The game mode allows the player to build their own club, selecting everything
from kits to players, stadiums, and individual power boosts. These items are
rewarded for completing challenges, winning games, and spending real money
on FIFA points. It has become something of a controversial game mode, as those
points cannot be used to purchase the players directly. Instead, you buy packs
containing some players, but you’re far more likely to get a Cameroonian striker
from Ligue One than Lionel Messi. This year,  Eurogamer  notes you can even buy
anime cosmetics for your stadium now, again at an increased cost.

Whatever your stance on loot boxes, it is possible to play without spending a
penny. As the Bwin guide to FIFA
 suggests, you start with a few coins and a
handful of players who wouldn’t get into your average MLS side. From there, you
complete challenges and play matches to improve your squad. Each game rewards a certain amount of coins, which can be boosted by scoring more goals,
doing tricks, and advancing in tournaments. There is a thriving transfer market
to exploit, and a savvy player can amass a mountain of coins simply by trading on
the market all day.

The idea is to build a team that works well on the field, and you do this by
selecting players who have chemistry with each other. A player has chemistry
with another player if they play in the same team, the same league, or nationality.
The better the chemistry, the better the AI on your team; players with good
chemistry will make the right runs, cover their positions properly and generally
play better.

The choice of tactic is up to you; 4-4-2, 3-5-2, whatever tickles your fancy, as long
as your players fit their given position. If they don’t, you can tweak them with
cards that alter their preferred placement, again, which you obtain through
packets or that thriving transfer market. From there, you’re into the on-field
action, where you take your team to glory either against other players or the AI
opposition.