In EA FC 24 Title Update 6 will be released soon. The announced Christmas update brings, among other things, a change that has been longed for by the FIFA community. We present the change and summarize the fans’ reactions for you.
What is the new feature? An important change will occur for AI-controlled pressing. According to the latest pitch notes, the opposing players should press less aggressively in the future. This affects both the wings and the center of the field.
More space in midfield and less pressure on the wings
What do the changes mean for gameplay? EA states in the pitch notes that they want to “ensure even greater tactical diversity” (via EA Sports). For example, new spaces and more passing options should open up in the center. This is expected to lead to more passing sequences in midfield.
This could create a new competitive situation for the two best formations in EA FC 24, which almost all professionals play,.
There should be less pressure and more time for the wing players, as it has “previously been the case that too much pressure was put on this professional and the defending team positioned too high.” (via EA Sports). Now the professionals would have more space to turn and maneuver, allowing them to create new play and passing situations.
In light of these new circumstances, formations like the 4-1-2-1-2 (narrow diamond) or the 4-3-1-2 may become really interesting again. These are designed to combine with many passes through the center.
EA Sports is thus responding to the ongoing criticism of recent months and shows willingness to make adjustments to the automatic OP pressing of the AI. This new approach sounds not only promising but also pleases the community.
Fans are thrilled: “Finally I can play differently again.”
How does the community react? On Reddit, the Christmas patch has been warmly received by the majority of the community. Under the subreddit “EA Sports FC Holiday Update Patch Notes”, comments have already been flowing. Many comments celebrate the contents of the new patch.
The top comment aptly summarizes this enthusiasm: “I just saw someone kneel down in an Asda (English supermarket chain).” (via Reddit) This post is meant to express the fans’ relief that their demands have finally been heard by EA Sports.
Another comment with many likes looks optimistically towards the weekend in light of the reduced AI and is looking forward to the weekend league with its new rewards:
He writes regarding the reduced pressure on the wing players: “Thank God. For a month, I can finally play differently in FUT Champions.” This means that the previous pressing meta allowed hardly any variability in ball play. According to the patch notes, this is expected to be loosened up.
But not everyone is convinced: Some also warn against being too enthusiastic. With the reduced AI, one must be able to rely on one’s own skill in manual defense again. In this context, a user puts a damper on the enthusiasm: “I think many people believe that the reduced pressing is good for them. But it’s not.” (via Reddit).
In the end, it remains to be seen what influence the changes will have on gameplay. The patch notes at least show many good approaches. You will likely be able to try out how exactly the adjustments will affect gameplay tomorrow, Thursday, December 7, 2023. We assume that the patch will be available for download in the morning.
If it really turns out that AI presses and defends less, you will have to rely more on your own defensive skills again. If you still need some tutoring, we recommend our 5 tips for conceding fewer goals in EA FC 24.
