FC25 - V2 'FULL GAMEPLAY PACKAGE RELEASE!!!!!!!!!! MAJOR POSITIONAL + OFF BALL CHANGES!!!!! 60+ OPTIONS!!!! #TU4

NOTE 6/11: This version was originally made for #TU3 and has been re-exported out to work with the latest #TU4. There MAY POTENTIALLY be some rebalancing needed to account for the latest #TU changes, but that will need to be monitored as I spend some time with the latest #TU.

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The first real taste of my FC25 mod is FINALLY here!!!!

The work I’ve put into this version has been some of the most challenging, but also rewarding since I’ve started gameplay modding. Some areas have been particularly difficult, and after some frustrating days we’re now in a great place!

TEST V1 was a good first step towards establishing the core movement base and the ball freedom etc, but now we’re moving into the real heart of the mod.

SPECIAL NOTE: IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL THAT YOU READ THE INCLUDED DOCUMENTS AND FOLLOW THE CORRECT SETTINGS FOR THIS VERSION. IF YOU DON'T, YOU WILL HAVE A VERY 'OFF' EXPERIENCE. I'VE WARNED YOU - THE REST IS UP TO YOU!!! 

Note: I know there's been some talk about FMM V1.2.0. My mods have been launching perfectly fine when using this version.

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WHAT’S NEW IN V2?

If you’re new around here, be sure to read my ‘FC25 Mod Guide’ for more general information about what’s included with my mod. This space is for the NEW additions to V2.

V2 builds on the foundations set from V1.

V1 was about getting the movement foundations in place. It was about freeing up the ball, enhancing the ball physics, balancing passing/shooting speeds and setting the base core in many other areas to build from. 

V2 is where the mod begins to develop its character. The fundamental focus in V2 is positioning and off-ball behaviour.

This presents itself in a number of ways and has a major impact on the gameplay experience.

There is now a FREEDOM to the gameplay and it feels a lot more natural. This applies to BOTH the attacking and defending side of the game.

The possibilities of FC25 are now opened up in the most realistic way possible.

I have worked extremely hard to make sure all of these features combine to create a balanced, realistic and rewarding experience. .

See the features explained in more detail below!

+ FREEDOM -  the rigidity of FC IQ is gone!

The major focus for this version of my mod is to create a more natural gameplay and one that is not ‘restricted’ by the rigid new ‘Player Roles’ (and of course the dreaded ‘1v1’).

This area has been some of the most challenging work I’ve done, but I’m extremely happy with the result. There are some very specific systems in place for both the attacking and defensive sides of the game. Players will now naturally contribute much more in both attack and defend.

For example, defensive midfielders can now join your attacking phase if you want them to, CBs can come well beyond the halfway line and help with build up, Wide players will drop to defend more, etc (focus dependent of course - more on this below).

Note: Please just remember with all of these positional changes, that I’m working within the constraints of EA’s mechanics. 1v1 is still the core defensive mechanic, but there is a lot I’ve done to greatly offset its impact.


+ Tactical Accountability!

The improvements made to fundamentals in attack and defence create a solid foundation for FC IQ to thrive.

The result is a tactical varied game, where you absolutely have to consider your tactical set-up. This includes your build up style as well.

How you set-up will have a bigger impact than ever. Importantly, this is not done in the ‘cheap’ way, it’s now the realistic way.

For example, if you want your CBs to get extremely high up the field and help with build up (Man City / Arsenal) style, then you absolutely can do this now with the right tactical approach. The negative is just as it is in real football - make sure you have the right players and system for it, or you can get caught out.

You want your DM to roam around and get forward? They will now when you ask them to. With default FC25, your DM simply CAN’T attack. With my V2 mod, they can - but you have to consider your transition and how open you are etc with other positions.

These changes take FC IQ to the next level and let it shine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The ‘ATTACK’ focus needs to be looked at as the old ‘Stay Forward’ defensive support instruction from FC24 and older titles. If you choose this, your players will not come back and defend and you can use this as a tactical tool.

Unlike the default game, the ‘Balanced’ focus will now properly create a true balanced approach. There are still considerations to be made, but the overall rigidness is greatly removed. Wingers will not get quite AS deep to defend as wide midfielders for example.

There are a number of variables with this and I’ve done my very best to balance everything out to the highest level possible, however don’t expect absolute perfection. I’m sure there will be a refining process over time.

+ Natural spacing, team shape and movement

I have spent a huge amount of time analysing and re-working the team shape right across the pitch. I have worked on the base positioning for on and off the ball separately for every position.

Specific areas across the pitch have been individually designed to create a very natural looking and behaving team shape.

