EA FC 25: How to Attack Like a Pro, Explained

Attacking in EA FC has become more complex as the series has evolved. From passing to dribbling, much has changed compared to the previous iteration. This means that if you used to exploit a certain meta in EA FC 24, chances are that it won’t work in EA FC 25. Being one of the more intricate soccer games, EA FC 25 demands a ton of technicality while attacking. 

So, it is high time to ditch going after certain metas and learn the fundamentals of being a good attacker. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about attacking in EA FC 25.

How To Attack Like A Pro In EA FC 25

Learning the Fundamentals

One of the biggest mistakes that players make is trying to learn the pro-level mechanics without practicing the basics. This is a major blunder because if you don’t know the fundamentals, you won’t be able to execute the pro moves. Before practicing the player lock and other advanced-level mechanics, we recommend mastering the basics. There are 4 major components to attacking, and all of them are essential to being a good attacker. So, let’s break them down one by one. 

Positioning

The most basic principle for creating a good attack is positioning your players correctly. If you hog the ball with a player and decide to dribble past all the defenders alone, your chances of being dispossessed will be extremely high. Soccer is a team game, and all the principles that apply to a real soccer match, apply to EA FC 25. This means that being aware of where your teammates are is essential for attacking. 

Once you know where your teammates are, you need to create movement between them. To do this, there are two specific controls. 

• R1/RB (Calls the teammate back)
• L1/LB (Makes the teammate initiate a run)

These buttons are crucial while attacking as the AI of the game isn’t that helpful. So, instead of blaming the game for not creating movement, you need to take control of it yourself. While orchestrating an attack, use these controls to create movement between your teammates and exploit your opponent’s defense. 

To do this, once you have the ball in the midfield, use the L1/LB button to make your attackers make deadly runs. You’ll need to hold down L1/LB and point with your left stick toward whichever player you want to make a run. Once activated, the player will start making a run towards the goal. Now, you’ll have the chance to pass the ball to them and create a scoring chance. 

On the other hand, if all your players are high up the field and there is no one to pass to, call a player back by pressing R1/RB. Similar to the previous mechanic, you’ll have to aim with your left stick towards the player you want to call back, and then press R1/RB. This will make them run back to you and you’ll have an extra player to pass to and build up an attack. 

Passing

Other than finishing, passing is the most important mechanic to master in EA FC 25. If you’re able to execute good passes, your attack will automatically improve. Passing complements positioning as well, and through passing, you can create better movement between your team. However, with more than 29 passing techniques in EA FC 25, it can get complicated. That said, you don’t need to master all 29 techniques. While there are a ton of ways to execute different types of passes, here are the only ones you’ll need to become a good attacker. 

Standard Passes 

• X for PS5
• A for Xbox

To begin, let’s take a look at the most basic pass in the game. To execute a standard pass, you simply need to press the passing button on your controller. Additionally, the power of the pass depends on how long you hold the button. So, if you just press it once, the pass will be weak, while if you hold it longer, the pass will be more powerful. 

While the standard pass sounds easy to perform, it’s where most players make mistakes. Since it’s the most fundamental part of the game, you need to know how it works. Essentially, the best direction to pass the ball is the direction your player is facing. If you try to execute a pass in the opposite direction, the chances of it getting intercepted will be higher. This means any type of pass that is unnatural, will have the highest chance of getting intercepted. Due to this, whereas in the previous games, you could just pass anywhere, now you need to be more precise.

The best way to deal with this is to take your time when passing. While first-touch passes are good in your opponent’s 18-yard box, you shouldn’t overdo them. If you base your entire game on first-touch passes, it becomes very easy to intercept them. Instead, when building an attack, take your time and survey which teammates are open before passing to them. This way, your passes will have more intent behind them and your attack will be more structured. 

Driven Pass 

• R1 + X for PS
• RB + A for Xbox

The driven pass is one step above the standard pass. To perform it, you hold the right bumper of your controller (R1/RB) and then press the pass button. This method has been meta in EA FC 25 and is a better way to pass than standard passes. A driven pass is more accurate and powerful than a normal pass, making it more precise. 

By pairing it with the standard pass, you can build a more robust attack, as this pass is harder to intercept. Once you pass the midfield mark, using driven passes will help you retain possession and exploit your opponent’s defense. 

Lob Pass

• Square for PS
• X for Xbox

A lob pass is another fundamental tool in passing and helps in covering more distance. To execute a lob pass, simply press the listed buttons depending on whichever console you’re on. These passes are crucial if you want to change up your field of play. For example, suppose you’re pushing an attack from the right wing and your players are at a numerical disadvantage. Here, you can perform a lob pass towards your left winger and change up your field of play. Now, you can create an attack from the left wing where you’ll have a numerical advantage with teammates. 

