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Introduction
FIFA 23 is the final EA Sports FIFA title before the transition to EA Sports FC, making it a special and refined entry in the series. The game blends realistic football simulation with accessible gameplay, offering something for both casual players and hardcore competitors. But winning consistently requires more than just knowing the controls — it’s about mastering strategy, understanding the meta, and improving match-by-match.
This guide will walk you through ten essential stages to elevate your gameplay, from the basics to pro-level tactics, arranged in logical order so you can learn progressively.
1. Getting Comfortable with the Fundamentals
Before chasing flashy skills or meta tactics, you need a solid base. FIFA 23 rewards players who have precise control over the ball and an understanding of how the game reacts to different inputs.
Spend time in Skill Games mode to work on passing, dribbling, and shooting accuracy. Small improvements in these areas can have a huge impact on your match results.
Beginner Checklist:
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Learn how to shield the ball effectively.
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Avoid sprinting at all times; use it strategically.
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Practice short passing to maintain possession.
2. Understanding the AcceleRATE System
A major change in FIFA 23 is the AcceleRATE mechanic, which categorizes players into three acceleration types: Explosive, Controlled, and Lengthy. Knowing how these types work can change how you build your squad and play matches.
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Explosive: Fast initial acceleration but slower over long distances (great for wingers).
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Controlled: Balanced acceleration curve (most players fall here).
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Lengthy: Slower start but much faster over long sprints (ideal for strong forwards or defenders).
Use this knowledge to match your players to your tactics — for example, Lengthy strikers excel in counter-attacks.
3. Picking the Best Formation for Your Playstyle
Formations are the skeleton of your game plan. The right one depends on your preferred style — possession-based, counter-attacking, or high-pressing.
Popular FIFA 23 Formations:
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4-2-3-1: Great defensive stability and midfield control.
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4-3-3 (Attack): Ideal for wing play and quick attacks.
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5-1-2-2: Surprisingly effective for counter-attacks while staying defensively solid.
Don’t just copy a pro’s tactics — tweak them so they fit your comfort level.
4. Improving Your Passing Game
Passing in FIFA 23 is more sensitive than ever, with ball speed and direction affected by player stats and positioning. To keep possession, vary your passes to make your attacks less predictable.
Advanced Passing Options:
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Driven Pass (R1/RB + Pass): Faster pass to bypass pressing defenders.
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Lofted Pass (L1/LB + Pass): Useful for crossing congested midfields.
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Manual Passing (L2/LT + Pass): Gives full control over direction and speed.
Mixing short and long passes keeps opponents guessing.
5. Attacking with Variety
One of the biggest mistakes players make is attacking the same way every time. FIFA 23 AI — and human opponents — will quickly adapt.
Combine quick one-two passes, wing play, and central dribbles to keep your offense dynamic. Try fake shots and skill moves to create space inside the box.
Key Attacking Skills to Learn:
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Ball Roll (Right Stick left/right): Simple but creates shooting angles.
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Heel to Heel Flick (Right Stick up then down): Great for sudden bursts forward.
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Step Over: Useful for changing direction quickly against defenders.
6. Shooting Like a Pro
Finishing chances is the difference between winning and losing tight matches. FIFA 23 offers multiple shot types, each suited for different situations.
When to Use Each Shot Type:
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Finesse Shot: Perfect for curving the ball into the far post.
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Low-Driven Shot: Ideal in one-on-one situations with the keeper.
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Power Shot: Risky but highly rewarding when you have space outside the box.
Tip: Don’t always go for maximum power — accuracy is often more important.
7. Defending Smart, Not Hard
Over-committing in defense is one of the fastest ways to concede goals. Instead, focus on positioning, anticipation, and timing.
Defensive Golden Rules:
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Always jockey attackers instead of diving in.
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Switch to the right defender early to cut off passing lanes.
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Use team press sparingly to avoid draining stamina.
FIFA 23 rewards patient defenders who force opponents into making mistakes.
8. Mastering Set Pieces for Easy Goals
Set pieces are a golden opportunity in FIFA 23, but they require practice to master.
Free Kicks: Use players with high curve and free-kick accuracy. Aim slightly outside the post for curled shots.
Corners: Target your tallest players or use a short corner to create a better angle.
Penalties: Keep your aim steady, time your shot, and don’t panic.
A well-practiced set piece routine can win you games in competitive matches.
9. Adapting to Opponents in Real Time
Flexibility wins matches. If your opponent is pressing hard, switch to a defensive formation and slow down the tempo. If they’re sitting deep, use quick passing to draw them out.
Make use of the D-Pad tactics during matches:
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Up: Attacking styles.
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Down: Defensive styles.
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Left/Right: Adjust team shape.
Learning to read your opponent’s style is a skill that develops over time.
10. Staying Consistent and Improving Over Time
The final step to mastering FIFA 23 is consistency. Play regularly, track your performance, and work on specific weaknesses.
Watch professional FIFA streamers or eSports tournaments to see how top players manage games. Don’t be afraid to experiment in casual matches before applying tactics in competitive play.
Improvement Plan:
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Play at least a few matches daily to stay sharp.
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Rewatch your own gameplay to spot mistakes.
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Set small goals, like improving pass accuracy by 5%.
Conclusion
FIFA 23 rewards players who combine technical skills with smart decision-making. By building a strong foundation, adapting to opponents, and refining your tactics over time, you can compete with anyone — whether in Ultimate Team, Career Mode, or online seasons. Every match is a chance to improve, so take these tips, hit the pitch, and start winning more consistently.