Defensive midfielders won’t be stuck to the defensive line anymore creating an ugly mess. The defensive line itself won’t squash together to create a false feeling of compactness. Instead you will see things like, the defensive line decompressing and compressing based on distance to goal, midfielders pushing higher up the pitch to win the ball back, DMs naturally being more conservative (tactics dependent of course), attacking players pressing more narrowly etc.
 
Not only does this look much more realistic, it has a big impact on gameplay.

Certain spaces that previously you could not play in, are now possible. The pitch is more balanced as a whole. Not all of the play is directed out to the wings for example. The wings are of course still a viable method of attack, but you can defend them better now also.

I have also worked on making formations not as ‘tied’ together as they often are in FC, so they move more naturally.

Those in the ‘Full Gameplay Package’ also have access to a number of new options, to tweak and refine this. A new and improved version of the very popular ‘Ball Side’ positional base variant is included for example!

+ Complete rebuild of the defensive line behaviour (with tactical variety as well)

The defensive line will behave much more naturally now. They will no longer be dragged back so easily by attacking runs to open up huge gaps across the field cheaply. Instead, they will control their position much better.

These changes have been tailored to create different behaviours based on your tactical set-up. I have especially re-worked the way the ‘Deep’ and ‘Balanced’ tactics work in this regard to ensure a more stable representation of the defensive line.

For example, the ‘Deep’ tactical set-up will still have a deeper line with specific behaviour that is inclined to drop more with runs, but they won’t be pulled backwards quite as easily anymore.

This area has been worked on a lot and there are significant improvements even compared to my FC24 defensive line behaviour.


+ Major improvements to ‘1v1’ and the general defensive side of the game

A major re-working of defensive behaviour. This includes how teams mark, track, drop, press, shuffle, cover etc.

A lot of these changes are based more on stats now, but this is an area where even more ‘personality’ will be implemented in future versions. If you try to press with players who don’t have a high stat in this area, your press won’t have the same impact and you risk getting pulled apart for example.

As I’ve said many times, I’m still working within the mechanics of EA’s systems, so there’s certain areas I cannot reach and certain decisions that need to be made WITH these mechanics in mind. 

+ Instant Tactical Changes

You can now make instant tactical changes on the D-Pad with no more artificial delay.

Switch between multiple fully created tactical set-ups, with different player roles etc and implement them instantly with two button pushes on the d-pad.

You no longer have to wait for the change to execute and you can see it happening in front of you as you play.

+ Attacking Variety+Fluidity

Another area I have worked on is the attacking side of the game. You will find attacking much more expressive now. In terms of the CPU itself, you will find more switches of play, longer balls, through balls and an overall increase in their creative approach to goal.

There’s also much more fluidity in attack. Players won’t just stop running because their ‘zone’ limit has been reached. They will instead perform more natural runs, allowing for more rewarding attacks*.

There are also options in the ‘Full Gameplay Package’ to refine and customise this area. The ‘CPU Alternative’ for example will create different decision making patterns for the CPU. The ‘Attacking Alternative’ can be paired with this and will also increase the scope for the attacking spaces and movement as well.

*Admittedly this is an area that I’m actively still very much working on, and there’s a lot more time to be spent here to maximise the attacking side of the game. Over time this will be developed more, but the current improvements already go a long way.

+ ALL Player Roles Unlocked and Included in V2

This was a separate mod for my V1, but this is now included in V2. This opens up an additional 17 player roles and focuses, expanding FC IQ considerably. Please see the specific read me file about the new player roles for more information here. 

+ Huge Variety of NEW Options

Those who have the ‘Full Gameplay Package’, I have added in many new options, allowing you to customise your game even further.

These options are ever expanding and will continue to grow in future versions.

The extremely popular ‘Ball Side’ positional variant is back (new and improved also). There are also a number of other positioning alternatives as well as many more options. These will continue to grow and expand over time also.

There is a ‘Read Me’ file in each and every folder explaining what these options offer, as well as an important ‘Positional Bases’ guide to make this potentially confusing area very easy to navigate.

+ Many other small adjustments and tweaks

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ESSENTIAL SETTINGS

The following settings are ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL to get V2 set-up and working correctly. If you don’t follow these steps, you will experience some very strange things.

SIMULATION SETTINGS: Custom

I know there is a lot of debate about ‘Simulation v Custom’ modes. I remain convinced that Simulation mode is only a slider set and have therefore decided to base my gameplay around ‘Custom’ mode.

Reminder: Career mode uses ‘Simulation’ mode by default - remember to change this to Custom when you enter career mode.

Please follow the below two steps.

STEP 1: SIMULATION SETTINGS: CUSTOM

STEP 2: LINE LENGTH SLIDER 49/49 FOR BOTH USER AND CPU

This step is ESSENTIAL. To be very clear, it is not just that you need a 49 setting as such, it is actually much more important than that. This setting on 49 ACTIVATES an important change in the mod and is necessary.

You cannot play this mod on Simulation Mode, it will create some very weird positioning and behaviour.

