Looking for the best formations in FIFA 23? If you're just now diving into the game and building your Ultimate Team, then one of the most important decisions you'll need to make is how your team lines up. A formation can be the difference between a tight midfield or conceding plenty of goals, so it's a tough choice.
In this FIFA 23 guide, we'll run through a few of the best formations you can choose. Our picks are all fairly different, so we'll explain why each one is worth trying out depending on your play style. Luckily it's really easy to change formation.
Elsewhere, we've got plenty of other FIFA 23 guides to check out. Run through some player ratings to see where your favourites rank up this year. We've also got a look at the web app, which is live now for you to begin trading. That sadly means the beta is now closed for good.
What are the best formations in FIFA 23?
Read on for our picks of the three best formations to use in FIFA 23. This mainly focuses on Ultimate Team, since that's the main mode where you aren't given a default formation and have to do everything for yourself.
Of course, it can also apply to other modes like Kick Off and Online Seasons, depending on whether you want to shake up the team you select. It's all up to you!
click to enlarge4-3-3 (4)
First up is an old reliable favourite, which is perfect if you plan on employing wide players. Running with two wingers allows you to use a tall target man as your main striker, as such able to whip crosses into the box and score plenty of headers. Erling Haaland is ridiculous this year!
It's not all about the striker though, because those wingers can get their names on the scoresheet too. Provided you choose players with strong DRI stats, they can cut inside and make darting runs into the box, drifting past defenders and scoring for themselves.
- Read more: FIFA 23 Ones to Watch cards
Importantly, the three midfielders also ensure that you can win the battle in the centre of the pitch. We've opted for the 4-3-3 variant that contains two CMs and one CAM, who can contribute plenty of attacking output. However, there are five different variants for you to pick from, so play around and find the one that works for you best.
4-1-2-1-2
If you like the idea of wide players but don't want one isolated striker up top, then a 4-1-2-1-2 line up is the next best option. You'll still have two players on each wing, but playing a little deeper as LM and RM rather than dedicated wingers.
The key benefit is having two strikers, meaning one can be a tall target man, and the other a more technical finisher. We always use one-two passing to give the less nimble striker the ball to hold up play, then blast the ball through a gap for the finisher to put away for an easy goal.
The only drawback is the greatly reduced midfielder strength. You'll only have two dedicated central midfielders, one attacking and one defending, so you may find yourself often outnumbered through the middle. It's more of a counter-attacking formation, so bear that in mind.
5-4-1
If you want to dominate the ball and break on counter-attacks when you need to, then a solid and defensive 5-4-1 formation could be for you. It's fairly reminiscent of Gareth Southgate's cautious setup of the England national team, with one talismanic striker buoyed by various defensive midfielders and the odd spark of creative flair.
- Read more: all FIFA 23 icons
If you aren't as confident in your abilities at FIFA 23 and want to concede fewer goals, then going for five at the back is a good place to start. Just be aware that chances to score will be much harder to come by, so make them count when you can.
That's it for our look at the best formations in FIFA 23! Depending on how you play, one of these setups will no doubt help you find more success in competitive games. While you're here, feel free to also check out how to claim your Rivals rewards in the companion app, alongside the Puzzle Master SBC solution.