplay. The three forwards offer little width, so it's important to set the wing backs to overlap and one midfielder drop in between the defenders to provide more cover for the defence. It's also a good counter if your opponent is using a back five!
Tactics
Defensive style: Set this on press on heavy touch. This keeps your defenders on their toes waiting to nick the ball from the opponent any chance possible.
Width and Depth: You can set the width at 50 but try to reduce the depth. You want to be compact and closer to your defence. Ideally, set the depth at 40-45.
Build-up play and chance creation: Set the build up play on fast build up. This would allow you to move the ball quicker with more urgency, set chance creation on forward runs. This will prompt the players to get in behind the opposition defence whenever you get the ball.
Attacking width: Increase this to 60 to make the formation wider. Reduce the players in the box to prevent getting countered by the opposition. Someone should tweak Corners and free kicks based on your preference. How many more people do you want going for corners and free kicks? Be careful if you try to put much, it can leave you open for counter attacks.
To see this formation in action, check this video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6PAx49rl1I
2.The 4-1-2-1-2
This is a popular go to formation across many FIFA and this year is no different. Although this formation lacks width, it is still a very compact formation and puts lots of pressure on your opponent while you have the ball. Instruct your CMs on both sides to cover the wings because if your opponent is smart, he will attack you on the wings. Make sure your CDM stays back, to prevent you from being left open to a counterattack.
Tactics
Defensive style: Set it at one heavy touch or balanced. These seem to work well with this formation.
Width and Depth: 40 and 50, respectively,
Build up play and chance creation: Set the build-up play on balanced. This is a very technical formation. Be rigid, because we can easily expose you, but if you stay compact, it's hard for the opposition to break through. For chance creation, you can use direct passing. This gives you more chances as they would be runs from the midfield.
Attacking width: Set it at 70, to balance the lack of width of the formation
To see this formation in action, check this video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGRlDTdKVEU
3. The 3-5-2
Arguably the best attacking formation in the game. A five in defence and five in attack. This creates a perfect balance across your squad with wingers, CAM and two strikers providing your goal threat. At the other end, the two CDMs and three CBs should provide you with a strong defensive cover. One tip for this formation is to set the wingers to track back!
Tactics
Defensive style: Balanced
Width and depth: 40 and 55, respectively
Build up play and chance creation: Set the build up play to long ball. Now you have two strikers always looking to run in behind every time you get the ball. If the strikers are fast, the better this works! Set the chance creation on balanced but if you want something more aggressive, you can use the direct passing. If you set the creation on balanced, then set the build up play on slow build up. They complement each other well.
Attacking width- 55
To see this formation in action, check this video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWQtHHo0YIg
4. The 4-4-2
One of the best attacking formations to use when you are down and in need of a goal or two. Looks so basic, but it's a powerful formation, if used correctly. This formation is all about the pressing!
Tactics
Defensive style: Press after possession loss. This formation demands you press your opposition a lot throughout the game. It's almost identical to Klopp's gengenpress style.
Width and Depth: Set at 60 and the depth at 70. You want to have a high depth so you can press higher up the pitch.
Build-up play and chance creation: Balanced and Forward runs, respectively
Attacking width: 45
To see this formation in action, check this video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKcZmx0Rer8
5. The 4-2-3-1
If you are starting out as a beginner on FIFA, I advise you to suit up this formation for your team. A very balanced formation from back to front with a simple gameplay.
Tactics
Defensive style: Balanced
Width and Depth: 45 and 40, respectively,
Build up play and chance creation: Use a slow build up but combine it with forward runs. Here, by working the ball around slowly, it gives your attackers enough time to find that space to run into awaiting that pass that would put them on goal.
Attacking Width: 45
To see this formation in action, check this video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNWkGT0iB6w
This is the end of the article hopefully it was very useful to you, one more tip I want to share is you might have the best formation and tactic, but you still need to practise a lot if you want to master these formations and become a respectable FIFA play. Hard work is where the glory is!