On top of that, lob passes can be used to deliver crosses with your wingers. To send a cross, simply press the lob pass button from the winging position and your player will cross the ball into the opponent’s 18-yard box. If you want the cross to be more precise and powerful, use the driven cross variation. Similar to the driven pass, press the right bumper of your controller (R1/RB) and then the lob pass button. This will send a driven cross instead of a normal one, which is harder to intercept. 

Through Ball

• Triangle for PS
• Y for Xbox

The through-ball is the most important pass in EA FC 25. Similar to EA FC 24, if done right, the through pass can easily set you up for a goal. To perform a through ball, simply press Triangle/Y button depending on your console. This will execute a through ball which sends the ball in front of your teammate, creating space for them to make a run. It can be deadly in situations where you’re pushing an attack from the midfield. To make the most of the through-ball pass, use it in combination with positioning your players through L1/LB. 

For example, if you’re pushing an attack through the midfield, make your attackers initiate a run by pressing L1/LB and aiming your left analog toward them. This will make them run towards the goal. Once they’ve created space, execute a through ball. By doing so, you’ll easily create a scoring chance for your attacker. 

On top of the normal through pass, you can execute a lobbed through pass by holding down L1/LB and then pressing the through ball button. This will lob the ball above the defenders towards your attacker. The lobbed-through pass is another great way to exploit the opponent’s defense. If you position your players efficiently, both of these passes alone can help you create a ton of scoring chances. 

Dribbling

Dribbling is another crucial aspect of building an effective attack. Unlike EA FC 24, where left stick dribbling used to dominate, EA FC 25 requires more technical skill. While left-stick dribbling is still something you should master, it doesn’t cut it anymore. So, if you want to be able to attack efficiently, here are some advanced dribbling tactics that you should master.

Controlled Dribble

• R1 for PS
• RB for Xbox

The controlled dribble is one step above the left-stick dribble. Introduced in EA FC 24, it allows you to dribble the ball quickly without losing control. Unlike sprinting, where all your touches are frantic, the controlled dribble is more contained. To use it, simply press and hold the right bumper of your controller and dribble with the left analog. This is best used when close to the 18-yard box of the opponent. When you need to create space before shooting, use the controlled dribble to dodge the defenders while keeping your composure. 

Strafe Dribbling 

• L1 for PS
• LB for Xbox

Another great tool for dribbling with composure is strafe dribbling. While this is slow, it gives you total control of the ball and allows you to make quick turns. This makes it deadly inside the penalty box as you can make decisive turns instantly. Similar to the controlled dribble, you just need to press the left bumper of your controller to trigger it. Once activated, your player will execute the strafe dribble and your control over the ball will be enhanced. 

You can also use the strafe dribble to perform a sprint boost. This is when you go from a strafe dribble into sprinting, which gives your players an extra nudge. To do this, start the strafe dribble with L1/LB. Once you’re ready to sprint boost, let go of L1/LB and press the sprint button. This will make your player run faster than usual and allow you to catch your opponent off guard. While the pro players have caught on to this tactic, it’s still a lethal play if you master it.

While both of these dribbling techniques are effective in making your attack better, they’re just scratch the tip of the iceberg. Dribbling in EA FC 25 consists of a ton of techniques and variations. If you’re struggling with dribbling, we recommend reading our guide on how to dribble effectively. This covers all the dribbling techniques in detail and is essential for getting better at attacking. 

Shooting

Finally, the last component of attacking is shooting the ball into the net. If you’re able to build up an effective attack but can’t finish, then all your effort will go to waste. Fortunately, there are tons of different shots available in EA FC 25 catering to different situations. And with just a bit of practice, you can make your finishing lethal. So, let’s take a look at the different types of shots and when to use them.

Standard Shot

• Circle for PS
• B for Xbox

The standard shot is the most basic form of shooting in EA FC 25. However, it’s still effective in most situations. To perform a standard finish, all you have to do is press the designated shooting button on your controller. Additionally, the amount of power is determined by how long you hold it. If you’re in a 1v1 with the keeper inside the penalty box, anything between 1-2 bars of power should be enough to score. While this is a great way to score during 1v1s, it doesn’t work if you shoot from outside the box. In that case, we recommend using either the finesse or the power shot. 

Finesse Shot

• R1 + Circle for PS
• RB + B for Xbox

As the name suggests, this shot adds more finesse to your kick, making it more precise. This should be your go-to shot if you’re shooting from the edge of the box. By using the finesse shot, you’ll guarantee top bins every time. To execute a finesse shot, simply hold the right bumper of your controller before taking a shot. Additionally, power is reduced on the finesse shots, so you should add more power to your shot. We recommend going for 2 – 2.5 bars of power when inside the penalty area and 3 bars of power when at the edge of the box. Other than that, just aim towards the near or far post of the goal and shoot. 

