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If you've ever witnessed the goalkeeper's comical moments when receiving the ball in EA FC 26, or seen the wingers sprinting back to defend during a counter-attack, you've probably found those moments incredibly frustrating. 

However, in FUT 26's Patch 1.2.0 update, these issues have been significantly improved, resulting in a smoother and more natural gameplay experience.

This update comprehensively optimizes several core elements of the game, including the attacking system, defensive AI, and various game modes. According to the official patch notes, this update aims to further enhance game balance and realism, addressing a series of issues reported by players since release.

Offensive System Adjustments

This update makes several adjustments to the offensive system, aiming to improve the game's realism and balance. The accuracy of volleys after a chip shot has been reduced, encouraging players to make more informed choices during attacks.

Additionally, AI teammates' attacking positioning awareness has been enhanced, and forwards' runs into the penalty area have increased. This adjustment means players will have more passing options and attacking routes during counter-attacks.

In addition, the development team has fixed issues including forwards no longer actively participating in counter-attacks after passing the ball, and wingers excessively dropping back instead of making runs into open spaces during attacks.

Furthermore, through optimizations to the passing and aiming systems, ground through balls and crosses now more accurately follow player aim inputs.

Defensive Mechanics Optimization

Defense is a key focus of this update. The developers have fine-tuned the defensive AI, reducing the intensity of AI defenders marking attacking players at the edge of the penalty area.

Additionally, the man-marking logic in short corner defense has been improved, and players will find that AI teammates position themselves more effectively when defending set pieces.

In earlier updates, FIFA 26 began strengthening manual defense, improving the speed and reaction time of player-controlled players' sprints and marking. In this Patch 1.2.0, the passing mechanics have been adjusted to better reflect player aim.

Goalkeeper Intelligence Improvement

Goalkeeper performance has always been a focus for players. This update addresses the decision-making issues of goalkeepers in specific scenarios. FUT 26 improves the goalkeeper's logic for deciding when to dive for a save, fixing a situation where goalkeepers sometimes punch the ball instead of safely catching a cross.

The developers have also adjusted the goalkeeper's positioning when attempting to block a first-touch long-range shot, reducing instances of excessive leaning to one side leading to an open goal. In Be A Goalkeeper mode, remapping controls no longer affects default input, although the developers note that visual display issues still exist in the relevant interface.

FUT Mode Evolution

Ultimate Team mode has also received a new feature, offering a smoother gameplay experience. Players can now view available evolution options for selected player items.

By selecting from the player item's Actions menu, players can view a filtered evolution menu displaying eligible players for specific evolutions. The visuals and user interface of the objectives and evolution screens have also been cleaned up.

This feature allows players to navigate Ultimate Team more smoothly, making it easier to earn FC 26 coins.

Clubs And Career Mode Optimizations

Clubs has also received an update, several stability fixes, and menu optimizations. The game has fixed an issue where players occasionally experienced a connection loss error message when matchmaking, resulting in a smoother online gaming experience.

In addition, players can now customize the number of indicators displayed on the screen and benefit from smarter AI players in penalty shootouts.

Career Mode has also received some minor but important improvements. When viewing injury details in Team Management, the duration and severity are now displayed, providing a clearer understanding of player health.

Furthermore, the ability to save default jerseys has been added, and the contract management logic has been adjusted to prevent premature contract renewals or transfer requests.

Additionally, the issue of transfer offers from players who actively request transfers sometimes not interacting properly, such as being unable to accept or reject them, has been resolved.

Visual Experience Upgrades

Beyond gameplay, FC 26 has optimized many presentation elements, from new 2D avatars and jerseys to better camera angles. These improvements will enhance player immersion in Career Mode and Ultimate Team.

PC players receive exclusive optimizations, fixing an issue where settings sometimes wouldn't save after changing resolution in full-screen mode. The game also resolves various issues that could cause instability, such as crashes and stuttering.

