EA Sports FC 25 has once again raised the bar with improved AI-fueled gameplay and loads of new features. However, several changes have been made to the controls and I’m here to help you level up and “get a result” when you take to the pitch!

What are the big updates in this year’s game? Well, EA added an incredibly fun 5v5 Rush mode that features a shrunken pitch and incredibly fast-paced gameplay. I had a blast playing 5v5 Rush because the arcade-like gameplay was challenging but a fresh change of pace. Basically, 5v5 Rush is the ultimate soccer “party game.” There’s also a few mini games: Mystery Ball, King of the Hill and No Rules that can also add to your FC 25 party experience. Check em out!

Additionally, EA has made several improvements with respect to controls and player movement. They’re calling it “FC IQ” and the game utilizes AI to provide hyper-realistic gameplay via all new “Player Roles.” Basically, it’s a fancy way of saying this year’s game is more dynamic - in more ways that you can even imagine!

VISIT THE TRAINING CENTRE

But let’s talk about controls as it’s time for you to start warming up your thumbs in the changing room! Like any EA game, I highly recommend visiting the ‘Training Centre’ to practice fundamentals, attacking, defending, dribbling and more. Unlike other training modes for games, I found visiting the Training Centre to be an incredibly fun experience - especially the Headers & Volleys mode. The good news is that EA didn’t change the Penalty Kicks experience but I can’t recommend testing out this mode prior to launching your full length games because there’s NOTHING worse than botching a PK when the game is on the line! Don’t get caught off guard.. Go to the Training Centre straight away!

SKILL MOVES

For the longest time, I had been playing FIFA and FC 24 without the use of Skill Moves. Perhaps I was impatient and just wanted to jump into gameplay but it dawned on me that Skill Moves make a WORLD of difference. Much like fighting games, FC 25’s Skill Moves (ball hop, roll drag, nutmegs, spins etc.) involve precise analog movements. To say the least, I’m very glad to be using my KontrolFreek Precision Sports Thumbsticks (Soccer Edition) to improve grip, movement, comfort and control that help me pull off moves to fake out defenders.

In FC 25, there are several new Skill Moves that are incredibly fun to pull off in a match but can be tricky to master. I recommend “Big Feint” when you’re on the attack looking to cruise past an oncoming defender. To initiate your fancy footwork, move the right analog stick either left / right and then the left stick in the direction you want to move. Another fairly easy Skill Move is the “Stop and Go” which I’ve utilized mid-field in efforts to break past a defender. For Stop and Go, hold L2 and move the right stick back and forward - that’s it!

Now, if you REALLY want to make a Sky Sports highlight reel, spend some time mastering what EA calls four and five star Skill Moves. These moves will absolutely result in your opponent shouting in disgust! To perform a “Step Over Ball,’ hold L1 and flick the right stick forward, left, or right And if you’re really feeling saucy, drop the “Toe Drag Stepover” in a match by holding L1, rotate the right stick right, back, and left, or left, back, and right. Spoiler alert.. the advanced Skill Moves are not easy to pull off but with a little time spent in the Training Centre, you’ll be pulling them off and achieving legendary status in no time at all!

CONTROLLER SETTINGS

Ok, now it’s time to get into the nitty gritty as EA has tweaked the default control settings. I recommend going into Game Settings and ensure your present controls to “Competitive.” For Shot Assistance, this is a big one depending on your experience level but I’d eventually reco switching to “Precision” to allow you to utilize the left analog stick to increase your control and ultimately shot accuracy via precise aiming. If you’re a casual FIFA / FC player, stick with “Assisted” until you’re ready to take your scoring to the next level. Also, I’d suggest turning “Timed Finishing” on for improved shot accuracy and increased power.

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Need some help strengthening your defensive skill set? Look no further than “Second Man Press.” Once the opponent has possession of the ball, press the 'Second Man Press' button (R1) to instruct a second defender to join the press. Time your press correctly by releasing the 'Second Man Press' button when the opponent is about to receive the ball or when they're trying to play a pass. This will increase the chances of winning the ball back. If the press is successful, your defenders will win the ball back, and you can quickly transition to a counter-attack.

ATTACKING TIPS

Defense is cool and all but goal scorers are the real rockstars, right? Here’s a few tips to help you put the ball in the back of the net! Use the “Driven Pass” to send the ball on the ground or partially above the ground to an open teammate in a straight line. It’s particularly useful getting through a tight gap or when a normal pass would be intercepted. The Driven Pass is easy to pull off. Press R1 and Square to help create new scoring opportunities.

Need to confuse a pesky defender? Use the “Fake Shot” by pressing R2 and Square to create space and help set up a bonafide strike. Also recommend using a “'Dummy Run” by pressing R2 and Square to create space and confuse defenders. 

Add some tricks to your proverbial shot bag by mastering finesse, power and chip shots. Finesse shots (R1 and Circle) are used to bend the ball around the goalkeeper. Power shots (L1 + R1 + Circle) are delivered at high velocity, but take longer to execute. Chip shots (L1 and Circle) have a high arc and a best used when a keeper is charging at you.

DRIBBLING HELP

Keep possession of the ball and zoom past defenders with these tips. But before you make any moves, don’t forget when a defender closes in, press L2 to protect ball to set up your next pass. Try Strafe Dribbling (L1 + Left Analog) to move laterally with the ball without turning your whole body. 

PASSING TIPS

Last but not least, here are some ways to become a master passer:

• Through pass (lead teammates into open space = Triangle
• Lob pass (reach distant players) = Square
• Lobbed Through Passes (lead teammates behind defensive lines) = L1+ Triangle
• Pass-And-Go (great way to start a run) = L1 + X
• Precision pass (pass to an area instead of a specific teammate) = R1 + Triangle