All new gameplay features in EA FC 25

Alongside the changes to fan-favorite modes, EA FC 25 will also bring a slate of new gameplay features and improvements. While introductions like Rush could prove to be a hit, other changes focus on enhancing the performance on the pitch.

Let’s take a look at the new FC 25 gameplay features revealed so far.

All gameplay changes in FC 25

• FC IQ
• Player Roles, Smart Tactics & tactical revamp
• New Skill Moves
• Goalkeeper PlayStyles
• Goalkeeper movement
• Corner kick assignments
• Professional Fouls

FC IQ

FC IQ is the focal point of the new gameplay features in this year’s title. The new mechanic is all about positioning and tactics. It will influence how players make decisions on the pitch, team tactics, player tactics, and so much more.

Player Roles, Smart Tactics & tactical revamp

EA Sports are giving players more control over tactics and strategy than ever before with Player Roles and Smart Tactics.

Over 50 new Player Roles are coming to the franchise, giving managers more options to adjust exactly how they want their players to move on and off the ball. As a manager, it’s up to you to define your playstyle as each Player Role comes with pros and cons.

Meanwhile, the devs explained that Smart Tactics features “new real-time suggestions and D-Pad functionalities.” This should open the door for players to make more real-time adjustments as they react to how the match unfolds.

New Skill Moves

• Big Feint (2-star)
  • Hold L2 + Flick RS left/Right (+ LS Direction to Exit) || Hold LT + Flick RS left/Right (+ LS Direction to Exit)
• Stop and Go (2-star)
  • Hold L2 + RS Back, Forward || Hold LT + RS Back, Forward
• Step Over Ball (4-star)
  • Hold L1 + Flick RS Forward, Left/Right || Hold LB + Flick RS Forward, Left/Right
• Toe Drag Stepover(5-star)
  • Hold L1 + Rotate RS Right, Back, Left / Rotate RS Left, Back, Right || Hold LB + Rotate RS Right, Back, Left / Rotate RS Left, Back, Right

Four new Skill Moves are making their way to the game. The Big Feint move could prove to be a popular option thanks to its simplicity.

Goalkeeper PlayStyles

• Footwork: Performs foot saves faster and with extended reach.
• Rush Out: Rush speed is increased and has an improved reaction speed to shots in rushing situations. 
• Deflector: Performs deflection saves into safer areas with increased ball speed control.
• Cross Claimer: Comes out to claim crosses with increased pace, increased awareness of the ball trajectory, and further punch reach with increased power.
• Far Reach: Performs diving saves with improved reach and has access to extended reach animations.
• Far Throw: Able to perform throws with increased speed and distance.

So far, FC 25 is introducing more goalkeeper PlayStyles.

Goalkeeper movement

Manual goalkeeper movement receives a change, with players now limited to one or two steps in any given direction when moving their stoppers. The devs explained they’ve also implemented “a short cooldown period after use to prevent this move from being overused repeatedly.”

Moving your goalkeeper has been a key part of Ultimate Team matches for years. Expert players use goalkeeper movements as a weapon to disorient and confuse opponent attackers.

Players often complained about the movement being too broken and the devs have implemented changes to dial back the range of manual goalkeeper movements in FC 25. The added restrictions should make it harder to manipulate opposing strikers.

Corner kick assignments

FC 25 brings new corner kick instructions to the table. Offensive players will be able to utilize the Target Player instruction, while defensive players can opt for Near Post or Back Post assignments.

Here’s a description of the three new options from the devs:

• Target Player: The assigned player will be the focus of the corner.
• Near Post: The assigned player will be positioned on the first post, or near it during a corner.
• Back Post: The assigned player will be positioned on the back post, or near it during a corner.

The Roles menu has been renamed to Assignments, and that’s where you’ll be able to assign clear instructions to players.

The devs confirmed that this feature may not be available in all modes.

Professional Fouls

Professional Fouls are a new gameplay mechanic in FC 25 that allows you to take down an opposing player with a foul that will always result in a yellow card. Pressing R1+X or RB+A  when you’re close enough will result in you strategically fouling the ball carrier, stopping their progress altogether.

This technique will likely be used to stop dangerous counterattacks when the guaranteed reception of a yellow card is worth the risk.

If you’re eager to secure your copy of and play FC 25 early, check out all the pre-order rewards up for grabs.