Other Fixes

In addition to core gameplay adjustments, patch 1.2.0 also fixes numerous issues affecting the gaming experience:

• The issue of malfunctioning player indicators has been resolved, and the accuracy of player input switching has been improved.
• The referee's logic for penalizing back contact has been updated and adjusted, and an issue where players might make unnecessary sliding tackles when requesting a shot has been resolved.
• The issue where called-to-teammate players would become unresponsive when the player calls for a short pass during set-piece attacks has also been fixed.

With the release of Patch 1.2.0, EA FC 26's smoother animations, improved player logic, and fewer visual glitches combine to create a more fluid gameplay experience.

Players will experience significant changes in offensive organization, defensive setup, and goalkeeper performance. These continuous updates demonstrate the development team's emphasis on community feedback and their commitment to creating a balanced and realistic football simulation game.

EA FC 26 seems to have recently entered a crazy mode of releasing new content, with an update every one or two days. Players in the community say that every time they pick up the controller, they feel that the game content is changing, which forces them to adjust the in-game settings again and again in order to be able to score goals or control players more accurately.

With the release of patch v1.1.0 and several recent hotfixes, the passing experience in FUT 26 has seen the biggest improvements of all updates, with features like running Pass and Go and triggering Tiki Taka Playstyle being much better than before. However, in a close football match, it’s not just about player ratings and excellent playing style, but also about the speed of maneuvering players.

To maximize the performance of Tiki Taka Playstyle and other standout players, you, as the player in control, need to have a very short response time to accurately control the ball in your team and create scoring opportunities to increase win rate in Champions and Division Rivals. All you need to do is activate a special option.

Key Settings

First, open Settings menu in EA Sports FC 26 and navigate to Game Settings. Scroll down slightly until you find Pass Receiver Lock option. This feature determines when the game locks onto your chosen pass target, affecting how responsive your passing feels during gameplay.

There are three available settings: ANIMATION START, POWER UP, and LATE. Among them, Animation Start is generally considered the best option, as it allows for quicker reaction times and smoother ball distribution. Choosing this setting can help you improve your overall passing accuracy and gain an advantage in fast-paced matches.

Operating Mechanism

Next, we will discuss the specific operating mechanism of this setting and its impact. When you pass the ball in FUT 26, your current ball handler will perform a shot due to Animation Start setting. At the moment of the shot, the arrow of the player you are controlling will move to the head of the player the system has selected next to handle the ball.

Normally, the system will select the player closest to the ball, which means some players with strong attributes but low passing and dribbling ratings will be chosen. At this point, you might think of using the corresponding joystick and buttons on the controller to select another player, but this time is very short, and the ball may be intercepted and fall into the hands of the opposing player while you hesitate.

Furthermore, you can’t predict the ball’s trajectory, which means the system’s selected player is constantly changing. However, after setting Animation Start, you have a few extra milliseconds to decide what to do next, whether to continue advancing or shoot directly, depending on your playstyle.

Don’t underestimate those few milliseconds. In FIFA 26, those few milliseconds are crucial because you’ll be facing elite players, or players like you fighting for the championship rewards for first place. Therefore, the extra thinking time and super-fast response speed provided by Animation Start are a fantastic way to secure victory and earn more FC 26 coins.

Available Strategies After Patch 1.1.0

In the previously released patch 1.1.0, the developers drastically weakened R1 dribbling mechanism, which drew considerable complaints from players. However, the changes to Animation Start settings in this patch are the focus of this guide:

• Improved instances of Animation Start Pass Receiver Lock Setting not functioning as intended.

With this improvement, Animation Start option is better than ever before because the biggest bug has been eliminated: it wouldn’t work. However, it’s worth noting that this option cannot completely eliminate sluggishness and button delay; it can only reduce their negative impact and make it easier for your players to trigger Tiki Taka Playstyle.

What happens if you combine this key setting with R1Dribbling, which has debuffed? As EZG.com noticed from a clever player comment, this combination works better than expected. While it won’t magically restore R1 Dribbling’s old power, it still offers a smart way to keep your movements fluid and unpredictable - perfect for players who like to out-think, not just outrun, their opponents.

