Ultimate FIFA 22 defending guide for new controls, tactics & player instructions
FIFA 22 gameplay changes bring a load of new defending tactics, player instructions, and potentially meta-changing features as well – all of which we’ll run through in this FIFA 22 defending guide.
On July 29, EA revealed lots of gameplay changes in the first batch ofPitch Notes– some of which have already proven to be very popular in the community.
Blocks were one of the most frustrating features of defensive play in FIFA 21, though they have been significantly down tooled this time. That’s not all, either.
Here, we’ll be breaking down all the new defensive features, and how to use them.
FIFA 22 gameplay changes
A number of gameplay changes have been announced for FIFA 22, some of which can be seen in the gameplay trailer.
FIFA 22 gameplay trailer
New FIFA 22 defending controls
Learning your FIFA 22 controls is a very basic step, and many experienced players of the series will know much of them already.
There are a few new controls, though.
New defending tactics
Defensive tactics in FIFA 22 will change quite significantly, with EA making four significant tweaks. These can be found below.
Custom Tactics slider
How to block in FIFA 22
Blocking has experienced what appears to be a serious nerf in FIFA 22, with the following changes being made:
New FIFA 22 player instructions
Meta tactics
Changes to FIFA 22 defending tactics give players the ability to defend deeper, which could be a sign of what’s to come in the meta. Previous FIFA games have been very defensive-minded, especially inFUT Champs, and these changes – particularly the slider – could have a similar effect.
It is early to call any of these meta tactics for the time being, though once EA Play has been released with early access, we’ll be sure to update this guide.
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Formations
Based on the FIFA 22 gameplay changes, it would be an early prediction to say flexible systems may be the best in the game. For example, the new player instructions to Free Roam, Overlap, and Step Up sound ideal for formations with three at the back, offering backup when players move positions on the field.
Check out ourbest formations guidefor more details.
