FC 25: 10 Beginner Tips And Tricks

EA Sports FC 25 (formerly FIFA) is a game where strategy, skill, and smart decision-making can make the difference between winning and losing. For beginners, the game can feel overwhelming due to new mechanics, squad building, and in-game tactics. Many new players struggle with passing, defending, and choosing the right formations, leading to frustrating losses and inconsistent gameplay.

This guide covers 10 essential beginner tips to help you master the basics, improve your gameplay, and build a stronger team. Whether you’re playing Ultimate Team, Career Mode, or Online Seasons, these tips will help you get the most out of FC 25 and start winning more matches. Let’s get started!

#10: Start with Training Mode to Build Fundamentals

Before jumping into competitive matches in FC 25, it’s essential to practice in Training Mode to develop a strong foundation. Many beginners rush into games without understanding passing mechanics, shooting accuracy, or defensive positioning, which leads to frustrating losses.

Training Mode allows you to hone your skills in a low-pressure environment, focusing on dribbling, finishing, passing, and defending. You can also practice free kicks, penalties, and skill moves to get comfortable with different in-game situations. Additionally, use Skill Games to sharpen specific abilities like precision shooting, crossing, and ball control.

By taking the time to train before heading into real matches, you’ll develop better reactions, improved ball control, and a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics, giving you a strong start in FC 25.

#9: Learn to Defend Manually for Better Control

Defense is just as important as attacking in FC 25, and relying too much on AI-assisted defending can leave you vulnerable to skilled opponents. Many beginners spam the tackle button or rely on auto-defending, which often leads to mistimed challenges and open spaces for the opponent to exploit. Learning manual defending will help you control the game better and prevent unnecessary goals.

Instead of rushing into tackles, focus on positioning your defenders correctly, using jockeying (L2/LT) to slow down attackers, and timing standing tackles properly. Switch players effectively (using the right stick) to control the correct defender instead of relying on auto-switching, which can leave gaps in your backline. Also, use containment (R1/RB) wisely to apply pressure without overcommitting.

By mastering manual defending, you’ll concede fewer goals, disrupt your opponent’s attack, and maintain better control of the game, making you a tougher player to beat in FC 25.

#8: Complete Objectives and SBCs for Better Rewards

In FC 25 Ultimate Team, Objectives and Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) are essential for earning coins, packs, and special player cards without spending real money. Many beginners ignore these features, missing out on valuable rewards that can improve their squad early on.

Objectives offer daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks that reward you with coins, XP, loan players, and untradeable packs. Completing them regularly will help you progress faster and unlock better rewards over time. Similarly, SBCs allow you to exchange unwanted players for better rewards, including rare packs, special cards, and club upgrades. Start with basic and beginner-friendly SBCs before attempting advanced ones that require higher-rated squads.

By completing Objectives and SBCs, you’ll build a stronger team, earn better rewards, and gain an edge in Ultimate Team without having to grind as much in FC 25.

#7: Stay Updated on New Events and Meta Changes

FC 25 is constantly evolving with new promos, player upgrades, and gameplay patches, so staying informed is crucial to keeping up with the competition. Many beginners stick to outdated tactics or ignore in-game events, missing out on valuable rewards and improvements that could enhance their squad.

Keep an eye on Ultimate Team promos, new Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and special player cards, as they often provide high-value rewards that can improve your team. Additionally, follow patch notes and gameplay updates, as EA frequently adjusts mechanics like passing, shooting, and defending, which can impact your playstyle. Watching content creators, streamers, and community forums can also help you learn about new strategies and the evolving meta.

By staying updated on game changes and events, you’ll always be one step ahead, making better team-building decisions and adapting to the latest gameplay mechanics in FC 25.

#6: Manage Your Coins Wisely to Build a Stronger Team

In FC 25 Ultimate Team, coin management is crucial for building a competitive squad without wasting resources. Many beginners overspend on packs, unnecessary transfers, or overpriced players, which slows down their progress and leaves them struggling to afford key upgrades.

Instead of spending coins on random packs, save and invest in players that fit your squad or have potential market value. Use the Transfer Market smartly, looking for undervalued players during off-peak hours and selling when demand is high. Completing Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) can also help you turn unwanted players into better rewards without spending extra coins.

Avoid impulse buying and focus on gradually improving your team with smart purchases. By managing your coins wisely, you’ll build a stronger squad, stay financially stable, and progress faster in FC 25 Ultimate Team.

#5: Use the Right Formation to Maximize Your Playstyle

Choosing the right formation in FC 25 is essential for controlling the game, creating chances, and defending effectively. Many beginners stick to default formations without considering their strengths and weaknesses, leading to poor positioning and an unbalanced team.