Under the influence of Animation Start, the time available to select and control a player is increased, giving your player extra time to prepare for their next move after receiving the ball. At this point, you can perform a quick left/right turn, currently the only available function for R1 dribbling, allowing you to easily break through defenders, completely tear apart the opponent’s defense, and then score a beautiful goal.

In this situation, even if there’s a delay in your controller button response, you can reduce that delay and save time by selecting players in advance, making it much easier to decide your next move. In this latest installment of the series, time is everything; both the pace of the game and the patch update schedule have become incredibly fast.

These are the specific steps Animation Start takes in FIFA 26 to reduce your player’s speed during the game, along with some currently available strategies. Hopefully, this option will effectively increase your scoring opportunities and goal tally, and help you earn more rewards. Enjoy the game!

If you want to stand out in the fierce competition of EA FC 26's Ultimate Team or the immersive Career Mode, selecting the right formation and tactics is crucial for dominating the virtual football field.

While these will vary depending on the player's style, there are always some tried-and-tested strategies in the community that have stood the test of time.

Whether players prefer a sharp lineup that adapts to the fast-paced offense and defense of Ultimate Team, or a more realistic and controllable tactical simulation in Career Mode, this guide will provide you with a winning blueprint and give you a head start in victory.

Best Formation

According to feedback from most community players, 4-2-3-1 is the best choice in FIFA 26. This formation is highly regarded because of its unparalleled balance between offense and defense.

The four-defender system forms a solid defensive foundation, serving as the first line of defense against the opponent's attack. In addition, the two defensive midfielders in the double pivot provide crucial defensive coverage, effectively stifling the opponent's fast counter-attacks and acting as a reliable shield in front of the back line.

The four attackers in the front line bear the main responsibility for scoring goals. Speed ​​is the core element here; ideally, the player's two wingers and center forward should all possess excellent explosiveness to tear apart the opponent's defense.

Optimal Tactics In Ultimate Team

After determining the formation, the next step is fine-tuning the tactics. Below are recommended settings for 4-2-3-1 Wide formation in Ultimate Team mode:

Build-Up Style - Balanced

Choosing Balanced attacking style allows your team to adapt flexibly to the situation. Players won't blindly push forward as they would during a counter-attack, thus avoiding the predicament of having too few passing options and providing more possibilities for intricate short passing combinations.

Defensive Approach - Custom 60

Setting the defensive width to 60 is the most efficient setting available without taking excessive risks. 

It effectively compresses the opponent's space in midfield and focuses on marking opponents making off-the-ball runs rather than risking offside traps, thus greatly reducing the risk of the opponent breaking through the entire defensive line with a through ball.

Optimal Tactics In Career Mode

In the relatively slower-paced and more realistic Career Mode, tactical thinking can be more open, and the core principle is to make full use of the width of the field.

Players can adopt a more aggressive wing setup, such as setting the wingers as wingers and getting support from attacking full-backs, provided you are confident in your team's ball control.

In the central area, the defensive principles remain the same as in the online mode, with center-backs ideally positioned as defensive players.

We still recommend using a 4-2-3-1 formation or its derivatives, such as any system with four defenders and three midfielders. This allows your team to find the perfect balance between fast counter-attacks and possession-based play.

Best Player Roles

Player roles are key to precise player control in FUT 26. Below are the most recommended role configurations for 4-2-3-1 formation:

• GK: Goalkeeper-Defend
• RB: Fullback-Defend
• RCB: Defender-Defend
• LCB: Defender-Defend
• LB: Fullback-Defend
• RDM: Deep-Lying Playmaker-Build-Up
• LDM: Deep-Lying Playmaker-Build-Up
• RM: Inside Forward-Balanced
• CAM: Shadow Striker-Attack
• LM: Inside Forward-Balanced
• ST: Advanced Forward-Attack

This setup may seem conservative, as all defenders are set to defend to ensure they stay in the back, but this is a necessary precaution in high-level matches.

