FC 27: hidden controls and tricks that aren't on screen

Several of FC 27's biggest changes have no on-screen prompt. Here's how to trigger them and what to watch for. The button combinations come straight from EA's Gameplay Deep Dive.

Jump to: Corners · Runs · Defending · Passing & crossing · Free version

Corner kicks: the Avoidance trick

1. Aim your corner delivery as normal (not a short corner).
2. The camera swings to the box. You now have a brief window before the ball arrives.
3. Hold R1 (RB) to trigger Avoidance: your attacker becomes more evasive and moves through the crowd without being blocked.
4. Pair it with shielding to hold the space you've made, then time your run to make first contact. Players no longer move into the best position for you.

Runs: curved and follow-through

1. Triggered Curved Run: tap L1 + R1 (LB + RB). The player curves into open space rather than running straight. It takes longer to complete.
2. Pass & Follow: after a pass, press L1 + R1 + X (LB + RB + A). The passer follows with a curved run, overlapping or cutting inside depending on the space.
3. Runs now stop. A triggered run only continues for a limited distance, then the player returns to his position. Trigger it again while you're within range to keep him going.

Defending: what changed

• AI defenders no longer auto-tackle in Competitive gameplay. They hold shape and support; you decide when to tackle.
• Switch to the defender who is actively pressing — a manual defender reaches farther than an AI one for interceptions.
• Jockey speed is up, and manual stand tackles reach farther than in FC 26.
• Teammate Contain marks from a longer distance, so switch to that player if you want to press the dribbler properly.

Passing and crossing: you have to aim

• Ground and lobbed through passes follow your directional input strictly. They no longer steer toward open lanes.
• Dinked passes are fully manual: the aim and power you give decide the outcome.
• Crosses are aimed into space, so aim and power decide where they land. They can miss everyone.
• Headers from crosses and corners need more precision. Clean ones are rarer but more accurate.

The free version

FC 27 Lite is a free download on console and PC storefronts. It includes a limited slice of the game such as Kick-Off, and you can upgrade to the full game at any time. Ultimate Team, Manager Career and The Grounds stay locked to the full release.