EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile - Game Plans Deep Dive

BREAKDOWN:

• What Are Game Plans?
• How Do I Use Game Plans?
• How to Choose Your Mentality?
• What Changes on the Pitch
• The Five Mentalities
• FAQ

Welcome to Game Plans! A new feature in FC Mobile that not only allows you to change formations mid-game, but it also elevates your gameplay to a new strategic level.

Mentalities are expanded from the standard three to five, from Ultra Attacking to Ultra Defending. Combine them with Formations to create up to five Game Plans per Squad to play the way you want to.

In this Deep Dive we’ll take an in-depth look at the new Game Plans and Mentalities, let’s jump right in.

What Are Game Plans?

Game Plans unlock new tactical flexibility in EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile, allowing you to change Formation and Mentality mid-match. 

For example, during a match you’d want to bring up your defensive line and use a formation with more attackers. You can set up a Game Plan with a Ultra Attacking combined with the 4-3-3 Attack Formation. 

There is no right or wrong way to play, you choose what works best for you in each scenario.

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How Do I Use Game Plans?

You will find Game Plans in My Team > Club. You can access the new feature by tapping on the Game Plans button in the left menu where the Formations used to be.

In the Game Plans menu you click on the + sign underneath to set up a new Game Plan.

Tap on the Mentality and Formation that you want to be included in the Game Plan and press confirm to create your Game Plan. You can create up to 4 Game Plans per lineup.

Once you have selected your squad and started the match, you can change your Game Plan mid-match. Simply tap on the drop down menu in the top right and select your Game Plan to activate it.

Game Plans have to be set up for each individual lineup. If you don’t, then you might end up playing with a squad without any Game Plans.

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How to Choose Your Mentality

• Choose for the situation: Stay Balanced for a flexible approach, move toward Attacking when you need a goal, or shift back to Defending when you need to protect a lead.
• Switch with purpose: Mentalities are designed for key moments, such as a score change or the closing stages, rather than constant switching between attack and defence.
• Give the team time to adjust: The new Mentality is selected immediately, but players still need time to move into their new positions.

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What Changes on the Pitch

Mentality changes how the whole team moves with and without the ball. The main differences can be seen in these areas:

Team Commitment and Risk

• More attacking Mentalities commit more players forward and create more passing options, but leave more space behind if possession is lost. More defensive Mentalities protect the shape, but provide fewer options when the team wins the ball back. See the Game Plan Trade-Offs comparison.

Pressing

• Attacking Mentalities apply more pressure to win the ball higher up the pitch. Defensive Mentalities prioritise position and team shape instead of chasing the ball. See the Pressing comparison.

Defensive Baseline

• Attacking Mentalities move the back line higher and push the team closer together in the opponent's half. Defensive Mentalities keep the line deeper and closer to goal. See the Defensive Line comparison.

Attacking Runs

• More players make forward runs as the Mentality becomes more attacking, creating extra passing options and movement around the defence. Player position and Work Rate still help decide who makes each run. See the Attacking Runs comparison.

Team Width

• Attacking Mentalities spread the team wider to use more space and support forward play. Defensive Mentalities keep the team narrower and more compact around the goal.

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The Five Mentalities

Ultra Attacking

• Best for: An urgent push for a goal, especially late in the match.
• On the pitch: The team pushes highest and widest, more players make forward runs, and the defence applies stronger pressure.
• Strengths: Creates the most forward options and gives you the best chance to win the ball higher up the pitch.
• Caveat: Leaves large spaces behind the defence, increases the risk of counterattacks and offsides, and uses stamina more quickly.

Attacking

• Best for: Building pressure and creating more chances without committing as many players as Ultra Attacking.
• On the pitch: The defensive line moves higher, the team plays wider, and more players look for forward runs.
• Strengths: Supports quicker build-up play and creates clearer forward passing options.
• Caveat: More space can open behind your team, so losing possession can lead to dangerous counterattacks.

Balanced

• Best for: Most match situations and players who want an adaptable approach.
• On the pitch: The team keeps a middle ground in line height, attacking runs, and width, while player positions and Work Rates have a strong influence on movement.
• Strengths: Offers stable possession, midfield control, and the flexibility to attack or defend.
• Caveat: It provides less attacking pressure than the attacking options and less protection than the defensive options.

Defensive

• Best for: Protecting a lead or slowing down an opponent who is controlling the match.
• On the pitch: The team sits deeper and more compact, with fewer forward runs and a more cautious build-up.
• Strengths: Keeps a stronger defensive shape and makes central areas harder to break through.
• Caveat: You will have fewer forward passing options and counterattacks can be harder to build.

Ultra Defensive

• Best for: Protecting the goal when holding on under heavy pressure.
• On the pitch: The team drops deepest and stays most compact, prioritising position over pressing, with very few players joining attacks.
• Strengths: Provides the most protection around your goal and can help contain an all-out attack.
• Caveat: Forwards can become isolated and meaningful attacks are difficult to build. Sitting too deep can also give the opponent more chances from long shots, crosses, and corners.

Remember

Formation, player position, and Work Rate all affect the final result. Choose the Mentality that fits the moment, then be ready to adjust when the match changes.

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FAQ

How do I access Game Plans?

• Set up Game Plans in Club > Game Plans
• Choose your Game Plan mid-match from the top-right drop down menu

Why don’t I see any Game Plans during a Match?

• Game Plans are only available in H2H and PvE matches where you use your own Ultimate Team. They are not available for VSA and matches where you use a pre-set team.
• Make sure that you have set up for each of your lineups, Game Plans have to be set up for each lineup that you have.

What are the best combinations for Game Plans?

• The beauty of Game Plans is that there is no right or wrong way. You choose the best combination that works for you and your team.

What changes with Mentalities?

• Defensive Baseline
• Attacking Runs
• Team Width
• Pressing

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