Patch Perfect? P2P Snacks - Issue #7
Hello, my friends!
The day 1(ish) patch is here. For years, I have loathed seeing this hit because the corrections are usually far too strong, causing the course of the game to redirect in a way that is nearly impossible for EA to claw back. The community always complains about the pace of the game, passing being too hard, keepers being terrible, etc. This happens when you go from using 99-rated cards to 80-rated golds overnight. This year’s patch? Maybe not so bad. This week, let’s look at some of the changes I believe were essential, drop in a classic custom tactic, and chat about the SnackSquad as it currently stands.
First: the TL;DR on the Pitch Notes that actually matter plus my level of optimism:
Improved the likelihood of Standing Tackles winning the ball back.
Needed. When I played pro clubs consistently back in the day, we used to have a term for this: “The FIFA Run Through”. It wasn’t as terrible as it was back then, but it was noticeable at times.
Optimism level: High
Increased the ball velocity for all Ground Passes.
Debatable. I’d rather have passing be harder than too easy. Too easy means we revert to ping-pong arcade nonsense. Good passers matter this year. Think about whether or not that has ever been the case. I’d prefer EA say, “increased the ball velocity by XX% for all ground passes.” Without any numerical indication, it’s impossible to judge the result they are hoping for.
Optimism level: Medium
Increased accuracy of Chip Shots.
Needed. WELCOME BACK TO THE CHIPLIFE!
Optimism level: Over 9000
Goalkeepers could sometimes react too quickly to certain shots.
Needed. I’m *hoping* this will fix trivelas. If not, trivelas are broken and need their own patch.
Optimism level: High
Sometimes, goalkeepers positioned themselves too far off the goal line when attempting to save long shots.
Needed. See above on trivelas.
Optimism level: High
Improved referee logic when determining foul calls as a result of blocking animations.
Needed. I’ve conceded multiple penalties that felt bizarre to me.
Optimism level: High
There is a laundry list of additional changes, but I think these are the most important ones to examine. Like I referenced twice, trivela shots & crosses are so broken (it’s really sad). Hold down LT/L2 any time you want to shoot or cross, and the accuracy and trajectory far improve. Keepers react poorly and defenders don’t know what to do. This needs to be patched. Hopefully, EA’s current changes will help make them feel less bad.
To the SnackSquad! I managed to go 10 wins in 10 games in Champs and snag a red Ben Yedder. Playing all 20 matches in FUT Champs feels impossible to me, but that’s entirely OK. I’d encourage you guys to play FIFA the way you want to play. Play the modes you want. Play the matches you want. Play however and whenever you want. Do not fall prey to feeling the need to complete everything. You’re going to have a bad time if you only play for rewards.
I continue to try out new tactics and formations but spent most of Champs playing a trusty 3412 formation. The tactics are extraordinarily similar to the tactics I released here: https://twitter.com/AirJapes/status/1510586212251230208
The only change was to give STs target man instead of Get in Behind…now, prepare for some ramblings….
4222 is the most balanced formation in FUT. You can use a variety of tactics, but playing it entirely balanced works.
Musiala’s IF is absolutely ridiculous. I cannot wait for him to get the most outrageous Future Stars card in FUT history.
Smalldini is back. That’s the tweet.
Bennacer is worth doing. I’m not sure whether Milan will progress enough for the upgrade to be meaningful but he gives me old-school Kante vibes.
Dalglish hit over 100 goals in under 60 matches. For being played out of position and trying all sorts of tactics and formations, he’s turned out to be VERY good.
As a final note, I’m starting to get very nervous that off-meta formations and tactics will be a thing of the past this year. FIFA 22 allowed for a huge variety of different tactics. Currently, I don’t feel that way about 23. Feels like I have to play a 4222/442/41212(2) if I want to be competitive. The 3412 worked because of matchmaking. I have no doubt I would have struggled against elite opponents.
Thank you all for your initial support of the P2P Snacks newsletter. If you enjoy my approach to FIFA, I’d love for you to share it with a friend and jump into my Discord to join in on more fun.
Best,
Japes
P.S. My settings and camera are coming…I just can’t make up my mind on a few specifics.