FUT Custom Tactics Guide: Formations, Instructions & Meta

Custom tactics determine how your team plays in FUT. Getting them right is the difference between scraping into Division 5 and pushing for Elite. This guide covers formations, player instructions, and the tactical settings that matter most.

How Custom Tactics Work

You can set up four tactical presets (Defensive, Balanced, Attacking, Ultra Attacking) and switch between them mid-game using the D-pad. Each preset has its own formation, instructions, and settings.

**Build-Up Play** Controls how your team moves the ball from defence to attack. Balanced is the safest option. Long Ball bypasses midfield and sends direct passes to forwards. Short Passing keeps the ball on the ground through midfield.

**Chance Creation** Determines how your team creates scoring opportunities. Direct Passing sends runners in behind. Possession keeps the ball and waits for openings. Forward Runs tells players to make aggressive runs into the box.

Meta Formations

**4-2-3-1** The most popular formation in competitive FUT. Two CDMs screen the defence, the CAM creates, and the wide players cut inside. Defensively solid with enough attacking options.

**4-4-2** A balanced option that works well with two complementary strikers. One can be a target man while the other runs in behind. Wide midfielders track back and support both phases.

**4-1-2-1-2 Narrow** Extremely effective through the centre. The two strikers and CAM create a triangle that is difficult to defend. Vulnerable to wing play but dominant in one-on-one passing situations.

**4-3-2-1** Good for fast, direct play. Three forwards stay high while the midfield trio covers space. The CF position is versatile and can be played as a false 9 or target man.

**3-5-2** An attacking formation that overloads the midfield. Wingbacks provide width while three centre-backs handle the defensive duties. Requires manual defending and discipline.

Player Instructions

**Strikers** - Get In Behind: Best for pacy strikers who run the channels - Target Man: Holds the ball up and brings others into play - False 9: Drops deep to create overloads in midfield - Stay Central: Keeps your striker in goal-scoring positions

**Midfielders** - Stay Back While Attacking: Essential for at least one CDM - Get Forward: For box-to-box midfielders who arrive late in the box - Cover Centre: Protects against central overloads - Cover Wing: Helps when opponents exploit wide areas

**Defenders** - Stay Back While Attacking: Recommended for all defenders - Overlap: Full-backs join the attack (risky but creates width) - Inverted: Full-backs tuck inside to form a back three in possession

Defending Settings

**Defensive Width** 40-50 is the sweet spot for most formations. Too narrow and you get beaten on the wings. Too wide and the centre opens up.

**Defensive Depth** 50-60 is balanced. Lower depth (30-40) parks the bus and invites pressure. Higher depth (60-75) presses aggressively but leaves space behind.

**Defensive Approach** Balanced is safe. Press After Possession Loss is aggressive but effective with high-stamina players. Constant Pressure is a last resort that drains stamina quickly.