The defensive midfielder setting of Deep-Lying Playmaker is the current mainstream choice for FC 26. They have excellent positional awareness and can intercept the opponent's attack while making appropriate forward runs to participate in the organization, but they will never be overly out of position.

By setting the wingers to cut inside, players will form a highly threatening four-man attack group in the attacking third, easily dismantling the opponent's defensive structure through flexible movement and link-up play.

These player roles allow players to maximize their advantage in matches and earn numerous FUT 26 Coins rewards.

Alternative Tactical Options

No tactic is foolproof. When 4-2-3-1 formation stops working, consider the following alternatives:

4-4-1-1

This formation prioritizes ultimate stability, using 4-4-1-1 Midfield preset, setting the attacking organization to balanced and the defensive intensity to high. Through precise player role allocation, this formation can create an impenetrable defensive network.

4-5-1

This is a weapon that can help players achieve key victories on the field. Players can use a 4-5-1 Flat base, with balanced offensive organization and high initial defensive strength.

However, it is important to emphasize that on-field adjustments are crucial. If you set the defensive width to 70 but find that the opponent is constantly creating threats through through balls and crosses, then decisively adjust it to 50 for balance.

Mastering these formations and tactics is a solid foundation for players to dominate the arena. But remember, true victory comes from your on-the-spot judgment and flexible adjustments. 

Observing your opponents, understanding the situation, and bravely making changes are the keys to moving from good to top. The arena is before you; go and create your own legend!

On the virtual pitch of EA FC 26, a solid defense is often the cornerstone of victory, and the center-back position is the core of the entire defensive system.

The game's official rankings have identified the 15 highest-rated center-backs in the current version. This list not only reflects these players' status in the real world of football but also provides players with an authoritative reference for building their teams.

From experienced veterans to promising young talents, this comprehensive list ensures that players can find their ideal defensive core in any tactical system. I will introduce these 15 players.

1. Virgil van Dijk

The latest player data released by FIFA 26 shows that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk firmly holds the top spot among center-backs with an overall rating of 90.

This superstar player from the Netherlands perfectly replicates his real-world defensive dominance in the game, possessing not only excellent defensive awareness and tackling ability but also a height advantage of 1.93 meters and astonishing acceleration.

In the game, Virgil van Dijk's presence is an insurmountable barrier; his comprehensive attributes make him a top choice for building a defensive line.

2. Gabriel dos S. Magalhães

Second on the list is Arsenal's Brazilian center-back Gabriel dos S. Magalhães, rated 88.

As a typical powerful defender, Gabriel excels in defensive stats and physical attributes, particularly in one-on-one defending and aerial duels.

However, his speed is relatively slow, which may expose some problems when facing fast forwards. Nevertheless, he remains one of the most reliable defensive cornerstones in the game.

3. Alessandro Bastoni

Rated 87, Alessandro Bastoni ranks third due to his excellent balanced development.

This Italy international is a model of a technically gifted defender, not only defensively solid but also highly valued for his excellent passing and playmaking abilities from the back.

If you prefer to build attacks from the back, Bastoni is an excellent choice. 

4. Marquinhos

Marquinhos, captain of Paris Saint-Germain from Brazil, also ranks fourth with a score of 87.

While not particularly tall, he possesses excellent positioning, precise interceptions, and composed ball control, creating a unique defensive style in the game.

For players who prioritize backfield play and defensive organization, Marquinhos is an excellent choice that cannot be ignored.

5. William Saliba

Fifth on the list is William Saliba from Arsenal, also rated 87.

This rising star from France has already shown the potential of a world-class defender, achieving a high level in speed, strength, and defensive awareness.

At only 23 years old, he is not only immediately effective at the start of the game but also has the potential to develop into a top-tier defender with a rating exceeding 90 in FC 26 Career Mode, making him an ideal choice for long-term team building.

6. Jonathan Tah

Jonathan Tah of FC Bayern Munich also ranks sixth with a score of 87.

