Everything you need to know about the FC 25 Gameplay Refresh Update

Just before we approach Team of the Year in EA Sports FC 25, the latest changes to gameplay, known as the “Gameplay Refresh Update,” are due to be released. EA has claimed that this is their most significant mid-season gameplay ever, with multiple modifications set to come based on community feedback. Prior to the update going live, we’ve been told what’s due to arrive, so here is everything you need to know about the newest adjustments coming to FC 25

“Defenders catching up to fast ball carriers too easily”

Currently, and before this patch goes live, slower defenders could be able to catch up to dribblers who had higher pace stats more easily than they should have been. Even though players could not run at their fastest pace with a ball at their feet than without one, slower defenders shouldn’t have been able to catch up with these high-paced dribblers. This patch aims to address this and the new update should mean that it will be harder for slower defenders to catch up to the faster attackers. 

“More fluid offensive positioning and better attacking support”

There’s been a few changes to the way to attack in FC 25 and a lot of these have been based on community feedback. The aim of these changes is to make attacking in FC 25 a more enjoyable experience whilst increasing its effectiveness. Below is the list of of the stated attacking changes:

• Improved AI teammate attacking run quality when trying to beat the offside line.
• Increased intelligence of attacking and supporting runs made by AI teammates.
• Improved effectiveness of Inside and Advance Forwards.
• Offensive players can now operate in attacking spaces near other attackers instead of stopping their runs.
• Players are now able to provide quicker support when they are familiar with their role.

The main takeaway from these changes is that there will be an increase in the intelligence of your AI attackers when making runs and providing passing options. Attacks now should be more fluid and creative, as there should be more options on how you attack your opponent’s goal. 

“Reducing tacklebacks (losing the ball after your tackle”

This change is something that will please a lot of FC 25 players as the number of tacklebacks that occur is very high at the moment, so the number of tacklebacks being reduced will be very refreshing. Some of the ways stated by EA in this update of how they aim to change this will be that defenders with the Anticipate PlayStyle are more likely to make a successful tackle towards a teammate in more space when stopping the ball abruptly would be risky, and improving the quality of touches defenders can make on tackles. Also, EA has addressed that attackers shouldn’t accidentally fall forward after being tackled and that defenders shouldn’t stagger after winning the ball through an effective tackle. These issues should be fixed in this latest update

“Improved goalkeepers for near post shots”

Goalkeepers before could have left too much space at the near post which created an easier angle to score from. After this update, the goalkeepers’ positioning should be a lot better as they will be adjusted to be slightly closer to their near post. 

“Faster passing, balance changes, and issues addressed”

There have been plenty of changes to passing in FC 25, these are:

• Slightly increased speed of normal ground passes.
• Slightly increased accuracy of short ground passes to open players.
• Significantly increased effectiveness of semi assisted through passes.
• Significantly reduced effectiveness of first-time lofted through passes
• Moderately reduced accuracy of headed passes in contested situations

Even though these might seem like minor changes, in perspective this will be beneficial. The accuracy of passing being improved will create a less frustrating experience and allow players to build up play more smoothly and effectively. There’s also been a few other tweaks to passing in FC 25 which include low powered ground passes that ended up further than initially wanted and first-time passes being less responsive. However, these should be amended with this update. 

“More effective shooting inside the box”

Finesse shots are due to be more lethal after the Gameplay Refresh Update as the shot speed and accuracy of finesse shots in the box have been increased. Regular shots have also had an increase in accuracy and shot speed, whereas low-difficulty shots (shots where the attacker is under no pressure) have only increased in accuracy. It’s not just players with the Finesse Shot and Finesse Shot+ PlayStyle that have been affected, as there has been a slight increase in the accuracy of finesse shots taken by players without these PlayStyles. Finally, first-time shots should also be more responsive.

“Updated Rush Club Search in Football Ultimate Team”

A small but nice change here as this will mean that searching for players to meet the bonus points requirements in Rush will be a lot easier. If you were to select a Rush bonus point requirement, five players will pop up that meet these requirements. This update will follower a near future server release.

“Defensive positioning and behaviour”

Last but certainly not least, alterations are coming to the way you defend in FC 25. These changes should mean that players rely less on AI to defend and can take direct control of their defensive line. Here are the changes we can expect:

• In Competitive Football Ultimate Team and Online Seasons ruleset matches, AI defenders will mark dribblers less tightly and will be less likely to cover shooting lanes near the edge of the box.
• Further decreased how often AI players are able to make successful interceptions. 
• Defenders will focus on man-marking when defending counter attacks starting from corners.
• RM/LM players with the Winger Balanced Role can drop deeper when defending.
• Falsebacks could stay central for too long when the team lost possession.

As a result of these changes, defending will be more down to the player rather than the AI. The positioning of players should be better when your team loses the ball which will make positional defending easier. However, with there being less input from AI defending, it will be players will have to take more responsibility when defending their goal.