In this guide, we'll explore the most essential gameplay techniques - covering both offensive and defensive aspects: from shooting methods and passing strategies to defensive tactics and manual goalkeeper operation.

POWER SHOT

Above all else, master the "golden power shot." Early in this season, it's remarkably powerful and consistently defeats most goalkeepers regardless of their attributes. Simply press both upper bumpers L1 + R1 while shooting. Remember to aim carefully at the goal, as this shot is fully manual. This means the ball will travel exactly where you direct the left stick.

TRAINER + TIMED FINISHING

You can activate trajectory visualization, as demonstrated in these examples. You'll definitely appreciate how this feature enhances gameplay. How to configure it? It's straightforward: when initiating a match, access the pause menu, navigate downward and choose Trainer, where multiple elements can be adjusted.

In Rivals mode, certain options aren't accessible, but if you initially enter Squad Battles and configure trainer settings there, the shot trajectory will be visible in Rivals matches too, despite being unavailable in the settings menu.

Most crucially, you can quickly master timed finishing, which substantially enhances your shooting effectiveness.

The essential step is enabling the shot timing indicator in the trainer, while also activating shot timing in the game settings. This will display a timing meter above your player's head.

When you initiate a shot, a timing bar appears, requiring you to press again in the green zone - this enhances both power and accuracy of your shots.

Experiment with trainer settings at least for Squad Battles matches. After becoming proficient with timing, you can disable the bar above the player, retaining only the shot timing option in the game settings.

In essence, timed finishing dramatically improves performance, even when competing with an underpowered team. Additionally, remember to utilize it for free kicks. First, timing is exceptionally easy due to the player's deliberate animation, and second, it substantially increases scoring probability.

TRIVELA

Having covered timed finishing, let's examine trivelas, which have made their comeback this season.

The trivela, alternatively called the outside foot shot, is executed by holding the L2 button.

Optimally, you should employ a player with at minimum the basic silver "trivela" talent, though scoring remains possible without it if the player possesses strong shooting attributes. The vital factor is avoiding shots from excessive distances.

When combining with timed finishing, you can score even using wide defenders from challenging angles.

However, if your player lacks the talent, we suggest shooting as near to the penalty area boundary as feasible. Players possessing at least the basic talent will generate noticeably faster ball trajectories.

An additional suggestion - perform a ball roll before shooting to enhance your positioning and automatically evade potential defender blocks. This represents a straightforward scoring method you can rapidly develop, so incorporate it into your gameplay.

FINESSE

Another valuable technique to utilize is the golden finesse shot, which can be executed from practically any position.

The ideal scenario involves a player with golden finesse shots and five-star weak foot abilities. This season, finesse shots aren't quite as dominant as early last year, but remain effective, particularly with green timing.

As we know, finesse shots are performed by holding R1. Notably, with proper timing, even players with basic talent can score using this technique, like Chiesa.

Nevertheless, silver finesse works best when taken from outside the penalty area, though not from excessive distance.

If a player possesses golden finesse but only four-star weak foot, avoid shooting with the weaker foot from long ranges, as effectiveness diminishes significantly with distance.

SPEED BOOST

Hold L1, completely decelerating your player. Shift position slightly, then release L1 and promptly press acceleration.

With correct timing, you'll achieve an explosive acceleration from standstill that opponents find nearly impossible to defend against.

Nimble and explosive players function exceptionally well for speed boosts, ideally those with Lengthy and Explosive talents. If a player has golden Explosive or Lengthy attributes, they're maximally effective when executing speed boosts.

Remarkably, the player doesn't need to face the acceleration direction - this represents perhaps the most meta mechanic in the game, so exploit it before developers patch it out.

FAKE SHOT SKILL MOVE

One element unlikely to be patched is the fake shot animation for skilled players. It remains in beta stage and is positioned as an innovative skill move.

To execute this movement, you'll require a player with at minimum basic trickster capability.

Then perform a fake shot and direct the left stick toward your intended direction. The fake shot is executed by rapidly pressing shoot or cross buttons.

You can continuously use this move, disorienting your opponent. The technique proves incredibly effective, so prioritize players with trickster abilities.

MICRO-DRIBBLING WITH L1

Continuing with dribbling techniques, we should address micro-dribbling, performed by holding the L1 button.

This feature was weakened last season, but has regained relevance, similar to FIFA 23. L1 proves ideal for baiting opponent reactions.

By holding L1, you can retreat and avoid tackles. The more agile and technically skilled the player, the more effectively L1 functions. Ensure you incorporate this technique into your gameplay arsenal.

CORNER TO THE NEAR POST

Traditional corner deliveries targeting your central striker's head will continue to yield results.

As previously established, press L1 before delivery, selecting a player positioned within the penalty area.

Apply half power or slightly less to the cross button for near post delivery. The crucial element is outmaneuvering your opponent to reach the ball first for an effective shot attempt.

