FIFA 21 is the latest iteration of the Electronic Arts football sim dating back to 1993’s International Soccer. What started out in semi humble beginnings on a few consoles and PC has grown into a worldwide phenomenon.
FIFA 21 launched on October 6 for PS4, while the PlayStation 5 version released on Dec. 4. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a grizzled vet from the 16-bit days, here’s a handy beginner's guide to slide tackle all sides of the pitch!
What is the Difference Between Standard, Champions, and Ultimate Edition?
There are currently three editions - standard, Champions, and the Ultimate Edition. The Ultimate Edition, while more expensive, is catered toward players who want to build their own team for online play thanks to additional incentives like rare gold packs and special player picks.
Getting Started
When you start, you’ll be prompted to pick a language before the game tosses you into an intro match. It’s a good way for beginners to familiarize themselves with the game, but those more familiar with the franchise can opt to skip.
Players can then sign up for an EA Account, choose a difficulty setting based on their comfort and select a control scheme depending on personal preference.
What Modes are in FIFA 21?
FIFA 21 has 8 offline game modes: Career Mode, FIFA Ultimate Team, Volta Mode, Skill Games, UEFA Champions League, Practice Arena, Tournaments, and Kick-Off.
There are four online modes: Online Seasons, Pro Clubs, Online Friendlies, Online Co-op Seasons.
What can I Customize?
In the customization menu, players can change settings for the camera, controls, music, playlists, online settings, player creation, player profile, stadium, team name, and emblem.
Defense Tips & Tricks
There are a few different ways to play defense - sliding, tackling, hard-tackling, blocking, clearing, intercepting passes, holding, and goalkeeping.
Learn to switch players quickly, as it’s important to control the correct player at the right moment.
Time your tackles, as they’re easy to miss and overuse. Otherwise, opponents will take advantage of them. Look for opportunities to steal passes while picking up on their habits whenever possible.
Certain situations will require a goalkeeper to rush out of the goal and strengthen your defense. If done correctly, this can greatly help, but it can also backfire and leave the goal open.
Dribbling Tips & Tricks
Dribbling involves using the left analog stick to control the ball, but there are a number of nuances like strafe dribbling, agile dribbling, ball stop, and slow dribbling to master.
Hold R1 while moving the left analog stick to agile dribble. The effectiveness of the move is determined by player stats.
Strafe dribbling is performed the same way except you hold L1 while moving the left stick.
Learn all of the different movements and combinations and you’ll become more versatile against any opponent regardless of the situation.
Passing Tips & Tricks
Attacking is one of the most fun parts of FIFA and probably a big reason for the game’s lasting popularity. Passing is crucial to success on offense and requires precision. Anything less essentially hands the other player the ball.
FIFA 21 features many ways to pass the ball. There are crosses, threaded and unthreaded ground passes, and threaded and driven lob passes, plus through passes.
- Through passes work well when aimed at a spot behind the opponent’s line.
- A lob or chipped pass works well when a defender is right in front of you.
- FIFA 21 allows for different attack styles, granting players the freedom to develop and utilize their own tactics. Use the D-Pad to hug the sideline, add a striker, attack full-backs, get in the box, or display attack options.
Make sure to mix up your tactics, so that you won’t become predictable when driving to the goal. Knowledge and perception are key stops on the way to success, so be aware of all the different ways to attack and most importantly, enjoy yourself.
Shooting Tips & Tricks
There are multiple ways to finish a goal, including a chip, finesse, low, and flair shot.
- Use a chip shot when the goalkeeper is rushing.
- A finesse shot is good from a certain angle because it’s more concerned with the way the ball curves rather than the power behind it.
- A low shot is good when the goalkeeper is on the other side of the goal, as it’s harder for him to get down than jump up.
- A flair shot, like a bicycle kick, is harder to pull off, depending on a player’s skill level. The game provides a meter for shots if you want, but watch a player’s foot to get the hang of timing.
There’s much more to this game, especially when it comes to online and competitive play, however, net these basics and you’ll be well on your way to clinching more complex mechanics. FIFA can feel overwhelming at first, although it definitely gets easier with time.
The Evolution of FIFA Games (1993 - 2020)
Interested in the evolution of the series for the last 30 years? Youtuber Group M Pro illustrates the development of FIFA’s graphics.
Test Your Skills in the FIFA 21 Open Series
Join FIFA 21 tournaments to play live in front of the community and become part of the game’s history!
Image Source: Activision