Power shots

• L1 + R1 + Circle for PS
• LB + RB + B for Xbox

Other than the finesse shot, the power shot is a great tool to use when shooting from outside the box. It’s the most powerful shot in the game and is nearly impossible to save if aimed correctly. To perform a power shot, hold both the left and right bumper of your controller and then press the shoot button. This will trigger a small animation where the camera will close in towards your player and then they’ll shoot. 

The power shot is best used when shooting from a distance of 20+ yards. However, keep in mind that there are no aim assists and you’ll have to manually aim this shot. We recommend aiming it toward the center of the goal and then nudging the analog a bit to either the left or right. This way, you’ll always start by aiming towards the center and can adjust it afterward. Due to the animation, you’ll have enough time to adjust your aim so make sure you do it correctly. If done right, you should be able to score from outside the box more frequently. 

Chip Shot

• L1 + Circle for PS
• LB + B for Xbox

When you’re in a 1v1 situation and the opponent’s keeper is rushing towards your striker, a chip shot is your best bet. This shot chips the ball above the keeper and into the net. To execute a chip shot, hold the left bumper of your controller and press the shooting button. 

Similar to other shots, the power depends on how long you hold the shooting button. However, keep in mind that Chipshots are a little technical to get right. If you put too little power, the ball will be chipped over the keeper but a defender will get to it before it goes into the net. On the other hand, if you put too much power, the ball will fly over the crossbar. So, you’ll have to practice this shot in different scenarios to get a sense of how much power is needed. If the keeper has rushed just a bit, minimal power will do. But, if the keeper has rushed close to the edge of the box, you’ll need to add more power. Since EA FC 25 is dynamic and relative, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. 

That concludes all the fundamentals of attacking. If you practice all of these components individually, you’ll automatically get better at attacking without needing any metas. That said, for those of you who need something more advanced, we got you covered. 

Tips to Attack Like A Pro

Once you master all the basics, you should focus on building your game sense. Since EA FC 25 is dynamic, every game you play will be different. There will be opponents who defend passively while others will rush in to get the ball. Make sure that you adapt according to the playstyle of your opponent to efficiently exploit their weaknesses. Here are some tips to help elevate your attack to the next level.

Make the Most of Playstyles

To get more technical in EA FC 25, you should be making the most out of your player’s playstyles. If you don’t know what playstyles are, they’re a feature that makes players stand out in a specific area. EA FC 25 features more than 30 playstyles varying from player to player. And if used effectively, they can provide you with a huge advantage. Since we’re focused on attacking, you don’t need to know all 30. If you just master a few playstyles, your attacking will become highly efficient. So, here are some playstyles and advice on how to make the most out of them. 

• Finesse Shot: A player with this playstyle will take finesse shots faster with additional curves. 
• Power Shot: Anyone with this playstyle will take power shots better than anyone else. 
• Whipped Pass: Players with this playstyle will deliver crosses and lob passes with extreme accuracy. 
• Incisive Pass: Anyone with this playstyle will deliver deadly through balls. 
• Technical: If your player has this playstyle, your controlled dribbles will be faster and more controlled.

These playstyles can help a ton if known beforehand and used properly. For example, preferably, you want to deliver all your through balls with someone who has an Incisive Pass playstyle. On top of that, you want to take all your finesse shots with someone who has the Finesse Shot+ playstyle. So, before starting the match, see what kind of playstyles your players have and make the most of them. We recommend building your team around players who have playstyles that you regularly use. If you execute a lot of through balls, your midfielder should be someone with an incisive pass. Overall, build your team around these playstyles and use your players for specific tasks. 

Create Spaces

As mentioned, the AI of the game is terrible when it comes to creating spaces for your attackers. Consequently, you’ll have to do this yourself through dribbling and passing. Fortunately, your opponent can’t defend the entire pitch. Once you pass the ball, your opponent is forced to react, creating space for you. Use a combination of both passing and dribbling to make your opponent make mistakes and open up space. 

You can also create space by creating confusion in the mind of your opponent. To do this, use tactics like the fake run, where you press L1/LB to send an attacker up the field but never pass to them. Since your opponent’s first reaction will be to switch their defender and mark the running attacker, you’ll be able to create space in the final third. By using a combination of all the fundamental principles, create space and exploit the defense of your opponent. 

Play With Intent

The final and most important tip is to play with intent. If you’re just passing the ball around with no plan, you won’t build up a lethal attack. Every pass that you execute should be a step towards creating a scoring chance. This also means passing the ball backward if you’re not in a position to progress forward. Remember, the game favors natural passes. So, before passing the ball and creating a play, think about whether that pass will help your cause or undermine it.

For example, if you pass to a teammate who has their backs turned toward the 18-yard box, your next pass will have to be backward instead of forward, or you’ll have to dribble first before passing. All of these questions should be running through your mind while playing the game. 

Don’t be tunnel-visioned, and think ahead. Once you start planning your next moves, all your attacks will instantly become more structured and deadly. If you practice all of these things regularly, you’ll keep improving with time. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect and don’t forget to have fun!