EA's first football game after the FIFA name split launched on 29 September 2023 with Erling Haaland on the cover. The headline change is PlayStyles, 34 abilities drawn from Opta data that replace the old hidden trait system and decide how a player actually behaves on the ball. Ultimate Team added women players and Evolutions, which upgrade a card you already own instead of pushing you toward a better one in a pack.
Choosing the right role shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target man striker | A | Balanced | Finesse Shot | Yes |
| Inside forward winger | A | Balanced | Power Shot | Yes |
| Box to box midfielder | A | Balanced | Trivela | Yes |
| Ball playing centre back | A | Balanced | Incisive Pass | Yes |
| Sweeper keeper | A | Balanced | Rapid | Yes |
New player? Start with Inside forward winger. See our beginner's guide for why.
Target man striker
Target man striker is a strong option in EA SPORTS FC 24.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Finesse Shot |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | PlayStyles and PlayStyles+ |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Finesse Shot
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Old Trafford to learn Target man striker-specific mechanics
- Focus on PlayStyles and PlayStyles+. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Finesse Shot as your first major upgrade
- See our full Target man striker build guide for the optimal gear progression
Inside forward winger
Inside forward winger is a strong option in EA SPORTS FC 24.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Power Shot |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | HyperMotionV animation |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Power Shot
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Old Trafford to learn Inside forward winger-specific mechanics
- Focus on HyperMotionV animation. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Power Shot as your first major upgrade
- See our full Inside forward winger build guide for the optimal gear progression
Box to box midfielder
Box to box midfielder is a strong option in EA SPORTS FC 24.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Trivela |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Ultimate Team Evolutions |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Trivela
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Old Trafford to learn Box to box midfielder-specific mechanics
- Focus on Ultimate Team Evolutions. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Trivela as your first major upgrade
- See our full Box to box midfielder build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ball playing centre back
Ball playing centre back is a strong option in EA SPORTS FC 24.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Incisive Pass |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Chemistry links |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Incisive Pass
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Old Trafford to learn Ball playing centre back-specific mechanics
- Focus on Chemistry links. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Incisive Pass as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ball playing centre back build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sweeper keeper
Sweeper keeper is a strong option in EA SPORTS FC 24.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Rapid |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Custom tactics and player instructions |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Rapid
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Old Trafford to learn Sweeper keeper-specific mechanics
- Focus on Custom tactics and player instructions. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Rapid as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sweeper keeper build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Inside forward winger is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Target man striker is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Finesse Shot for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Sweeper keeper offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another role.
For Group Play
Ball playing centre back shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More EA SPORTS FC 24 Guides
- EA SPORTS FC 24 EA SPORTS FC 24 Overview
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Best Builds
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Tier List
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Walkthrough
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Beginner's Guide
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Tips & Tricks
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Weapons Guide
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Combat Guide
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Boss Guide
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Maps & Locations
- EA SPORTS FC 24 Crafting Guide
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