FIFA 23 offers many formations that can be used to set up a team, with all of them being at least viable. However, not all formations in FIFA are built the same with some being much more effective than others depending on the game's meta. While following this meta can be slightly irritating for FIFA players, there's no denying that the recommended formations in these games end up being the ones that are pretty prominent in modern football, to begin with.

The 4-3-3 formation is one that tends to fluctuate in terms of use between the FIFA releases. On FIFA 23 the 4-3-3 formations are solid and certainly deserve to be tried out by anyone looking to add some spice to their gameplay. Players who love the attacking fluidity and defensive depth of this formation will be sufficiently pleased by its integration in FIFA 23.

Updated on March 1, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: There's something oddly hypnotic about setting up proper tactics in FIFA 23 to tackle the opposition. While most people may argue that these formations are nothing more than superficial changes in the grand scheme of things, FIFA veterans are well aware of the power a great formation has in the right hands with players skilled enough to carry out all the responsibilities of the strategy being implemented.

Given how popular and effective the 4-3-3 formation has become in modern football, it's easy to see why it's pretty useful in FIFA 23 as well. It's a position used so frequently in the game that many teams have players that are perfect for playing in this position. Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind while using the 4-3-3 in FIFA 23 so that players can maximize the potential of this formation to the fullest.

The Prominence Of The 4-3-3 In Modern Football

The 4-3-3 is one of the best formations that many modern coaching geniuses have used to great effect. The midfield remains compact with three men while having enough freedom to either support the defense or aid the attack, depending on the approach managers use in the game. An attacking midfielder can be slotted in to create more chances, while a defensive midfielder can be used to help the defense out if the opposition is particularly tenacious and great at setting up counterattacks.

There's a reason why the 4-3-3 is such a popular formation in modern football — it has minimal weaknesses, and any areas of the pitch that are being exploited by the opposition can be covered up with a single tactical change without having to sacrifice the strengths of the formation. This is the legendary formation that Johan Cruyff used in his implementation of Total Football, and the fact that this formation has remained consistent for decades is proof enough of just how infallible this tactic is in the right hands.

Using The 4-3-3 Formation

The first thing to know with the 4-3-3 formations is that 4-3-3 (3) and 4-3-3 (4) are the ones to use; gamers should leave the other two variations alone. The 4-3-3 (3) is much more defensive-minded with three midfielders whereas the 4-3-3 (4) is more attacking-based with two midfielders, and then one attacking midfielder to assist the wingers and striker.

Both are viable and really just come down to the individual play style of whoever's using it. There are good options in midfield and attack for both variations, with a tight defensive back line to leave the team safe to attack without worrying too much about a counter. When setting up these formations' custom tactics, gamers will want to do the following:

• Defensive Style: Balanced
• Defensive Width: 45-55
• Depth: 50-55
• Offensive Build-Up Play: Fast Build Up
• Offensive Chance Creation: Direct Passing
• Offensive Width: 45
• Players In Box: 5
• Corners: 3
• Free Kicks: 3

There's room for variation here since gamers will either be using the more defensive or attacking option. When setting up these formations' player instructions, gamers will want to do the following:

• Fullbacks: Leave everything on Balanced
• Center Backs: Leave default
• Midfielders: Put Stay Back While Attacking on the most defensive midfielder on the squad
• Wingers: Put on Get In Behind and Get Into The Box For A Cross, everything else on Balanced
• Striker: Put on Stay Forward and Stay Central

As with the custom tactics, player instructions may need some slight tweaking to suit not only a gamer's individual play style but also the actual players they have available in the squad. The above player instructions are a good base to work from while a gamer tries out the 4-3-3 and its variations until they know whether or not it works for them.

FIFA 23 is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.