Note: If you switch out of Custom mode, it resets the sliders. So please remember if you switch out and then back to Custom, you need to re-enter the 49/49 line length slider.

Other Settings:

• CPU SLIDERS: Regarding the ‘CPU Sliders’, my mod has been built with everything on ‘Custom’ 50/50. If you decide you want to adjust these, that’s up to you. It should be fine, but just do so knowing that it is throwing off the balance that the mod was built on, so you may run into some issues. The same goes for the new weather effects. I have them switched off. Switching them on may create some strange occurrences.
  

• PLAYER BASED DIFFICULTY ON

• CLASSIC ATTRIBUTES

• COMPETITOR MODE: OFF

• Delete the 'FC25' folder from your %appdata% / Local / Temp / EA SPORTS FC25 when installing.
  
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  What’s Included?
  
  
  ‘MOD TESTING AND SUPPORTING’ TIER:
  

  AIO Standalone Versions:
  
  - V2: Regular
  - V2: Slow

  
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  ‘FULL GAMEPLAY PACKAGE’ TIER:
  

  AIO Standalone Versions:
  
  - V2: Regular
  - V2: Slow

  - V2: Default Movement + Animations
  - Popular Older Version - TEST V1
  - Popular Older Version - TEST V1 - SLOW
  
  

  Options:

  
  - Attacking Adjustment - Less Runs  NEW

  - Attacking Adjustment 2 - More Runs NEW

  - Attacking Adjustment 3- Many More Runs NEW

  - Attacking Alternative Option NEW

  - Contain - More Intense Option NEW

  - CPU Alternative Option NEW

  - CPU Difficulty Boost Option NEW

  - Goalkeeper Boost Option NEW
  - Increased Ball Freedom Option NEW

  - Increased Field Friction Option - Strong NEW

  - Increased Field Friction Option - Subtle NEW

  - Narrow Option - Strong NEW

  - Narrow Option - Subtle NEW

  - Positioning Alternative - Ball Side NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Ball Side (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Ball Side + Defensive Line Drop NEW 
  - Positioning Alternative - Ball Side + Defensive Line Drop (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Compact NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Compact (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Compact + Ball Side NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Compact + Ball Side (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Compact + Defensive Line Drop NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Compact + Defensive Line Drop (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Deeper DMs NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Deeper DMs (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Deeper DMs + Ball Side NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Deeper DMs + Ball Side (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Deeper DMs + Ball Side + DLD NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Deeper DMs + Ball Side + DLD (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Deeper DMs + DLD NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Deeper DMs + DLD (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Defensive Line Drop Option NEW

  - Positioning Alternative - Defensive Line Drop Option (More Pressing) NEW
  - Positioning Alternative - Defensive Line Drop Option NEW

  - Positioning Alternative - More Pressing NEW
  - Weaker Goalkeeper Option NEW

  - Width Option - Strong NEW

  - Width Option - Subtle NEW
  - Anth's 'Regular' Passing Speed Isolation Option

  - Anth's ‘Slow' Passing Speed Isolation Option

  - Attacking Adjustment Option

  - Ball Physics Option - Larger Ball

  - Ball Physics Option - More Curve

  - Ball Physics Option - More Curve + Larger Ball Combined

  - Contain - Default Option

  - Default Ground + Through Ball Distance Option - Regular Base, Slow Base

  - Goalkeeper - Default Option

  - Increased Walk Speed Option - Regular Base Movement, Slow Base Movement

  - Jockey - Default Option

  - Jockey - Faster Option

  - Jockey - Slower Option

  - Slower Walk Speed Option - Regular Base Movement, Slow Base Movement

  - Sprint Risk Option

  - Touch Error Alternative - Default

  - Touch Error Alternative - Strong

  - Touch Error Alternative - Subtle

  - Touch Error Alternative - Swing

  - Trajectory Option

  - Trap Option
  
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  Just a reminder that V2 is a massive update, but keep in mind that my mod is still relatively in its infancy in FC25.

  I am building this from the ground up properly and it requires time and long periods of testing. We’re already in a very good place, but there’s a lot more still to come!
  
  There are still some important and key areas that are yet to be developed.

  Player/team differentiation hasn’t fully been implemented yet for example. I have yet to add passing/shooting errors, fouls and physicality are all ahead too.

  There are also many more options and standalone versions that will arrive in the coming weeks and months!
  
  Don’t stress too much about the little things guys, there’s plenty more to come.
  
  There will be more ‘personality’ added into the game regarding player attributes and behaviour.
  
  Difficulty levels will be both increased and decreased depending on your level - there’s so many things I’m yet to properly tackle.
  
   The focus has been getting some of the fundamental systems in place, which is what this version brings.
  

  Thanks as always for your support everyone!
  
  
  - Anth