EA FC 25 Skill Moves Gameplay Guide
The art of skill moves has always been a cornerstone of high-level FIFA gameplay, and EA FC 25 pushes this further with new tricks that reward creativity and timing. Whether you're weaving through defenders on the wings, holding possession in midfield, or breaking down a stubborn low block, knowing how to use skill moves effectively separates casual players from true competitors.
This guide explores both the newly added skill moves in EA FC 25 and the proven classics that remain staples of the competitive scene. By the end, you'll know not only how to execute them, but also how to incorporate them into your strategy, depending on the situation, formation, and playstyle.
Section 1: Understanding Skill Moves in EA FC 25
Before diving into specifics, let's quickly break down the fundamentals.
Skill Ratings: Players are graded from 1-star to 5-star skill ability. The higher the star rating, the more advanced tricks they can perform. For example, Lionel Messi may have 4-star skills, while someone like Neymar or Vinícius Jr. has 5-star, granting access to the full skill set.
Inputs: Most skill moves require right-stick gestures combined with modifiers (L1/LB, L2/LT, etc.). Timing and precision are critical.
Purpose: Skill moves should never be spammed. The most effective players use them sparingly, combining them with passing, sprinting, and shielding to create unpredictability.
Section 2: New Skill Moves in EA FC 25
EA introduced several flashy but practical moves in this year's game. Each brings unique applications depending on your position on the field.
1. Big Feint (2 Stars)
Execution: Hold L2/LT + move right stick left/right
What It Does: A powerful fake that shifts the player's momentum one way before snapping quickly the other direction.
Best Situations:
On the wing, in 1v1 duels. Use it to trick defenders into stepping inside, then break outside for a cross.
Counterattacks. This move thrives in open space, particularly against full-backs who lunge early.
Pro Tip: Chain it with a sprint burst (R2/RT) immediately after feinting to maximize the separation.
2. Step Over Ball (4 Stars)
Execution: Hold L1/LB + right stick forward, then left/right
What It Does: A stylish take on the classic step-over, designed for tight spaces.
Best Situations:
Midfield build-up. Perfect when you're surrounded and need to protect the ball while shifting direction.
Attacking third. Allows quick transitions from holding play to penetrating passes or shots.
Pro Tip: This move shines when combined with body feints. Use it near the penalty arc to freeze defenders before slipping in a through ball.
3. Stop and Go (2 Stars)
Execution: Hold L2/LT + right stick back, then forward
What It Does: Cancels movement, allowing for sudden bursts of pace.
Best Situations:
Breaking low blocks. Stop outside the box, wait for defenders to overcommit, then burst past them.
Wing play. Fake a cross by stopping, then accelerate inside toward goal.
Pro Tip: Pair with ball roll to extend control before exploding forward. Think of it as luring defenders into a trap.
Section 3: Proven Skill Moves Still Effective in EA FC 25
Even with the new tricks, tried-and-tested moves remain just as important.
1. Step-Over (3 Stars)
Execution: Rotate the right stick in the direction of travel.
Usefulness: Creates acceleration and unpredictability.
Best Situations:
On the touchline. A quick step-over before sprinting gives you space for a cutback.
Transition play. Great for breaking midfield lines when chained with sprints.
Pro Tip: Double-step-over into a shot or pass is still one of the most effective combinations in FC gameplay.
2. Drag to Heel (4 Stars)
Execution: Hold L1/LB + rotate right stick toward travel direction, then flick up or down
Usefulness: Excellent for manipulating defenders and creating scoring angles.
Best Situations:
Edge of the box. Use it to open shooting lanes by dragging defenders out of position.
Wing cut-ins. Confuses full-backs, giving you the chance to square the ball across goal.
Pro Tip: Perform it diagonally inside the penalty area to bait sliding tackles and earn penalties.
Section 4: How to Combine Moves for Maximum Impact
Skill moves are strongest when linked together. Here are a few effective combos:
Big Feint → Sprint Boost → Cross
Perfect for wingers like Bukayo Saka or Vinícius Jr.
Fake inside, burst outside, whip in a driven cross.
Step Over Ball → Ball Roll → Through Pass
For central attacking midfielders.
Keep defenders guessing before releasing strikers behind the line.
Stop and Go → Drag to Heel → Shot
Ideal in the penalty area.
Stop defenders cold, drag into space, fire a low-driven shot.
Section 5: When to Use Skill Moves in Different Game Modes
Skill moves take on different values depending on whether you're playing Ultimate Team, Career, or Online Seasons.
Ultimate Team (FUT)
Meta Players: 5-star skillers (Neymar, Mbappé, Vini Jr.) dominate here. Invest in attackers with high agility and balance to maximize success.
Strategy: Since many opponents rely on AI defending, chaining skill moves is key to creating manual openings.
Career Mode
Growth Tool: Use skill moves to train young players and build confidence. New moves like Big Feint are perfect for fast-tracking wingers.
Online Head-to-Head
Psychological Edge: Human players are more reactive. Use Stop and Go to bait aggression, then counter with quick bursts.
Section 6: Defensive Counters to Skill Moves
Knowing how to defend skillers is as important as using skills yourself.
Don't Overcommit: Skilled attackers want you to bite. Use jockey (L2/LT) and contain (L2+R2/LT+RT) to keep shape.
Anticipate Big Feint: Force wingers to the inside rather than letting them burn you down the line.
Read Stop and Go: Stay disciplined and avoid diving into tackles—maintain spacing.
Use Defenders with High Def Awareness & Agility: Players like Kyle Walker or Koundé are better suited to countering flashy attackers.
Section 7: Training & Practice Tips
To truly master these moves:
Practice Arena: Use free play to drill inputs until they're second nature.
Focus on One New Move per Game: Rather than spamming, try incorporating just one or two moves consistently.
Watch Pro Gameplay: Esports players often reveal which moves are meta-effective early in the game cycle.
Experiment with Player Types: Tall strikers benefit from Step Over Ball, while nimble wingers excel with Stop and Go.
Section 8: The Meta Outlook – What Will Dominate in EA FC 25?
Based on early impressions, here's how the skill move hierarchy looks:
Most Meta-Defining: Big Feint & Stop and Go – perfect for pace-driven attackers and counterplay.
Situationally Powerful: Step Over Ball – stronger in midfield but less dominant wide.
Still Reliable: Step-Over & Drag to Heel – timeless moves that remain staples in pro play.
Expect Big Feint chains to dominate FUT tournaments early in the cycle, with Stop and Go serving as a low-star requirement option that makes even 2-star players dangerous.
EA FC 25's new skill moves add tactical variety without replacing the classics. Big Feint makes wingers deadlier, Step Over Ball adds flair to midfield control, and Stop and Go brings explosive tempo shifts. Meanwhile, the Step-Over and Drag to Heel remain essential tools for creating space and goals.
The key is balance—blend these moves with smart passing, patient build-up, and defensive discipline. If you can execute them at the right moment, you'll consistently carve open defenses, frustrate opponents, and dominate whether in FUT, Career, or online competition. Use FC 25 Coins to develop your best players and use new skills and moves to make the game more exciting and easier.
Skill moves are not just style—they're substance. And in EA FC 25, mastering them is the difference between being just another player and being the one your opponents fear.
MMOexp FC 25 Team