Along with selecting the right players and using the right tactics, picking the best formation is vital for success in EA Sports FC 25. With the changes across the game this year since EA Sports FC 24, players have more options than ever when setting up their team, but the base formations remain the same as they have across the series for years. This year, there are over 50 formations to choose from, all of which can be tweaked in several ways, making it vital that you pick the best ones.

The formation you select will have an element of personal preference depending on the style of play you would like to adopt. Some formations are naturally more attacking, whereas some are set up for more defensive-oriented play. However, the best formations also give players an advantage in the highly competitive online arenas and dominate AI across various offline modes. Here are the ten best formations in EA Sports FC 25.

10 3-4-2-1

A More Defensive Option

While the majority of the best formations in EA Sports FC 25 all use the standard four-person defense, there are credible options with either three or five at the back. While the latter doesn't have as many strong formations currently, 3-4-2-1 is effective for those who want to pose the opposition a different problem when you line up on the field. This can be a great tactic as most players will get used to facing the same two or three formations every match when competing online in the Ultimate Team mode.

The formation's strength is that it lines up with six midfielders, which gives stability in front of the defense, comprehensive options, and two attacking midfielders to the lone striker. For this formation to work, you must make the most of the best midfielders available in EA Sports FC 25.

9 4-3-2-1

Dominating The Centre Of The Pitch

A formation that is very similar to others on this list, the 4-3-2-1 is an excellent option in its own right. It is one of the narrowest formations available in EA Sports FC 25, but with influential central midfielders, it allows you to dominate the game at your own pace. The choice of attacking midfielders is vital as they will provide all of the chance creation for this formation, alongside using full-backs that can give the width needed.

For those who like to use the 4-3-3, this is a great alternative if you want a bit more protection. The two attacking midfielders can easily drop back in to the team.

8 4-4-1-1

An Alternative For Something Different

While not often a formation that players are asked to try out, the 4-4-1-1 is a good alternative for players who want to adopt a more defensive look. Out of all the four-person defense options, this is the most solid, using left and right-wingers to provide some width and offer outlets.

For this formation to work, ball retention is critical with only one attacking midfielder and one striker in the line-up, but if you can be clinical with chances, it is a great option. The individual tactics and player roles are essential when choosing 4-4-1-1, as if you go behind with it, you will need to be able to adapt to try and get back into the game.

7 4-5-1

Defense Is The First Priority

Like the previous formation, the 4-5-1 offers a solid base of bodies to use. Many players struggle to get to grips with the updated defense in EA Sports FC 25, which happens most years. This makes the more defensive formations a good option early in the game's yearly cycle. While it looks like a more negative line-up, the setup in midfield makes it very expansive.

Two wide midfielders and two attacking midfielders offer plenty of players who can the lone striker. For this formation to work, you must use a good target man through the middle, such as Erling Haaland, who can run behind and bring others into the game.

6 4-4-2

The Classics Still Can't Be Beaten

As was the case at the start of EA Sports FC 24, the classic 4-4-2 formation remains one of the best in EA Sports FC 25. While there are many more fancy options available to players, the formation offers stability, protection for the defense, and customization to suit every player.

The new player roles introduced for EA Sports FC 25 allow tweaks to players' positions and instructions that were not previously possible.

It is a great formation for those who like to use the highest-rated central midfielders, including those in the table above, such as Aitana Bonmati, who is one of the best-value players currently on the transfer market in Ultimate Team. Above all, it is a great all-around formation that can be used regardless of the score during a match, providing both attacking threats and a great defensive setup.

5 4-1-2-1-2 (2)

My Personal Favorite Setup

For many years in the series, my favorite formation has been one of the versions of the 4-1-2-1-2. Despite the changes for EA Sports FC 25, this formation remains a great choice. The one defensive midfielder and one attacking midfielder act as pivots for the team and are the key positions to make the formation work.

The second variation is the narrow option featuring two central midfielders, which allows for more retention of the ball for those who are patient in possession. However, both make great use of the extra firepower up front that comes with two strikers.

4 4-2-2-2

An Alternative Solid Formation

While the 4-4-2 flat formation is the most balanced, many players prefer the tweaked 4-2-2-2, which includes two defensive midfielders and two attacking midfielders. Personal preference will play a significant role between the two, but this offers several benefits.

It allows you to fully use some of the best-attacking players in the game, such as Jude Bellingham, who might struggle to get forward and have an impact in the 4-4-2 option. It also guarantees more protection, with the two defensive midfielders permanently providing a block in front of the defensive, which is especially useful at this time of year when players are struggling to stop concerning goals.

3 4-3-1-2

Two Up Front Can Be The Charm

Another strong, solid formation is the 4-3-1-2. It resembles many of the other popular options at the start of EA Sports FC 25. While no midfielders are classified as defensive, the three central midfielders can control the game.

As opposed to the formation at number one on this list, it also has the benefits you get from playing two strikers up front, including the highest-rated strikers listed in the table above. This allows you to always have a presence at the attacking end of the pitch and gives the two forwards someone to always link with on the counterattack.

2 4-3-3(4)

The Most Attacking Option

The various versions of 4-3-3 have always been one of the most popular for ultimate team competitive players of the series, and this remains the case in EA Sports FC 25. Known as one of the most attacking options, it allows three attacking players to work together to create lots of opportunities. The above table highlights the highest-rated wingers that can be used in this formation.

You can pick from four different 4-3-3 variations to perfectly suit your style of play.

The two wingers often have space open down either side, allowing the main striker to create plenty of chances. Of all the formations in EA Sports FC 25, 4-3-3 gets the most out of the wingers, and many of the best players in the game have either the left wing or right wing as their default position. This particular variation also comes with three central midfielders holding the formation together and allowing the ball to be quickly moved up to the front three.

1 4-2-3-1

The Early Meta Formation

Currently, in the early cycle of EA Sports FC 25, 4-2-3-1 is the meta formation to pick and is one of the most solid options, especially for those less experienced when playing online. The two defensive midfielders can do all the protecting, allowing the three attacking midfielders to push on. Manchester City midfielder Rodri is perfect for one of the defensive positions in this formation and can also get the ball moving with his ing ability.

There is also the second variation of this formation, which swaps two of the attacking midfielders out for left and right midfielders, but this is very much a matter of personal preference.

The 4-2-3-1 formation allows the player to control the match. With so many players in the middle, it is very easy to keep the ball. Many of the top attacking players in EA Sports FC 25 have attacking midfielder as an alternative position, allowing many top stars to play in this formation.

Picking the best formations is vital for your chances of success in EA Sports FC 25, especially when playing against others online. However, by using a solid option that suits your style of play, you will win more games.

Source: Inception FC/YouTube, Omidexce/YouTube, Y5K/YouTube