Mastering the “Lengthy” Build in FIFA 23 Player Career Mode
The “Lengthy” acceleration type in FIFA 23 is a game-changer, especially in Player Career Mode. While the initial hype around lengthy players in Ultimate Team has cooled somewhat due to gameplay updates, the fundamental principles and advantages of this build remain relevant, particularly when crafting your own virtual pro. In essence, any player career can become lengthy in FIFA 23, as the designation isn’t tied to pre-determined player stats. Instead, it’s achieved through a combination of height, strength, agility, and acceleration, allowing you to mold your player to fit this powerful archetype.
Understanding the “Lengthy” AcceleRATE Type
FIFA 23 introduced the AcceleRATE system, dividing players into three acceleration types: Controlled, Explosive, and Lengthy. Lengthy players are characterized by a slower initial burst, but once they reach top speed, they maintain it more effectively than other types. This makes them ideal for outpacing defenders over longer distances, especially on through balls or counter-attacks.
The specific requirements for a player to be classified as “Lengthy” are:
- Strength >= 65
- (Strength – Agility) >= 14
- Acceleration >= 55
- Height >= 174cm (approximately 5’9″)
These criteria mean that even smaller, seemingly agile players can be transformed into lengthy powerhouses through strategic development in Player Career Mode.
Building a “Lengthy” Player in Career Mode
The beauty of Player Career Mode is the control you have over your player’s development. To create a “Lengthy” player, focus on the following:
- Physical Attributes: Prioritize strength training. This is the most crucial attribute.
- Height and Weight: While you can’t change your height after creating your player, choosing a taller option initially provides a head start. Experiment with weight to optimize the balance between strength and agility, but remember that the strength-agility difference is key.
- Development Plan: Utilize the development plan to specifically target strength, acceleration, and agility. Be mindful of the strength-agility gap. You want to increase strength significantly more than agility to meet the “Lengthy” criteria.
- Archetypes and Perks: Select archetypes and perks that complement your player’s style and enhance their physical abilities. The Bull archetype, for example, is directly tied to Strength.
- Skill Points: Invest skill points strategically. Prioritize the areas that will contribute most to achieving the required stats for the “Lengthy” acceleration type.
The Evolution of “Lengthy” in FIFA 23
It’s important to acknowledge that the perceived effectiveness of “Lengthy” players has fluctuated throughout FIFA 23’s lifecycle. Early on, they were considered incredibly overpowered in Ultimate Team. However, subsequent title updates adjusted gameplay mechanics, particularly dribbling, which seemed to shift the meta towards more agile and responsive player types (“Controlled” and “Explosive”). Despite this, the core advantage of “Lengthy” players – their ability to maintain high speed over longer distances – remains valuable in certain situations and playstyles.
Furthermore, the experiences from eSports communities and research from organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, suggests that understanding the nuances of player traits and adapting strategies based on gameplay updates are crucial for success.
FAQs: Mastering the “Lengthy” Build in FIFA 23
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the “Lengthy” player build and its implications in FIFA 23:
1. Can any position be “Lengthy” in FIFA 23?
Yes, any position can be “Lengthy,” but it’s most effective for positions that require covering large distances quickly, such as strikers, wingers, and central midfielders.
2. Is “Lengthy” still meta in FIFA 23?
While not as dominant as at launch, “Lengthy” remains a viable playstyle, especially if you prefer a direct, counter-attacking approach.
3. How do I check if my player is “Lengthy” in FIFA 23?
Manually calculate it based on your player’s in-game stats: Strength, Agility, Acceleration, and Height. Check the criteria outlined above.
4. Does player weight affect the “Lengthy” build?
Yes, weight can influence both strength and agility. Experiment to find the optimal balance for your player, ensuring you maintain the required strength-agility difference.
5. What’s the best height for a “Lengthy” player?
Taller players have a natural advantage, but even players around 5’9″ can become “Lengthy” with focused development. Aim for at least 5’9″ or taller.
6. What happens if my “Lengthy” player’s stats change after an update?
Monitor your player’s stats after updates. If necessary, adjust your development plan to maintain the “Lengthy” criteria.
7. Are there specific training drills to improve strength effectively?
Focus on drills that directly target strength and physical attributes. High-intensity drills are often the most effective.
8. Can I use attribute boosts to become “Lengthy?”
Temporary attribute boosts (from managers or kit perks in Pro Clubs) can temporarily push a player into the “Lengthy” category, but this is not a sustainable long-term solution for Player Career Mode.
9. Does “Lengthy” work on old-gen FIFA 23?
No, the AcceleRATE system (including “Lengthy”) is exclusive to the new-gen versions of FIFA 23 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC).
10. What are the best archetypes to use for a “Lengthy” player?
The Bull archetype, which focuses on strength, is ideal. Others like the Maestro (balanced) and Lynx (agility/speed) can be useful for supplementary stats, but prioritizing strength is crucial.
11. How does pace affect “Lengthy” players?
While “Lengthy” is about sustained speed, initial pace (acceleration) is still important. Don’t neglect acceleration training; it’s a core requirement.
12. What’s the difference between “Lengthy” and “Controlled” players?
“Controlled” players have even acceleration, while “Lengthy” players have slower initial acceleration but maintain their top speed better.
13. How do I counteract defenders who aren’t “Lengthy?”
Use your “Lengthy” player’s strength to shield the ball and exploit their superior stamina over long distances.
14. Does “Lengthy” make a big difference in goalkeepers?
The “Lengthy” attribute doesn’t significantly impact goalkeepers. Focus on traditional goalkeeper stats like reflexes, positioning, and diving.
15. Can I change a player’s body type after creating them?
No, you cannot change a player’s body type after creating them in Player Career Mode. This is another reason to carefully consider your initial height and weight choices.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Virtual Pro
While the FIFA 23 meta is constantly evolving, the core principles of creating a “Lengthy” player in Player Career Mode remain valuable. By understanding the requirements, focusing on targeted development, and adapting your playstyle, you can create a dominant virtual pro capable of outperforming the competition. Remember that success in FIFA, like many aspects of life, relies on continuous learning and adaptation, mirroring the principles explored by the GamesLearningSociety.org.