Beyond the basic formation, you can achieve some measure of customization using tactics and specific player instructions for each of the positions, in order to finetune your strategy. Do not get too attached to any formations, as game updates occur and the online meta evolves over the course of the entire season. The same is true for tactics and player instructions, as well.

Attack Defense Balance Formation 4-2-3-1

This one should be familiar to most veterans as standard practice. It consists of two holding midfielders covering the rear four, either of whom can also be driven forward when pushing. The middle CAM can advance, with the two wides trailing along, to jointly rendezvous with the solo striker. There is no other formation that comes close in terms of balance. Every opportunity for the opposing team to break through will be stymied. And while your own team’s attack is less than overpowered, strategic passing will eventually net you a good result.

4-2-3-1 Tactics

Defensive Style: Press After Possession Loss

Width: 50

Depth: 40

Build Up Play: Balanced

Chance Creation: Direct Passing

Width: 50

Players in the Box: 7

Corners: 3

Free Kicks: 3

4-2-3-1 Player Instructions

Striker: Stay Central, Get In Behind

Left Attacking Midfielder: Come Back On Defence, Get Into The Box For Crosses, Stay Wide

Right Attacking Midfielder: Come Back On Defence, Get Into The Box For Crosses, Stay Wide

Center Attacking Midfielder: Stay Forward, Balanced Crossing Runs, Stick To Position, Normal Interceptions

Center Defensive Midfielders: Balanced Defence, Stay Back While Attacking, Normal Interceptions, Cover Centre, Stick To Position

Center-Backs: Stay Back While Attacking, Normal Interceptions, Stick To Position

Left-Back: Stay Back While Attacking

Right-Back: Stay Back While Attacking

Goalkeeper: Balanced

Twin Striker Formation 4-2-2-2

This attacking defensive formation is for those times when the opposition’s defence is so strong that only a two-pronged striker approach can help break through. This changes things up from the previous formation simply by moving an attacking midfielder up more formally. Two strikers create more opportunities for scoring goals. Two center attackers and defenders also means everything needs to happen along the center, leaving the flanks somewhat exposed.

4-2-2-2 Tactics

Defensive Style: Balanced

Width: 50

Depth: 40

Build Up Play: Balanced

Chance Creation: Forward Runs

Width: 45

Players in the Box: 5

Corners: 2

Free Kicks: 2

4-2-2-2 Player Instructions

Striker Right: Stay Central, Get In Behind

Striker Left: Stay Central, Get In Behind, Come Back On Defence

Left Attacking Midfielder: Come Back On Defence, Get Into The Box For Crosses, Stay Wide

Right Attacking Midfielder: Come Back On Defence, Get Into The Box For Crosses, Stay Wide

Center Defensive Midfielders: Balanced Defence, Stay Back While Attacking

Center-Backs: Stay Back While Attacking, Normal Interceptions, Stick To Position

Left-Back: Stay Back While Attacking

Right-Back: Stay Back While Attacking

Goalkeeper: Balanced

Those are the best meta formations, tactics, and instructions for use in EA Sports FC 24. The game is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.