EA FC 25 introduces FC IQ, Player Roles, Smart Tactics, and more

EA Sports has hosted a gameplay deep-dive for EA FC 25, giving the community an early taste of FC IQ and how it will overhaul the existing systems in EA’s soccer sim.

While EA FC 24 allows plenty of customization in terms of tactics and formations, it’s all set to change soon. With the introduction of FC IQ, footballers in-game will have different roles. This completely changes the equation, as stats can’t act as a substitute for role familiarity. Let’s take a look at all the highlights from tonight’s reveal.

EA FC 25’s player roles will be a change from the past

While there will be set formations once again in EA FC 25, the custom tactics department has been given an overhaul. In EA FC 24, all players have work rates and positions, but they don’t have specialized roles. In the upcoming game, all footballers will have specialized roles based on how they play in real life. In other words, Vinicius may switch between wider and central positions to reflect what he does for Real Madrid.

All players will have three levels of familiarity when it comes to player roles: Role, Role+, and Role++. The third one indicates that a given footballer is world-class in his role. A yellow exclamation mark will be there if the footballer is played outside their position.

With the introduction of roles, you’ll have to pay close attention to how you operate on the field. Of course, roles won’t be an exclusive concept, as they will work in close tandem with the new tactical setup.

EA FC 25 set to introduce Smart Tactics

A crucial part of FC IQ will be Smart Tactics. Instead of the custom tactics of 24, EA FC 25‘s Smart Tactics will allow you to set a base and then tinker with the player roles. Naturally, the same formation will act in different ways in attack and defense.

The D-Pad options are also getting revamped, as you’ll be able to change from one tactic to another on the fly. In EA FC 25, you’ll be able to view your team’s shape with and without the ball. Additionally, EA Sports is making it easier to share tactics, which can be done with the help of unique codes.

EA Sports has revealed plenty more tonight, including new playstyles for goalkeepers. This is one area that didn’t get much love in EA FC 24. More animations based on real-life actions from the world of football will also be introduced in gameplay. While it will be interesting to find out more about FC IQ and how it will work in different modes, the first impressions feel positive.