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    Best Formations in FIFA 23

    Best Formations in FIFA 23
    Written By Onur Demirkol

    (Content Writer)

    Reviewed by : Naim Rosinski

    (Content Manager & Editor)

    Last UpdatedSeptember 28, 2025 at 10:13AM
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    In pursuing victory in FIFA 23, your squad choices are just the tip of the iceberg. The real game-changer lies in using custom tactics and formations strategically, especially when you're gunning for glory in FUT Champs and Division Rivals. Let's dive into the best FIFA 23 formations and tactics that could be your ticket to triumph.

    Picking the right formation is like setting the stage for your players' brilliance. Among the multitude of options, one standout is the 4-2-3-1 formation. A familiar face from previous FIFAs, it continues to shine in FIFA 23, offering flexibility and a range of attacking options. Mastering the ins and outs of the 4-2-3-1 formation might just be the key to dominating the digital pitch.

    Best formation FIFA 23: 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow)

    For those searching for a formation that melds solid defense with attacking flair, the 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow) is a hidden gem. Tailoring custom tactics to this formation can lift your gameplay to new heights. Player instructions focusing on defensive stability and offensive punch make this formation a sweet spot for those aiming to conquer FIFA 23's competitive landscape.

    Credit: FIFPlay
    Credit: FIFPlay

    Player Instructions and Custom Tactics for 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow)

    Player Instructions:

    • Left-back: Stay back while attacking
    • Right-back: Stay back while attacking
    • CDM: Cover center, Stay back while attacking
    • CMs: Get into the box for crosses, Get forward
    • CAM: Stay forward
    • ST: Stay forward, Get in behind

    Defensive Tactics:

    • Defensive Style: Balanced
    • Width: 40
    • Depth: 50

    Offensive Tactics:

    • Build Up Play: Balanced
    • Chance Creation: Forward Runs
    • Width: 40
    • Players In Box: 70
    • Corners and Free Kicks: 2 bars

    Breaking Down Attacking Settings

    As you step into the attacking arena, two crucial aspects demand your attention: Build Up Play and Chance Creation. These settings shape your attackers' movements and the nature of their runs. Finding the right balance that aligns with your formation and play style is crucial for climbing the ranks in FUT Champs.

    Build Up Play: Four Paths to Success

    Balanced: Stick to your formation; players make support runs when needed.

    • Slow Build Up: Players come short for quick, easy passes, ideal for possession-oriented play.
    • Long Ball: Run behind the defensive line, perfect for pacey strikers and passes over the top.
    • Fast Build Up: Constant attacking runs, but beware of leaving yourself vulnerable to counterattacks.

    Chance Creation: Crafting Your Style

    • Balanced: Players make runs judiciously, staying in formation when necessary.
    • Possession: Emphasis on patient passing, waiting for gaps to appear without excessive runs.
    • Direct Passing: Ideal for quick players, focusing on runs in behind and timely through balls.
    • Forward Runs: Aggressive push up the pitch, offering numerous options but susceptible to counterattacks.

    Navigating Defensive Settings

    Defending in FIFA 23 is more than just keeping the ball out; it's a tactical dance with different defensive styles and depths. Grasping these settings can be the game-changer between a rock-solid defense and a vulnerable one.

    Defensive Settings: Width/Depth Slider

    • Balanced: Stays in formation, presses in the middle of the pitch.
    • Pressure on Heavy Touch: Defenders press on stray passes or poor touches.
    • Press After Possession Loss: Frantic pressing for a few seconds after losing the ball.
    • Constant Pressure: Teamwide pressing to win the ball in dangerous positions.

    Formation alternative: 4-2-3-1

    For those immersed in FIFA 23, the 4-2-3-1 formation is more than just a setup; it's a gateway to diverse attacking strategies. This tactical powerhouse beckons gamers to align their playstyle with personalized custom tactics and player instructions, offering an adaptable experience with both Narrow and Wide configurations to suit individual preferences.

    Credit: FIFPlay
    Credit: FIFPlay

    The 4-2-3-1 formation thrives on versatility, urging players to blend their go-to attacking style with occasional strategic maneuvers seamlessly. The default custom tactics provided with this formation are like a well-tailored suit – best left unaltered. Making drastic changes might throw off the intended rhythm, potentially jeopardizing your success in the digital field. Renowned globally, the 4-2-3-1 formation stands tall as a favorite among elite FIFA 23 Online Seasons teams.

    Achieving the perfect balance between offensive and defensive positioning is the name of the game. It's about maintaining an attacking edge without overcommitting players deep or high on the pitch. For peak performance with the 4-2-3-1 formation, consider the following custom tactics:

    Custom Tactics for 4-2-3-1

    Defensive Settings:

    • Defensive Style: Balanced
    • Defensive Width: 45-50
    • Defensive Depth: 50

    Offensive Settings:

    • Offensive Build-Up Play: Balanced
    • Offensive Chance Creation: Forward Runs or Direct Passing
    • Offensive Width: 60
    • Players In Box: 5
    • Corners: 2
    • Free Kicks: 2

    Player Instructions

    Paying heed to player instructions is essential to unlock the full potential of the 4-2-3-1 formation. Ensure your squad adheres to the following directives:

    Goalkeeper and Center Backs:

    • Leave instructions unchanged

    Full Backs:

    • Stay Back While Attacking for both

    Midfielders:

    • Cover Center for both
    • Stay Back While Attacking for the more defensive midfielder

    Wingers:

    • Get Into The Box For Cross for both

    Attacking Midfielder:

    • Get Into The Box For Cross
    • Stay Forward

    Striker:

    • Get In Behind
    • Stay Forward

    Best FIFA 23 formations for each playstyle

    When choosing a formation in FIFA 23, it’s best to match your setup to your playstyle.

    Playstyle

    Best formations

    Why it works

    Attacking / High Pressure

    4-3-3 (wide), 4-2-3-1

    Provides width with wingers and CAM support, strong for pressing and overloads.

    Possession / Control

    4-1-2-1-2 (narrow), 4-2-2-2

    Compact midfield for short passes, excellent control of the central areas.

    Counter-Attacking / Fast Breaks

    5-2-1-2, 4-3-3 (direct)

    Uses wingbacks or wingers for quick transitions, pace-heavy for fast breaks.

    Defensive / Compact

    4-1-2-1-2 (defensive), 4-2-2-2 (CDMs deeper)

    Two holding mids shield defense, compact shape to close gaps and frustrate opponents.

    Guide Categories

    • EA FC 24 formations
    • Beginner Guides
    • FIFA 23 camera settings
    • Highest Rated Players
    • Best Formations in FIFA 23
    Onur Demirkol

    Onur Demirkol here, content writer for THESPIKEGG. I have been around for a very long time now, you may have seen me in the comments.

    I started writing here in 2021, but my first gig was back in 2018. That was when I realized people actually get paid to write about games. I’ve written thousands of articles for different media outlets, led teams, and conducted interviews with players.

    When I’m not behind the keyboard, I’m watching Galatasaray, following the NBA, or pretending I’m still good at basketball. I also work full-time at AnyDesk, writing serious things in not-so-serious ways.

    If you want to reach out, feel free to contact me on X, LinkedIn, take a look at my work at MuckRack or send me an email at [email protected].

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