FIFA 22 player traits: Every standard, Career Mode & CPU AI trait explained
In FIFA 22, traits are small bonuses given to certain players that affect how they behave both on the pitch in Ultimate Team, or off the pitch in Career Mode. Here’s our guide on every standard, CPU AI, and Career Mode trait in FIFA 22.
Whether you’re on the Ultimate Team grind or trophy-hunting in Career Mode, there’s plenty of factors you need to consider when bringing in a new player.
There are obvious stats like their overall rating and how fast they are, but there are also subtle traits that tell you a lot about a player before they step on the pitch.
FIFA 22 has plenty of different traits that can apply to players, so here’s our guide on what each one means.
What are FIFA 22 player traits?
Traits are small characteristics applied to certain players that affect how they play in-game, whether it be on Ultimate Team, Career Mode, or any of FIFA 22’s other modes.
Some impact the types of shots that an attacker specializes in, while others tell you what to expect from them off the pitch.
Players can have multiple traits or none at all, but they’re something worth considering when buying a player.
EA have included four different types of traits in FIFA 22, each applying to different areas of the game, check them all out below:
- Standard traits: Affects how the player behaves in matches when controlled by both the user or the CPU AI
- CPU AI traits: Only apply when the player is being controlled by the CPU AI, such as on Career Mode or Squad Battles
- Career Mode traits: These apply during Career Mode, but have no influence during actual matches
- VOLTA traits: Only apply in VOLTA mode for both user and CPU AI controlled players
Every FIFA 22 trait explained
Some of the traits on display in FIFA 22 are pretty self-explanatory, whereas some aren’t as obvious.
Luckily, we’ve broken down what every single trait in FIFA 22 does, as well as which of the four categories they fall into.
Finesse Shot
- Standard: Increases the amount curl a player can get on the ball when taking a finesse shot
- CPU AI: Players are more likely to take finesse shots
Power Header
- Standard: Players can head the ball more power than normal and more likely to take up positions in the box from corners
- VOLTA: Same effect but the positioning doesn’t apply
Outside Foot Shot
- Standard: Players with this trait can strike shots with the outside of their stronger foot
Long Throw-in
- Standard: Increases the maximum distance reached from a throw-in
Giant Throw-in
- Standard: Increases the maximum distance reached from a throw-in even further than players with the Long Throw-in trait
Driven Free Kicks
- Standard: Player takes a longer run-up at free kicks, allowing them to get more power on the shot.
- CPU AI: AI players are more likely to take driven shots from free kicks
Early Crosser
- CPU AI: Computer players look to deliver early crosses into the box
Swerve
- Standard: Reduced difficulty in taking shots with outside of the foot, and can also generate more bend when passing the ball
Fancy Passes
- Standard: Player finds it easier to pull off passes using backheels and skill moves
- CPU AI: Computer player can attempt flair passes
Flair
- Standard: More likely to pull off flair moves, can take flair shots without the user’s input, can lob the ball higher during short passes
- CPU AI: Computer player is more likely to try flair shots and passes, they are also more likely to stutter or chip during penalties
- VOLTA: More like to perform skilled passes and shots in VOLTA
Injury Prone
- Standard: A player with this trait has an increased chance of getting injured during a match
Solid Player
- Standard: Player is less likely to get injured during a match
Rushes Out Of Goal
- Standard: A goalkeeper with this trait will be more aggressive when coming out of the box for over the top passes
GK Cautious With Crosses
- Standard: A goalkeeper with this trait will only try to intercept a cross when they think they can get to the ball well before their opponent
GK Comes For Crosses
- Standard: More likely to try and intercept a cross even if they think they will get to the ball barely before their opponent
GK Long Thrower
- Standard: Increases how far a goalkeeper can throw the ball
- CPU AI: Computer goalkeeper is more likely to try a driven throw when making a long throw
Bicycle Kicks
- VOLTA: The player will try attempt more bicycle kicks and has more animations for the shot
Leadership
- Standard: Helps decide who will be captain if the usual captain is sent off or substituted
One Club Player
- Standard: Helps decide who will be captain if the usual captain is sent off or substituted
- Career Mode: Awarded to players who are known for their loyalty to one club, leading to player-specific storylines
Team Player
- Standard: Helps decide who will be captain if the usual captain is sent off or substituted
- Career Mode: Player is less likely to complain about lack of game time or contract issues
Dives Into Tackles
- CPU AI: Computer player is more likely to try and slide tackle the oppenent
Chip Shot
- CPU AI: Computer player will try and chip the ball over a goalkeeper where possible
Technical Dribbler
- CPU AI: AI player has more chance of trying to go on a long run from the back or beat multiple players
Speed Dribbler
- CPU AI: AI player has more chance of trying to go on a long run from the back or beat multiple players
Long Passer
- CPU AI: AI player is more likely to attempt long passes
Long Shot Taker
- CPU AI: Computer player will try long-range shots or volleys from outside the box more often
Playmaker
- CPU AI: Computer teams will look to pass the ball to a player with this trait more often, and the player makes quicker decision once they receive it
That was our guide on every single trait found in FIFA 22, so be sure to bear these characteristics in mind when picking your team.
For more on FIFA 22 Ultimate Team, check out the latest Team of the Week, and La Liga Player of the Month.
Image credits: EA