TIPS ON LOFTED PASSES

Moving from corner crosses to other passing types, specifically to "golden lofted passes." This technique maintains its effectiveness from last season.

The critical factor is properly timing your player's run to prevent offside positioning.

Initiate your striker's run using L1, directing the left stick toward the player you're activating. Then await the appropriate moment, pass to the player with lofted passing abilities and execute a lofted through ball using L1 + triangle combination.

This approach consistently creates one-on-one opportunities against the opposing goalkeeper.

Remember to utilize lofted passes to central midfielders as well, as opponent AI responds less effectively to their movements compared to strikers.

Players without specialized talents can execute lofted passes, though those with golden talent perform better. Simply put, this represents an extremely useful and effective tactical approach.

Don't overlook the value of golden lofted passes from defensive positions to wide areas for rapid counter-attacks, particularly beneficial for formations featuring wide wingers.

Two important tips: avoid maximizing lofted pass power, as this sends the ball too far forward, and be aware that lofted passes occasionally default to ground passes, which defenders intercept easily.

Two possibilities exist: either developers intentionally implemented this for gameplay variability, or a future patch will address this issue. For now, we recommend carefully positioning before executing lofted passes, ensuring the player faces toward the intended recipient.

KICK-OFFS

Let's discuss kick-offs, which remain equally effective this season. Importantly, for these particular lofted passes, players with golden lofted passes aren't strictly necessary.

Nevertheless, for maximum effectiveness, consider acquiring at least one player with golden talent if you aim to score easy goals consistently.

Initially, pass backward. Before the second player receives possession, press L1 to trigger your teammate's run, then play back for improved passing angles downfield, wait for the run to develop, execute a powerful pass to your talented player, and deliver a lofted pass using L1 + triangle.

Precise timing remains essential to prevent your striker from straying offside. Notably, this strategy works effectively in Squad Battles against AI opponents even at Legend difficulty, providing excellent practice opportunities.

PASSING TIPS

Carried over from last season, we maintain the effective pass combination L1+R1+triangle, which generates a powerful through ball for runners. This proves particularly valuable for wide areas.

Notice how the left stick remains pressed, but at the final moment before ball contact, direction changes and the pass travels to the intended target.

Consistently maintain your chosen direction without releasing the stick until completion, until the player releases the ball, otherwise your pass may go astray if you inadvertently alter direction.

THROUGH BALL WITH L2

This season, the standard through ball has deteriorated notably. Interceptions occur frequently. Using L2, the ball gains curve and reaches receivers much more consistently.

This applies advantageously for both ground transitions to flanks and centrally advancing teammates. Generally, combining L2 with through balls proves superior to using triangle alone.

FIXED RECIPIENT (L3+R3)

For additional security, implement the fixed recipient control, also activated through game settings.

After activation, control your intended pass recipient by pressing L3+R3 simultaneously. This means pressing both analog sticks together.

A distinctive icon appears above the player, then direct the right stick toward your preferred switch target. The AI controls the ball carrier while you request passes at strategic moments, creating confusion for opponents.

DIRECTED RUNS

Additionally, utilize directed runs while possessing the ball - press L1 prompting the nearest teammate to initiate a forward run, raising his arm, after which indicate with the right stick which path he should follow, allowing better positioning for receiving passes.

USE PARALLEL PASSES

Consistently trigger player runs to disrupt defensive organization, while implementing classic parallel passes from wide positions toward central areas during attacking phases.

Specifically, when advancing along the nearest flank, always seek parallel passing opportunities upfield. These passes challenge both human opponents and AI defenders alike.

CUTBACKS

Regarding cutbacks - they maintain effectiveness, though less dominantly than last season, requiring more manual input. A cutback involves cutting inside from the flank toward the penalty area before delivering a parallel pass into an unguarded net.

Previously, players would position themselves automatically, but now you must use L1 to initiate supporting runs.

PLAYING AS GOALKEEPER

To conclude our goalkeeper discussion, in FC25 prioritize not just highly-rated goalkeepers, but specifically those with golden talents for saving shots or rushing out effectively.

Pressing or holding the right stick activates manual goalkeeper control, though this season they can move at most 1-2 steps laterally, so consider this limitation when manually defending shots.

Holding triangle commands the goalkeeper to leave his line, and those with golden rushing-out talent execute this more rapidly and effectively.

Double triangle functionality has changed. By double-pressing and holding triangle, goalkeepers approach opponents using an indirect angle rather than directly head-on. While an interesting mechanic, the animation executes slowly, limiting effectiveness against skilled opponents.

TACTICAL FOUL

Finally, understand tactical fouling mechanics, executed by holding R1 while pressing pass, though reserve this as a final option since it guarantees yellow cards, occasionally reds.

That's all, enjoy playing FIFA 25 and may you have many victories.