No matter how good your team is in FIFA 23, the formation you use will play a big part in your performances and results.
FIFA 23 hosts a huge amount of formations to use in-game, with Ultimate Team offering 30 different formations to choose from, whilst every other game mode has 33 to choose from. A new FIFA 23 Ultimate Team formation added this year is the 5-1-2-2, with three-at-the-back and five-at-the-back formations now being seen more regularly in both FIFA and real life.
After the first few weeks of its release, players have started to realise that the trusty formations used in past FIFA's aren't quite cutting it in FIFA 23. Gone are the days of picking the quickest players possible and spamming through balls, with the new gameplay seemingly slowing down play, making it a much more technical game.
So, what are some of the best formations to use? Here are Mirror's top five formations to help you improve your game in FIFA 23.
Best FIFA 23 formations
4-1-2-1-2 (2/narrow)
Named in Ultimate Team as the 4-1-2-1-2 (2), but 4-1-2-1-2 narrow in other modes, this slim-looking formation will overload the centre of midfield in-game, giving players plenty of options when moving forward but plenty of cover for the defence when on the back foot.
With one CDM, two CMs and one CAM, the formation works perfectly when trying to pass your way forward, and with two strikers, your attacking options are never lacking.
5-1-2-2/5-3-2 (holding)
Another formation with another name on Ultimate Team, the brand-new 5-1-2-2 has proven to be a very impactful formation in FIFA 23, offering players a well-structured defensive unit that is deadly on the counterattack. The CDM is used to protect what can become a back three during counterattacks, whilst both wing-backs become forwards going forward, offering great service to both strikers.
4-2-3-1 narrow
A fan-favourite formation throughout past FIFA titles, the 4-2-3-1 is just as effective in FIFA 23. Another formation that can overload the midfield due to its use of five midfielders, the 4-2-3-1 is perfect for players who are looking to try and constantly attack without having to worry too much about defending.
4-4-2
Probably the most balanced formation on FIFA 23, the 4-4-2 formation remains a great option for your team. It offers fantastic defensive stability with its two rows of four, whilst on the attack, the LM and RM can act as wingers, changing the formation into more of a 4-2-4.
4-2-2-2
If you are still finding it hard to get used to the passing in FIFA 23, the 4-2-2-2 could be the one for you. Due to the team playing so narrow, it's easy for your team to counter-attack through the middle and overload the centre of the pitch, but if you were to lose the ball, there are enough bodies in the middle to win back possession.
FIFA 23 is developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and is now available worldwide on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PS4, and Xbox One.
