FIFA 21’s meta is always changing, and that means it’s important for players to keep up to date with the best custom tactics, formations, and player instructions. Keep reading to find out the best ones available to secure you more wins.

FIFA 21 has evolved quite a bit since its launch back in October 2020. But while everyone has their preferences regarding custom tactics in the game, some have been tried and tested and will almost certainly give players an advantage.

There are some familiar bread-and-butter custom tactics and formations that have survived the test of time. However, they’ve been tweaked and refined throughout the season to make them even better. Plus, some new ones have proven to be effective too.

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FIFA 21 custom tactics guide

Let’s take a look at what those custom tactics and formations are and why they’re so good in the current meta – as of May, 2021. If you’re looking for something fresh, you might even find one that better suits your playstyle.

FIFA 21 custom tactics for 4-2-3-1

The 4-2-3-1 formation is a classic, and it was a powerhouse in the early meta. However, it’s remained strong throughout the season and has gotten even better. It’s a well-rounded formation that suits all playstyles, with a good balance of attack and defense.

If you want to make the most of it, though, you’ll want to apply some player instructions to make it even better:

• Set the RB and LB to Stay Back While Attacking. That way, they won’t over-commit and drag themselves out of position.
• You’ll want to set your CDMs to Cut Passing Lanes, Stay Back While Attacking, and Cover Center.

Again, it will bolster your defensive capabilities, but it won’t weaken your attack. If anything, it will open up more opportunities for a counter-attack once they intercept the ball.

Defending

• Defensive Style: Balanced
• Width: 5 bars
• Depth: 4 bars

Attacking

• Offensive Style: Fast Build Up
• Width: 5 bars
• Players in the box: 5 bars
• Corners: 3 bars
• Free kicks: 1 bar

FIFA 21 custom tactics for 4-4-2

The 4-4-2 is another classic formation, but it’s proven to be as good as ever in the current meta. It’s a rigid system that will keep your defense in nice shape, but it can be explosive in the right hands.

However, to make the most of it, you’ll want to:

• Set your RB and LB to Stay Back While Attacking. It’s become the standard in a lot of meta formations, and for a good reason. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in a situation where they’ve overcommitted and left you vulnerable.
• Next, set your CMs to Cover Center and Stay On Edge Of Box For Cross. It sounds trivial, but this will help them keep things neat and tidy in the midfield and provide better attacking and defensive options.
• Set your goalkeeper to Comes For Crosses and Sweeper Keeper. It’s optional and not as important as the other player instructions. However, it’s an extra tool that will help prevent easily avoidable goals.

Defending

• Defensive Style: Pressure On Heavy Touch
• Width: 5 bars
• Depth: 6 bars

Attacking

• Offensive Style: Long Ball
• Width: 4 bars
• Players in the box: 5 bars
• Corners: 3 bars
• Free kicks: 1 bar

FIFA 21 custom tactics for 4-2-2-2

The 4-2-2-2 is less conventional than others, but it’s a good choice for players with a more attacking playstyle. It gives you plenty of options upfront without compromising too much in defense.

• Set your RB and LB to Stay Back While Attacking. This time, however, set them on Conservative Interceptions as well. It will help them do an even better job of holding the fort.
• Once you’ve done that, set your CDMs to Cut Passing Lanes, Aggressive Interceptions, and Cover Center. This will add more gusto to your already lethal attack and keep your opponent on their toes. 

Defending

• Defensive Style: Pressure On Heavy Touch
• Width: 5 bars
• Depth: 6 bars

Attacking

• Offensive Style: Long Ball
• Width: 4 bars
• Players in the box: 5 bars
• Corners: 3 bars
• Free kicks: 1 bar

FIFA 21 custom tactics for 4-3-3 (5) False 9

The 4-3-3 (5), also known as False 9, is the formation popularized by Pep Guardiola. It’s a great formation for more defensive-minded players who like to pass the ball around a lot in their build-up.

However, it’s a little more complex than other formations in terms of player instructions.

• Set your CF to Stay Forward and have the LF and RF Come Back On Defense, Cut Inside, and Come Short. These will make your attackers more dynamic off the ball.

• Then, set one CM to Get Forward, Free Roam, Cover Center, and the other to Stay Back While Attacking and Cover Center. It might seem odd, but the free-roaming one will provide an extra attacking option, while the other one will add more stability in defense.
• Next, set your CDM to Cut Passing Lanes, Stay Back While Attacking, and Cover Center to add even more support in defense.
• Finally, have the RB and LB Stay Back While Attacking to round it off nicely.

Defending

• Defensive Style: Pressure On Heavy Touch
• Width: 5 bars
• Depth: 5 bars

Attacking

• Offensive Style: Balanced
• Width: 5 bars
• Players in the box: 5 bars
• Corners: 1 bar
• Free kicks: 1 bar

FIFA 21 custom tactics for 5-3-2

The 5-3-2 formation is a perfect choice for players who are looking to maintain a solid backline and get their full-backs involved in the action upfront.

You’ll want to use the width of the pitch to bring your full-backs forward and mount deadly attacks on goal.

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• Set your fullbacks to Join The Attack and instruct one of your CM’s to Stay Back While Attacking and Cover The Center.
• Then, set your other CM to Get Forward and finally, instruct your strikers to Get In Behind.

Defending

• Defensive Style: Balanced
• Width: 6 bars
• Depth: 5 bars

Attacking

• Offensive Style: Long Ball
• Width: 5 bars
• Players in the box: 6
• Corners: 2 bar
• Free kicks: 1 bar

FIFA 21 custom tactics for 4-1-2-1-2 (2)

If you’re looking for an offensive formation that allows your midfield to constantly create chances for your two strikers, 4-1-2-1-2 (2) is definitely the setup to use.

While an aggressive style of play isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it can allow you to run away with a game if you convert your chances. This formation will allow your players to get in front of the goal, and is perfect if you’ve got a good enough goalscorer up front.

• Set both your strikers to Stay Central and your CAM to Stay Forward.
• Set your CM’s to Cover Wing so they can stop any counter-attacks your opponent tries to mount on you.

Defending

• Defensive Style: Balanced
• Width: 6 bars
• Depth: 4 bars

Attacking

• Offensive Style: Long Ball
• Width: 7 bars
• Players in the box: 5 bars
• Corners: 1 bar
• Free kicks: 1 bar

Those are the best formation, custom tactics, and instruction combinations that players are using in the current meta. If you have found your own master plan, make sure to share it with us @UltimateTeamUK on Twitter – we may update our list in the future.

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For more FIFA guides and tips, check out our other guides and lists: Best cheap players | Best strikers | Fastest players | Best goalkeepers | Prime Gaming rewards | Pro clubs tactics and formations | Career mode: best young players 

For more FIFA 21 guides and tips, check out our list below:

FUT Champs rewards | FUT Draft rewards | Division Rivals rewards | Squad Battles rewards | FIFA 21 performance trading tips | How to trade meta cards | How to snipe players | FIFA 21 best young players | Ultimate defending guide | Ultimate passing & crossing guide | How to complete FGS Token Swap SBC | FIFA 21 ICONs list | Best Pro Clubs custom tactics | Best custom tactics, formations & player instructions

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