What is FC IQ in EA FC 25? New tactics explained
EA SportsEA FC 25 adds the new FC IQ feature that modernizes tactics, giving you an even more realistic experience.
EA Sports announced all the new features and licenses that will be added to their new EA Sports FC installment, and one that stood out for its complexity and impact was FC IQ.
This feature is powered by both real-world data and proprietary AI and is set to affect tactics and positioning in all types of matches in EA FC 25. But what exactly is FC IQ, and what does it do to the game? Here’s everything you need to know.
FC IQ explained
FC IQ is a new foundational pillar in EA FC 25 that offers a more in-depth way of managing a squad’s tactics and positions.
While the other pillars (HypermotionV and PlayStyles) link to animations and abilities, IQ offers more tactical control over your team.
It’s not just the squad as a whole either, but every player and the position they play in. This means that, for example, not every ST will have the same qualities, as they will depend on your choices.
FC IQ has three foundations that will determine a player’s actions in defense and offense:
- Player Roles
- Team Tactics
- Smart Tactics
EA SportsPlayer Roles
Roles dictate how players think and move around the pitch the second they lose control of the ball, whether they lost possession or passed it to a teammate.
There are 52 different roles in total – between 3-5 roles per position – and each one has very specific positive and negative aspects for the player.
Based on real-world data from past seasons, the AI will determine which roles they excel in the most. Some, like Bellingham and Debinha, have mainly one (Half-Winger), while others, like Havertz, have decent percentages in three or more (Shadow Striker, Half-Winger, and Playmaker).
All Player Roles
- GK (GK): Goalkeeper / Sweeper Keeper
- Full-Back (RB-LB): Fullback / Falseback / Wingback / Attacking Wingback
- Centre-Back (CB): Defender / Stopper / Ball-Playing Defender
- Defensive Midfielder (CDM): Holding / Centre Half / Deep-Lying Playmaker
- Centre Midfielder (CM): Box-to-Box / Holding / Deep-Lying Playmaker / Playmaker / Half-Winger
- Wide Midfielder (RM-LM): Winger / Wide Midfielder / Wide Playmaker / Inside Forward
- Attacking Midfielder (CAM): Playmaker / Shadow Striker / Half-Winger
- Winger (RW-LW): Winger / Inside Forward / Wide Playmaker
- Striker (ST): Advance Forward / Poacher / False 9 / Target Forward
Each role has between 1-3 focuses, making them more attacking, roaming, defensive, or other. This allows users to tweak specific details of those roles for even further customization, giving them between 100-400 million different combinations to experiment with in EA FC 25.
To add even more depth, each player will have one of four levels of familiarity to determine how good they can be. The better the familiarity, the better the work rate of the player in that role.
For the full breakdown, check out what every FC IQ player role and focus means.
EA SportsTeam Tactics
Team Tactics is where players set up their squad’s formation, build-up style, and defensive approach. EA Sports tweaked the visuals so it’s easier for you to see the full picture of what you’re setting up, and they also added presents inspired by real-life clubs for less experienced players.
After all the settings are done, Team Tactics will analyze your team and chosen player roles on 6 different aspects to give you dynamic feedback on your tactic with a summary portraying the pros and cons of your choices, as well as a view of how your team will move with or without the ball.
There’s also a new system for custom tactics where players can save up to five fully custom tactics and get a universal code for each of them to share with friends. Or, you can use your favorite managers’ tactics.
Smart Tactics
Smart Tactics is how both Roles and Team Tactics are showcased in every match. It adds new visuals, functionality, and commentary to every encounter to make players experience changes as they take effect.
Additionally, Smart Tactics offers real-time tactical suggestions during the match based on what is happening on the pitch. You can also trigger tactical changes or substitutions at any time, thanks to new prompts that appear on the screen.
You’ll be able to use FC IQ to take full advantage of the best young players, free agents, and of course, the top 50 rated.