The 6-foot-5 German center-back boasts an impressive strength rating of 91, making him virtually unstoppable in physical duels.

His aerial prowess is particularly evident, effectively neutralizing crosses and making him a crucial piece in the defensive system.

7. Antonio Rüdiger

Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger ranks seventh with 86 points.

Speedy defenders have always held a special place in FC 26, and Rüdiger is a prime example of this type.

He combines excellent speed with strong aggression, effectively executing high-pressing tactics and proving invaluable against fast counter-attacks.

8. Rúben Dias

Manchester City's Rúben Dias ranks eighth with 86 points.

Portuguese center-back is known for his exceptional defensive awareness and positional sense, excelling particularly in supporting and covering.

However, it's worth noting that his physical strength is relatively average in FC 26; pairing him with a stronger center-back would be recommended for complementarity. 

9. Willian Pacho

Paris Saint-Germain's new signing, Willian Pacho, ranks ninth with 86 points.

This Ecuador international is one of the youngest players on the list and has already shown the potential to be an all-around defender. In Career Mode, he is expected to develop rapidly into a world-class defender, making him a worthwhile investment for the future.

10. Ibrahima Konaté

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté ranks tenth with 86 points.

With a height of 194cm and an Aerial Fortress PlayStyle, Konaté's aerial dominance is undeniable.

He wins almost all aerial duels against crosses, making him the best option for dealing with crosses from the wings.

11. Nico Schlotterbeck

Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck ranks eleventh with 85 points.

This German international is a versatile defender with no obvious weaknesses, contributing in both defense and attack.

His heading ability is particularly outstanding in FUT 26, and he can create threats from set pieces on both ends of the pitch.

12. Iñigo Martínez

Veteran Iñigo Martínez ranks twelfth with 85 points.

Despite being 34 years old and having a disadvantage in speed, this Spanish defender still holds a place in the game thanks to his rich experience and excellent defensive technique.

His tackling ability and game reading effectively compensate for his lack of speed.

13. Dayot Upamecano

Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano ranks thirteenth with 85 points.

This French center-back has distinct characteristics, possessing excellent strength and aggression, but lacking in agility and balance.

This means he may struggle against agile strikers, but is extremely effective in one-on-one defending.

14. Bremer

Juventus' Bremer ranks fourteenth with a score of 85.

Although his overall rating is only 85, this Brazilian defender's actual performance in the game far exceeds his displayed stats.

He possesses excellent speed and defensive abilities, often performing at a level close to 88-89 in matches, making him a highly cost-effective choice.

15. Benjamin Pavard

Finally, Benjamin Pavard ranks fifteenth with a score of 84.

Pavard, who transitioned from full-back to center-back, perfectly utilizes his versatility in the game.

He not only possesses solid defensive fundamentals but also impressive passing and shooting abilities, rare qualities for a defender.

In conclusion, FC 26 offers a diverse range of choices for the center-back position, from all-around defenders like Virgil van Dijk to specialized defenders with distinct characteristics.

Players can choose the most suitable defensive core based on their tactical needs and team-building philosophy to construct a solid defensive system.

Whether playing a real football match or enjoying the thrill of online matches with a virtual player in EA Sports FC series, winning requires considering multiple factors.

In FC 26, these factors primarily encompass two areas: players and strategy. Player-related factors include individual skill and team chemistry, while strategy-related factors include formations and tactics.

Continuous game advancement not only means more fun, but also requires you to improve your skills to adapt to increasingly intelligent and realistic matches. To achieve this, you must employ the most effective tactics based on effective formations.

Based on this, we will first introduce the principles of formation design and use in the updated FIFA 26, and then recommend several good formations and corresponding tactics.

Key Characteristics Of Formations Suitable For FUT 26

In general, the back four is a relatively common formation element in FC FUT 26. If you prefer a stable defensive style, you can use it without hesitation. If you're more adventurous, you can also experiment with a back five.

FC 26 players seem to have less automatic defensive actions, so using two central midfielders can help prevent opponents from breaking through your backline. For consistent goal scoring, a strong striker and two wingers should be sufficient.

