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Introduction
FIFA 23 isn’t just a football video game — it’s a competitive battlefield where tactics, timing, and precision win matches. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for Division 1 in Ultimate Team, success requires strategy, skill, and dedication. This guide walks you through everything from the basics to advanced techniques across key modes like Ultimate Team (FUT), Career Mode, and online multiplayer. Let’s break down how to improve your gameplay step by step.
1. Getting Started with FIFA 23: Learn the Basics
Before diving into online matches, it's essential to master the fundamentals. Customize your controller settings to match your playstyle — some players prefer alternate controls or manual passing for more control. Also, adjust camera settings like "Tele Broadcast" for a better view of the pitch.
Familiarize yourself with game modes such as Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Volta, and Pro Clubs. Skill Games is a great place to sharpen passing, shooting, and dribbling before real matches.
Tips for Beginners:
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Choose a control setup that suits you (Classic or Alternate)
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Adjust gameplay aids (e.g. Assisted passing or through balls)
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Start with Skill Games to learn core mechanics
2. Mastering Movement and Dribbling
Dribbling is what separates casuals from pros. FIFA 23 gives you tools like Left Stick Dribbling, Agile Dribbling, and ball shielding to maintain control in tight situations. Use the Right Stick for skill flicks and L2/LT to protect the ball under pressure.
Learn basic skill moves such as ball rolls, stepovers, and fake shots. These moves, combined with tight dribbling, help you break past defenders.
Important Techniques:
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Left Stick Dribbling for close control
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Agile Dribbling (R1/RB) to quickly change direction
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Shielding (L2/LT) when being pressured
3. Building the Best Squad in FUT
In FIFA Ultimate Team, building chemistry is just as important as player ratings. Start with a formation like 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 that offers balance. Focus on players from the same league or nationality for higher chemistry.
Avoid buying expensive cards early on. Instead, target affordable but effective “meta” players who perform well even with lower ratings.
Squad Building Checklist:
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Prioritize chemistry over rating
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Use FUTBIN or FUTWIZ to compare stats and prices
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Keep a balance between pace, strength, and passing in your lineup
4. Advanced Passing and Shooting Techniques
FIFA 23 rewards precise timing. Learn advanced passing techniques like driven passes (R1 + X) and lobbed through balls (L1 + Triangle). These are crucial for unlocking tight defenses.
Timed finishing adds power and accuracy to shots, but it takes practice. Learn when to use finesse shots, chip shots, and power shots depending on the situation.
Passing and Shooting Types to Master:
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Driven Ground Pass for quick attacks
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Lobbed Through Balls for breaking down wide areas
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Timed Finishing for powerful shots
5. Defending Like a Pro
Defending in FIFA 23 is more manual than in past versions. Relying on AI won't cut it. Use L2/LT to jockey attackers and switch players manually using the Right Stick for better control.
Avoid slide tackles unless you’re sure of the timing. Patience and positioning are key. Apply pressure smartly and don’t chase the ball aimlessly.
Defending Tips:
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Use jockeying to slow attackers down
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Master manual switching to control the play
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Focus on containing rather than rushing in
6. Custom Tactics and Player Instructions
Custom tactics help you adapt your playstyle. Want to play possession-based football? Use short passing and slow build-up. Prefer counterattacks? Use "Fast Build Up" and "Forward Runs."
Player instructions are just as vital. You can tell your striker to “Get In Behind” or your fullbacks to “Stay Back While Attacking.” This adds another layer of control to your team’s behavior.
Custom Tactics to Try:
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Defense: Width 50, Depth 55–60 for balance
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Offense: Balanced or Fast Build Up
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Instructions: Assign roles based on your style (e.g. CDMs to stay back)
7. Managing Coins and Transfers in FUT
Coins are everything in Ultimate Team. Avoid wasting them on unnecessary packs. Instead, earn coins through matches, objectives, and Squad Battles.
Learn the transfer market: buy players during market dips and sell during peaks (usually on weekends). Complete Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) to earn high-value untradeable cards.
Market Management Tips:
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Track player values using trading apps
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Buy during promo events, sell before Weekend League
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Complete SBCs for long-term rewards
8. Climbing the Ladder in Rivals and FUT Champs
Division Rivals and FUT Champions are where the real competition happens. Stick to a consistent playstyle and learn to stay calm under pressure.
Review your matches. Learn from losses. Are you conceding late goals? Struggling against certain formations? Use this info to tweak tactics and improve.
Tips for Competitive Play:
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Warm up with Squad Battles
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Take breaks after tough losses
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Watch pro gameplay to learn new strategies
9. Playing Career Mode Efficiently
Career Mode offers a slower, more strategic way to enjoy FIFA. Manage transfers, train youth players, and develop talent over multiple seasons.
Use training drills and match experience to boost player stats. Promote youth players from the academy and loan out players for development.
Career Mode Strategy:
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Sign young players with high potential
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Rotate squad to manage fatigue
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Pay attention to morale and objectives
10. Keep Practicing and Stay Updated
FIFA 23 is constantly evolving. EA regularly releases patches that affect gameplay mechanics. Stay updated by reading patch notes and following community forums.
Dedicate time to practicing your weak areas. Play friendlies to try out new tactics without affecting your record. Improvement comes through consistent effort.
Ways to Keep Improving:
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Rewatch your own gameplay to find weaknesses
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Use friendlies for tactical experiments
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Join online forums and ask for feedback
Conclusion
Mastering FIFA 23 isn’t about buying the most expensive players or scoring flashy goals. It’s about fundamentals, smart tactics, and continuous improvement. Whether you want to dominate in FUT, manage your dream club in Career Mode, or climb to the top of FUT Champions, the journey starts with understanding and applying the right techniques. Stick to the tips in this guide, and you’ll find yourself improving every game.
