FIFA 21 has received quite a few patches since its release, not all of which have made players happy. Complaints about the gameplay after the updates have arisen.
Since the release of FIFA 21, it has already received a few updates. The last update, for example, focused on the correction of referee logic but also brought a lot of other changes in the patch notes. The previously released update was also very extensive and changed a lot.
However, the patches do not only bring joy, but sometimes the opposite. While the mood around FIFA 21 was very good shortly after release and many praised the gameplay, frustrated posts started appearing after the patches. These criticize alleged changes that are not listed in the overviews.
Does FIFA 21 feel different now?
This is the problem: There have been various posts in the FIFA subreddit after the patches that complain about the gameplay in many areas. One focuses on shots: User Clarrence-Boddiker (via reddit) explains that he has played over 350 games, but something must have changed in the shots since the last patch. He has two incredible top strikers, but suddenly notices a significant difference in finesse and driven shots.
In the comments, several users agree. For many, the game seems to feel “different”. Another user highlights the goalkeeper issue with the shot problem: “I think the keepers have gotten better, and maybe they nerfed the finishing a bit,” he speculates (via reddit).
Then again, there are players who have fewer problems with shots but struggle with headers.
Additionally, there are players who criticize the Squad Battles mode since the last patch. It has suddenly become much, much harder. “I don’t mind it being difficult, but it should be fun and a relaxed game mode between Rivals and friendly matches,” comments user mr_Brostinson (via reddit): “The way gameplay is now, it is definitely not fun.”
Others criticize their players’ passing since the patch: “Is anyone else experiencing the issue that every through ball or every simple pass feels like it’s being executed by a 40-rated bronze player?” asks a user (via reddit). Here, there is also a significant amount of agreement – but also some disagreement.
Patches and FIFA – a long history
Is this happening to everyone? While many players complain about the patches, others explain that nothing has changed for them at all. As a counterargument, it is mentioned that players simply get better over the course of the game – making opponents more difficult. Additionally, one point is raised where most players agree: The servers.
With regard to connection issues, there is often criticism regarding FIFA 21. Players often attribute problems like slow players, strange passes, or suddenly failing skill moves to the servers. Especially in the Weekend League, these are often a major topic. And FIFA 21 has also had its outages: For example, the major server outage during the Rulebreakers event, which directly led to a postponed Weekend League.
Not the first time for criticism: The fact that FIFA suddenly feels different to many players after patches (and outside of the changes mentioned in the patch notes) is not the first time this has occurred. Also, in FIFA 20 or FIFA 19, there were always problems. It went so far that around the FIFA 21 release, posts frequently appeared pleading: “EA, please do not patch the game drastically.”
However, FIFA 21 has received quite a few patches by now – and the feeling of poorly modified gameplay is returning for some players.
As of now, there are no official statements regarding this – apart from what is in the patch notes. Thus, it is unclear where exactly the problems lie: Whether they are indeed changes, bugs in the patches, server issues, the skills – or a combination of somewhat everything.
A quite clear error occurred recently with the first league SBC: It had to be deactivated again after a short time.
