FC 25 Gameplay: Score More With Offense Tricks

If playing defensively isn’t working out for you, then it might be time to switch things up with this FC 25 gameplay tips guide. Once you’re through here, you’ll be bagging more goals and stealing more balls with a more offensive-focused playstyle.

Of course, these tips aren’t enough to win more games. If you need more help, reach out to us at RPG Stash. We’ve got great deals on FC 25 coins so that you’ll have more budget to start building your ultimate team.

Strafe Dribbling

The first tip is perhaps the most essential dribbling meta in FC 25, and we guarantee it’ll instantly improve your game. Strafe dribbling, also known as close control or agile dribbling, works by faking a direction as a defender approaches.

Once the defender fully commits, you take one step back, evading the tackle and dribbling in the opposite direction. This creates space to exploit.

To perform strafe dribbling, hold the L1 (or LB) button on your controller as you take that backward step. Then, release L1 and use your left stick to move into the open space you’ve created. Alternatively, you can achieve a similar dribble by holding both L2 and R2 instead of L1.

Right now, strafe dribbling is incredibly effective, with elite-tier players using it frequently—and for a good reason.

Speed Boost

Our next tip combines strafe dribbling with the second technique, the game-breaking L1 speed boost. This boost is currently one of the most overpowered moves in FC 25, allowing players to create explosive bursts of speed.

Struggling with defenders who catch up to your attackers? The L1 boost changes that. It creates a burst so powerful that, if executed correctly, it’s nearly impossible to stop.

To perform the speed boost, hold the L1 button while walking, take a touch or two, release L1, and then immediately hold the sprint button to burst into space. The trick to consistently performing this move is to always boost into open space, not towards opposing players.

A little strafe dribbling beforehand can help create the necessary space, and as soon as you see an opening, that’s when to activate the speed boost. Given how strong it is right now, we anticipate a nerf in upcoming updates—so take advantage while it lasts!

Players with high acceleration stats are particularly well-suited for this Quick Step technique.

L1 Fake Shot

Our third tip is short but essential: the L1 fake shot. It’s easy to perform—just hold L1 (or LB) and perform a fake shot. This move is currently the most effective skill move in FC 25. Use it freely, especially in or around the box or anytime you feel pinned down.

The L1 fake shot is so effective that it often results in penalties, slips through defenders, or opens up perfect shooting opportunities. While this skill move can feel overpowered, it’s highly effective, so spam it strategically to keep defenders guessing.

Triggering Runs

An often overlooked attacking tip is activating and triggering runs. To execute this, simply aim towards a player and tap the L1 button; that player will then start running forward and won’t stop until reaching the offside line.

With recent changes to tactics, FC 25 has shifted to a more manual approach, and using runs effectively can increase your scoring chances by confusing your opponent.

To maximize this technique, use it repeatedly—three, four, or even five times per attack. Making players run back and forth multiplies your attacking options and keeps your opponent guessing.

With more threats to cover, if they make a single mistake, you’ll have the numbers up top to capitalize.

One of our favorite strategies is to send a player on a run while the opponent tries to cover that direct passing lane. Instead of sending a direct pass, form a triangle with a third player.

While the initial lane is covered, using the third player almost always ensures a breakthrough behind their defense. Practice this technique with various passes:

• R1 + X for a ping pass
• L1 + Triangle for a lofted through ball
• Triangle for a simple through ball

FC 25’s short passing can be tricky, so lean into more through balls and long balls to increase your success rate. After a few tries, you’ll find the rhythm, and your game will be on a new level.

Setting Up Players: Correct and Incorrect Positions

In the first half, we're going to put players in their correct positions. In the second half, we'll put players in incorrect positions so you can clearly see the difference and understand how crucial it is to use the L1 and R1 buttons.

Even though the player lock and similar features have some current bugs, the key is to keep it simple and seamless. For example, even if we have a great player like Son with an RW++ rating, he might not always make the run we need.

That’s when pressing the L1 button comes in handy, as it ensures the player will make the run rather than relying on the game’s AI.

Using One-Twos and Overlaps

One thing we always do is play one-twos backwards to create overlaps and movement. This opens up chances for players to get into shooting positions.

Without that backward one-two, Sean wouldn’t have had the space to progress. The same goes for using the L1 triangle pass for a quick, high-level move. The simplicity of this technique is enough, especially since most opponents defend the central areas.

This year, the defensive width is more restricted, so opponents can’t narrow their formations as easily as before. Though we lost possession here, we want to emphasize defensive integrity—avoid being overly aggressive, especially when you’re ahead in the game.

Timing the Pass and Utilizing Player Pace

The L1 button is also about timing the pass. For example, even against a defender as fast as Koundé—who’s arguably among the top three fastest center-backs in the game—the L1 button helps maintain an advantage.

This speed aspect also applies to defending with a “run and jockey” style, which can slightly influence defensive pace. Again, remember that we’re only using a simple 4-4-2 formation.

One advantage of having two strikers is that it’s harder for the opponent to predict your passes. For instance, if we only had one striker, the opponent would likely anticipate that pass. However, having two strikers creates more options and can catch the defense off guard.

The Importance of Two Strikers

Let’s say we pass to Son, who’s isolated in the middle. The opponent can easily anticipate that move. But with two strikers, you can open up more gaps, even if the AI marks Son tightly. Having an additional striker helps create space and makes the attacking buildup smoother.

If you’re playing a formation like the 4-2-2, which is still a solid setup, you might consider using a CAM as a shadow striker to add more support in the final third.

Using Super Cancels and Defensive Risks

If an offside occurs, we use a super cancel to prevent the game from penalizing us. While attacking, even if it’s our left back advancing, we make sure not to lose possession.