If you prefer possession-based play, go for formations like 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, which provide midfield control and passing options. If you like fast counterattacks, formations like 4-4-2 or 4-3-2-1 work well due to their balanced defense and attacking transitions. For defensive stability, formations like 5-3-2 or 4-2-2-2 can help you absorb pressure and hit on the break.

Experiment with different formations to find what suits your playstyle best. Also, adjust custom tactics to refine your approach, such as pressing styles, player positioning, and attacking width. By choosing the right formation, you’ll create a more effective game plan, improve team balance, and increase your chances of winning in FC 25.

#4: Master Basic Controls for Better Gameplay

Having good control over your players in FC 25 is essential for passing, dribbling, defending, and finishing effectively. Many beginners rely on basic movements and auto-assisted mechanics, which can limit their ability to compete against skilled opponents. Learning manual controls and advanced mechanics will help you improve faster.

Start with precise passing (R1/RB + X/A) and through balls (Triangle/Y) to break down defenses instead of just using standard passes. Timed finishing (O/B) can significantly increase shot accuracy, while skill moves like ball rolls and step-overs add unpredictability to your attacks. On defense, avoid reckless tackles—use jockeying (L2/LT) and second-man press (R1/RB) to close down opponents effectively.

Practicing these basic controls in Skill Games or Training Mode will help you build muscle memory and execute plays more efficiently. By mastering the fundamentals, you’ll improve passing, defending, and attacking, leading to better overall performance in FC 25.

#3: Understand Player Roles to Maximize Team Performance

Each player in FC 25 has a specific role based on their attributes, positioning, and playstyle, and understanding these roles can help you optimize your team’s performance. Many beginners place players in the wrong positions or expect them to perform tasks that don’t suit their abilities, leading to ineffective gameplay and poor results.

For example, CDMs (Defensive Midfielders) like Rodri or Casemiro are built for breaking up attacks and distributing passes, not sprinting forward to score. Wingers like Vinícius Jr. or Salah excel at beating defenders and delivering crosses, while strikers like Haaland or Mbappé should be positioned to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities.

Check each player’s attributes, work rates, and preferred position before assigning them roles. Adjust custom tactics to ensure your midfielders track back, your full-backs support attacks, and your attackers make the right runs. By understanding and utilizing player roles correctly, you’ll create a more balanced, efficient team that performs better in FC 25.

#2: Choose Your Starter Team Wisely for a Stronger Start

Building a solid starter team in FC 25 is crucial for early success, as it determines how well you compete in your first matches. Many beginners spend coins on expensive players too soon or build unbalanced squads, leading to struggles in Ultimate Team or Career Mode. Instead of focusing on high-rated players, prioritize team chemistry, budget-friendly options, and a formation that suits your playstyle.

Start by picking a league or nation with affordable, well-rounded players—for example, Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A squads tend to have a mix of pace, strength, and versatility. Look for fast wingers, solid midfielders, and defenders with good tackling and positioning rather than just high overall ratings. Also, use Objectives and SBC rewards to get valuable untradeable players early on.

By choosing your starter team wisely, you’ll have a well-balanced squad, better chemistry, and a strong foundation to compete effectively in FC 25 without wasting coins on overpriced players.

#1: Select the Right Difficulty to Improve Efficiently

Choosing the right difficulty level in FC 25 is crucial for developing your skills at a comfortable pace. Many beginners either play on a difficulty that’s too easy, limiting their improvement, or too hard, leading to frustration and poor gameplay habits. Selecting the right setting ensures a balanced challenge while allowing you to refine your tactics and mechanics.

If you’re new to FIFA games, start with Semi-Pro or Professional to get used to the mechanics. As you improve your passing, dribbling, and defending, gradually increase the difficulty to World Class or Legendary for a more competitive experience. In Ultimate Team, Squad Battles allows you to adjust difficulty while earning rewards, making it a great mode for progression.

By choosing the right difficulty, you’ll challenge yourself without feeling overwhelmed, allowing for steady improvement, better decision-making, and a smoother transition into competitive gameplay in FC 25.

Conclusion

Getting better at FC 25 requires more than just playing matches—it’s about understanding game mechanics, making smart decisions, and improving your overall strategy. By choosing the right difficulty, building a balanced starter team, mastering player roles, and using the right formation, you’ll create a strong foundation for success. Learning manual defending, managing coins wisely, and staying updated on new events will also help you progress faster in Ultimate Team and Career Mode. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your skills, these 10 beginner tips will give you a competitive edge and help you enjoy FC 25 to the fullest. Now, hit the pitch and start winning!