FIFA 23 has arrived, bringing with it a series of fresh features that impact everything from shooting mechanics to dribbling responsiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned FIFA veteran or someone new to Ultimate Team, this year’s updates challenge you to relearn and re-adapt. With refined fundamentals like penalties and corners, as well as major changes in chemistry and dribbling, success will hinge on your ability to evolve with the game. In this guide, we’ll break down nine actionable tips that will help you improve your performance, manage your squad more effectively, and build a competitive edge against other players.

9. Build a Decent Squad from the Start

One of the first key steps is to assemble a reliable starting team. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need top-tier or high-rated players to make an impact. Instead, focus on acquiring players with strong meta-relevant stats—pace, physicality, agility, and work rates that suit your playstyle. Within a modest budget of 30k to 50k coins, you can construct an efficient and balanced squad that’s good enough to compete right away. Avoid hoarding coins in the early stages; instead, invest wisely and lay the foundation for future upgrades. This also sets the tone for better team management throughout the year.

8. Understand and Adapt to the New Meta

Every FIFA title introduces a new meta—strategies and formations that dominate the competitive landscape. In FIFA 23, that includes things like having fast center-backs or employing certain pressing tactics. It might feel monotonous or restrictive at first, but mastering the meta is vital. These tactics evolve as patches and updates roll out, so make it a habit to experiment in matches and stay flexible. Implementing meta strategies not only boosts your performance but also deepens your understanding of in-game mechanics.

7. Prioritize Squad Building Challenges (SBCs)

SBCs are a goldmine early in the game. They offer fast access to packs, coins, and even rare or special player cards. Focus on completing as many SBCs as you can in the beginning, particularly the ones that require minimal investment. They serve a dual purpose—disposing of excess club fodder while improving your team with rewards. Every completed challenge is a step toward bettering your squad with minimal match grinding.

6. Explore Game Modes: Division Rivals & Squad Battles

Ultimate Team is more than just Weekend League. Modes like Division Rivals and Squad Battles offer consistent, weekly rewards. Squad Battles allows you to play offline while still earning packs and coins, making it great for low-pressure practice. Rivals, on the other hand, pits you against human opponents in ranked online matches. Playing both will improve your game variety and test your squad strength under different circumstances. Depending on your ranking and performance, you’ll earn better prizes that can be reinvested into your squad.

5. Master the New Dribbling System

FIFA 23 introduces “technical dribbling,” a refined mechanic powered by Active Touch Technology. It adds hundreds of new animations, making dribbling feel more fluid and lifelike—but also more demanding. The trick here is patience and precision. Gently rotate the left analog stick to trigger new animations and avoid jerky or forceful movements. This technique, while challenging at first, becomes second nature with enough practice. Even pro players need time to adjust to this dribbling curve, but once mastered, it provides a massive advantage in tight spaces.

4. Recycle the Ball Intelligently

Possession is power. When there’s no clear scoring opportunity, don’t force plays—recycle the ball. Keep it moving side to side, probing your opponent’s defense for gaps. This tactic is not just about buying time; it’s about control. Drawing your opponent out of position through sustained possession can open up clear-cut chances. Especially against skilled defenders, your best chance to score often comes from forcing a mistake. Recycling the ball reinforces discipline and ensures you remain in control.

3. Minimize Scoring Chances Against You

Defending isn’t just about tackling—it’s about reducing the likelihood of conceding. If stopping a shot outright isn’t possible, guide your opponent onto their weaker foot or into less threatening zones. Force them wide or allow long-range efforts rather than clean shots inside the box. This tactic shifts the odds in your favor even in tough matchups. Over time, you’ll still concede goals, but you’ll do so at a lower rate, keeping you more competitive in close matches.

2. Learn the New Chemistry System

Chemistry has received a massive overhaul in FIFA 23. The old system of linking players based on adjacent positions is gone. Now, players contribute to team chemistry even if they’re not placed next to compatible teammates. For instance, a goalkeeper can get full chemistry simply by sharing a league or nationality with other players in the squad. This means greater squad-building flexibility and more creative combinations. Don’t worry too much if some players have low chemistry—this year, low chem doesn’t penalize base stats, so you can focus more on player quality than rigid linking rules.

1. Trade Silver Cards for Profit

Finally, trading silver cards is a slower, but effective, method to accumulate wealth. Focus on rare silver players from popular leagues like the Premier League. Use the transfer market to determine average prices, then snipe cards below market value and sell for a profit. This approach takes time but yields significant returns over weeks or months. If you’re committed to playing FIFA 23 long-term, silver trading can provide the capital needed to transform your team into a top-tier competitor.