How often should you change tactics/formation?

[Rabble]

to stay competitive, i was told you had to mix up your tactics from time to time.
How often do you have to do it?

[FaZe chaewonfan]

I dunno who told you that, but it is known that the AI does not actually adapt to your tactic over time. So in theory, if you have a tactic that suits your team well, you could never change it and still keep on winning, which is what I have done for the past 5 seasons. Obviously though, if your tactic isn't producing results then it is natural to have to change it. However, don't fall into the trap of changing your tactic too often or else your players will never build up familiarity and it may seem like no tactic is ever working.

[Quelle belle babugne]

I change every game

[Spud]

Originally posted by Quelle belle babugne:

I change every game

This

I change tactics virtually every single match in order to optimise my set up to exploit any of my next opponents weaknesses, counter any clear threats while attempting to get the best out of the players available to me. sometimes I make very small tweaks, other times I make radical changes to both tactics and team selection.

No two opponents are the same so no two tactical set ups should be the same.

[Snorks]

Some misunderstanding and myths around the 'change tactics' "AI susses you out" thing.

If you re successful, and your rep increases, the AI will adjust there tactics accordingly. They tend to become more defensive and harder to break down. It doesn;t necessarily mean you won;t win, it just becomes harder.

Two seasons ago you were beating them 3 or 4 nil. They were attacking you, leaving gaps. You have improved since then, they sit a little deeper, a bit narrower because you are the stronger team.

Do you need to change your tactic? A little maybe, but not necessarily. Playing against a 'Balanced' 4231 when you were average, or playing against a Cautious 4141 now that you are better than average.

Personally, I am a regular top 5 EPL team, I tend to tweak a little every game because teams generally play more defensive against me. I need to find a way to break that down. Not that long ago I was newly promoted, teams were generally more attacking against me. Over a couple of seasons, if you compare my tactics from then and now, they are quite different, but still the same core philosophy.

[IvanChe]

When i start save my formation depends on what player position i have in the squad, I always play with disabled first transfer window. With my current team i stick to one formation always just some time change AM to F9 but tactic i change mostly every game, depends against what team I play and during game, depends on score i change tactic intensity.

[HUNT3R]

Change it as often as you need to or want to. If nothing requires you to change, you don't have to.

[Stop Trying]

How often is a tough question. The right answer would be having at least two strategies throughout the season: a defensive one and a offensive one. I think the easiest way to put it is changing it every transfer market. There are always some idiots on the team that can't play their given roles.

[Snorks]

Depends what you mean by 'tactic' to be fair. If you mean the whole thing, formation, roles, duties, TIs, PIs mentality then yeah, every game.

The game has, over the last few years moved away from a 'one tactic wins all' and, I think, does require tweaks and changes.

As a strong team (Aresenal/Chelsea/United/City) in England, fewer changes needed, as a mid-table team, more cautious or defensive for away games and against stronger opposition. A bit more offensive for weaker teams.

The AI doesn't work out what you are doing but does set up according to reputation and who is the favourite - defensive block or open flowing attack, or neutral and balanced.

In my save, I have had a DLP in the DM or MC slot for the last couple of seasons, as the team has improved I will be moving my Playmaker forward, as an AP in MC or AMC position. Does this mean I have changed my tactic? Or am I simply adjusting as I go to counteract the opposition - which is becoming more defensive against me?

I still make small adjustments depending on the opposition strengths and weaknesses, and try to use my strengths and mitigate my weaknesses against the upcoming team.

[Aaron]

one tactic never wins all hence why your given 3 slots for 3 tactics i do 4 2 3 1 and one with wingbacks and one counterattacking tactic or 4 33

[Snorks]

I generally only use two formations - currently 4231 and a 4141DM Wide. The 'Tactic' itself is pretty much the same, I like to play attacking football, with pace out wide and a balance of muscle and flair in the middle.

So the same-ish tactic, two formations across three tactic slots.

How defined is the tactic and to what level? Player Traits? Pis? TIs? Formation? Roles/Duties?

If a tactic consists of all of the above, then I am always changing mine. If a tactic is the overall way of winning a football match then I rarely change it.

Diego plays the game differently to me, I approach the game differently depending on the club I am managing.

There's no right or wrong way.