FIFA 23 stands out thanks to four words its community barely dared to dream. They. Changed. Ultimate. Team. Like, legit ripped out the entire way you build a fantasy squad, bringing EA's final FIFA in line with that other great global football gaming obsession: FPL. No longer are you punished for wanting Mbappe, Son, Tomori, and Courtois in the same line-up? Equally, no longer can you manipulate archaic systems to transform two midfield powerhouses into all-conquering forwards. In one hit, both authenticity and fun are significantly enhanced.
Contrary to plans announced ahead of launch, EA has retained chemistry after all. But it's nothing like you remember it. Now the maximum possible 'chem' is 33 rather than 100. Players are still rewarded for having teammates or fellow countrymen elsewhere in your Ultimate Team lineup – just without the need for them to be adjacent to one another. And while chemistry provides a gentle stats boost, crucially there's no punishment for deploying a player on zero. Son is deadly down the left in an otherwise all La-Liga squad. Nick Pope remains gallingly impassable behind a completely French back four. Your dream XI finally feels both personalized and unlimited.
Our FIFA 23 tips are integral if you've just got the game and plan to spend Boxing Day hammering net busters with Erling Haaland. All the FIFA 23 basics are covered, from the new acceleration and set-piece models to Ultimate Team and career mode, via features, you may not be aware of – such as the inclusion of women's club teams. Enough pre-match build-up: let's dish out the nine key FIFA 23 tips to know before you play.