You can trust your overlapping full-backs to push forward, but you need to defend confidently if you lose the ball. For instance, if you lose the ball and it’s a two-on-two scenario, you’re at a major disadvantage.

By using the one-two technique and overlapping runs, we overload the opposition’s defense, creating unmarked players and space for crossing or trickery.

Passing back to Swanson and going for a first-time shot is another example of using these tactics to create effective scoring opportunities.

Precision Shooting and Long Shots

This year, precision shooting might be necessary in certain situations. Players like Son, with a finesse shot playstyle, excel here. Positioning yourself at a 45° angle for a finesse shot is particularly effective.

Another option is the power shot—achievable by pressing L1, R1, and shoot. This move works even from long distances, though timing is crucial. For instance, when executed correctly, it can strike the crossbar or hit the back of the net.

Switching to Lower-Rated Players

In the second half, we’ll sub in some more realistic players. Swanson will be replaced by Ki, Alvarez, and ADI, who are good but more commonly used players. Son will also be swapped out for Williams, a 1K-cost player, so we can see a more relatable lineup.

Now, although these players will be out of position, you’ll see why the L1 triggers remain essential.

Attacking with Realistic Players

Defensively, it’s key not to rely on the AI alone. Initiate quick one-twos and move the goalkeeper accordingly for near-post shots, which are often effective due to certain goalkeeper movement issues.

Positioning yourself for near-post shots can be more successful in certain situations this year.

Creative Runs and Trusting Your Dribbling Skills

You can also create chances with creative runs, directing a player to a specific area on the field. For example, we can instruct a player to move towards the middle, freeing up unmarked space. Utilizing these creative runs can enhance your attacking options.

Remember, trust in your own ability to dribble, shoot, and make the most of each play. Creating movement with the L1 button is the most vital part of staying in control and making the game flow.

Long Shots

Long shots remain highly effective in FC 25, especially with players who have the Long Shot Play Style. Here’s the key to nailing these shots: distance is crucial. If you’re too close, the shot won’t gain enough power or downward dip.

Position yourself further away to achieve the arc that makes it more difficult for the goalkeeper to stop.

For players with the Finesse Shot Play Style Plus, like Kyung Minam, your chance of hitting the target is nearly guaranteed—almost a 50% chance to score, even without perfect timing. Here’s how to do it:

• Hold the R1 button while shooting to trigger a finesse shot.
• Face a 45° angle towards the goal.
• Use around 3.5 bars of power to ensure accuracy and pace.

You can also execute a travela shot (L2 + Shoot) for another alternative if you don’t have the Finesse Shot Play Style Plus. Top players are using these techniques to their advantage.

Player Lock

Player Lock is a vital tool in FC 25, especially since AI positioning can sometimes be unreliable. Here’s how to take control of player movements effectively:

1. Activate Player Lock: Click L3 and R3 to engage Player Lock. You can then select the player you want to control by moving the right analog stick.
2. Confuse Opponents: Pretend to move one way, then switch directions to fake out the defender. For example, control Neymar, make him appear to run downfield, then switch directions and request a through ball when he’s in a better position.
3. Trigger Preemptive Runs: Press L1 before locking the player to get them moving in advance, so it’s easier to pass after you switch.

Use Player Lock not only in the final third but also along the wings to open up space. This trick works well to throw off defenders who aren’t watching the radar.

Creative Runs

Creative Runs let you dictate player movement, tricking the defense with unexpected angles:

• Activate Runs: Press L1 and flick the right analog stick toward the desired direction. This initiates a controlled run.
• Use Directional Runs: Flick the stick to guide your player’s run in a specific path (e.g., bottom left for diagonal moves).
• Mix and Match Movements: Start with a directional run, then stop it briefly by releasing L1 to make your player take an unexpected route.

Timing is everything with creative runs, and all top players are using these setups to create scoring opportunities.

Lob Through Balls

Lob through balls are perfect for bypassing defenses when timed well. Here’s how to pull it off:

1. Trigger the Player: Begin by selecting the target player using L1.
2. L1 + Triangle: Execute the lob through ball as your player starts running.

Keep an eye on timing—release the pass just before your player goes offside. If they’re not moving, pressing L1 prompts the run before launching the pass.

Power Shot

Power Shots are satisfying and effective when executed with precision. These shots aren’t just for corners; they work from any position if aimed correctly:

• Hold L1, R1, and Shoot: Charge the power shot while aiming at the target.
• Practice Aiming: Manual aiming takes practice, so work on finding the corners, either in matches or in practice mode.

If you can green-time it, it’s nearly unstoppable—even skilled goalkeepers struggle to block these powerful strikes.

Precision Lob Pass

Precision Lob Passing allows for pinpoint accuracy, ideal for long-range passes where accuracy is crucial:

• R1 + Square (or Triangle for through pass): Holding R1 with Square lets you dictate the pass angle and distance.
• Adjust with the Left Analog Stick: Move the target circle with the left stick to position the ball exactly where you want it.

This is especially useful for setting up crosses, so give it a try in-game to start gaining more control over your long passes.

Honorable Mentions

• Green Timed Shooting: Timed shots, especially green-timed, make a noticeable difference, so practice your timing to make the most of each opportunity.
• Trickster Fake Shots: For players with the Trickster or Trickster+ playstyle, performing a fake shot can yield incredible animations that are particularly effective in FC 25. Plus, Trickster significantly enhances your strafe dribbling, making it a top playstyle this year.
• Trivela Shots: Green-timed Trivela shots are especially potent right now.
• Player Lock: Player movement in FC 25 can be unpredictable. Mastering player locks can improve your chance creation and offensive fluidity.

Get More Goals!

Our tips are sure to help you max out your offensiveness in FC 25. If you want to build a better team next, check out RPG Stash for great deals on FC 25 coins so that you’ll have more to spend for your Ultimate Team.