These are just some of the more reliable central formations in EA FC 26, but the following options offer more novelty, allowing you to choose from them as needed.

4-2-1-3

This formation generally reflects a fairly standard FC 26 formation. First, a deep-lying center back and two full-backs are deployed in the back line to provide reliable wide options.

In midfield, 4-2-1-3 incorporates two central defenders. One is responsible for staying back when out of possession and not wandering too far into attacking phases, while the other is expected to participate in the attack and provide more passing options.

As for the high-block formation, 4-2-1-3 features two wingers, an attacking midfielder, and a striker. Combined with the formation's other positional arrangements, 4-2-1-3 offers the best balance between defense, attacking options, and structured midfield.

Wide 4-2-3-1

If you don't look closely, you might confuse this formation with the previous one, but their effectiveness differs significantly. 4-2-3-1 prioritizes defensive coverage and is more cautious in its buildup.

Defensively, this formation requires the back four to stay deep when in possession and avoid excessive forward movement even when out of possession.

While the midfield employs the traditional two-center-back formation, the conservative deployment of the back four provides the center-backs with more freedom in attacking options.

The most unique aspect of 4-2-3-1 is that it doesn't include pure wingers. Instead, it employs a left and right midfielder to balance the attack, with a central midfielder acting as a backup striker.

For beginners, especially those new to career mode management, this formation can be challenging to master, especially if you lack reliable players. Therefore, it's recommended that you consider it later in the game.

Arne Slot 4-2-3-1

While the overall layout is the same as the previous one, the new 4-2-3-1 is unique in that it was implemented by head coach Arne Slot during his time at Liverpool FC, making it even more meaningful to fans of the club and Premier League.

Defensively, it maintains a classic four-man formation, but with improved balance in terms of width and passing channels in possession.

In midfield, the two central defenders are positioned deeper to allow them to advance the ball in possession or provide an additional barrier in front of the defense, providing greater flexibility in midfield deployment than the typical 4-2-3-1.

Offensively, Arne Slot 4-2-3-1 offers a wider range of attacking lanes, passing options, and a more balanced center of gravity. It allows wingers to cut inside or pass to forwards, creating passing triangles and potentially wrestling possession from the opponent.

4-5-1

This formation comes from Manuel Bachoore, a three-time EA Sports FC esports world champion. His track record is enough to convince you of its reliability.

4-5-1's unique midfield positioning allows you to squeeze opponents in the middle and effectively press without the ball. This prevents your players from over-committing and reduces the risk of exposing weaknesses.

Defensively, this formation uses the familiar back four we've seen in FC 26, ensuring two balanced full-backs on each flank. However, it utilizes a more unusual five-man formation in midfield to create a flat and well-rounded defensive line.

This five-man formation consists of two box-to-box midfielders, a flexible playmaker, and two inside forwards on the flanks. By positioning deep enough, they can cover more space on the field.

It's also worth noting that if you select players with quickness in this formation, they can easily transition from deep defense to attacking midfield without the ball, helping you score more goals.

5-2-1-2

This formation, based on a back five, reduces your passing options in attack, but it offers strong defensive capabilities, making it difficult for opponents to disrupt your team's formation and tactics, and giving you the opportunity to turn the tide if you make multiple mistakes.

Defensively, 5-2-1-2 ensures two wingbacks on either side of the back three, allowing the back line to flexibly participate in attacks and ensuring four or five midfielders can link up when in possession.

While ensuring adequate defense at the back, this formation encourages your midfielders to be more aggressive in attacking to ensure scoring.

To ensure this, in addition to ensuring a holding midfielder responsible for defense, the remaining players can serve as playmakers, shadow strikers, and the two forwards.

These are some of the main formations we recommend based on current EA FC 26 gameplay. You can also explore and create more FUT 26 formations to suit your style during actual gameplay. Have fun!

To ensure your chosen formation performs effectively in real-world matches, you'll need to recruit players with varying strengths tailored to your formation style.

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