Why Can’t I Use Timed Finishing in FIFA 23? Understanding and Troubleshooting
The frustration is real: you’re in the box, lined up for the perfect shot in FIFA 23, and you double-tap the shoot button, but nothing happens. Timed Finishing refuses to activate. The most common reason you can’t use timed finishing is because it is not enabled in your controller settings. However, other factors could also be at play. Let’s break down the potential culprits and get you back to scoring those satisfying green-timed bangers.
Troubleshooting Timed Finishing Activation
Several factors can prevent you from effectively utilizing Timed Finishing in FIFA 23. Here’s a systematic approach to identify and resolve the issue:
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Controller Settings Verification:
- This is the most frequent culprit. Navigate to the FIFA 23 main menu, then go to Settings, then Controller Settings.
- Scroll down to the Timed Finishing option. Ensure it is set to “On”. If it’s set to “Off”, that’s your problem! Enable it, and you’re good to go.
- While you’re in the Controller Settings, double-check that you’re using a controller preset that supports Timed Finishing. Some legacy control schemes might not be compatible.
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Button Mapping Conflicts:
- If you’ve customized your controller layout extensively, you might have inadvertently remapped the shoot button or assigned another function to the double-tap action.
- Go to Customize Controls within the Controller Settings menu. Examine your button assignments to ensure the shoot button is correctly mapped and not interfering with other functions.
- Try resetting your controls to the default configuration temporarily. If Timed Finishing works with the default settings, you know the issue lies within your customized layout. Adjust accordingly.
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Controller Issues:
- A faulty or unresponsive controller can obviously prevent Timed Finishing from working. The game needs to register both button presses for the mechanic to activate.
- Try using a different controller to see if the problem persists.
- Check the battery level of your controller (if wireless). Low battery can sometimes cause input delays or missed button presses.
- Ensure your controller is properly connected to your console or PC.
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Gameplay Settings:
- Although rare, certain gameplay settings could potentially interfere with Timed Finishing.
- Go to Settings > Gameplay Settings. Review your settings for anything that might globally affect shooting mechanics or input responsiveness.
- Experiment with temporarily disabling settings like “Assisted Shooting” to see if it makes a difference.
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Input Delay/Lag:
- Significant input delay can make Timed Finishing incredibly difficult, even if it’s enabled and your controller is working perfectly. The timing window is already tight, and lag exacerbates the issue.
- Check your internet connection speed and stability. A wired connection is generally more reliable than Wi-Fi for online gameplay.
- Minimize other devices using your internet connection while playing FIFA 23.
- If playing on PC, ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
- Lower your graphics settings in the game. Higher graphics settings can sometimes contribute to input lag, especially on lower-end systems.
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Game Glitches or Bugs:
- Occasionally, there may be a software glitch or bug within the game that prevents certain features from working correctly. Check the EA forums and other online communities to see if other players are experiencing similar issues. Restarting the game or reinstalling it may help in these cases.
Mastering the Art of Timed Finishing
Once you’ve confirmed that Timed Finishing is enabled and addressed any potential technical issues, the next step is to practice! Here are a few tips to help you master the mechanic:
- Practice Drills: Spend time in the Skill Games mode, specifically the shooting drills. Focus on consistently achieving green-timed finishes.
- Pay Attention to the Animation: Watch your player’s animation carefully. The key is to press the shoot button just as their foot is about to connect with the ball.
- Start Slow: Don’t try to force green timings in every situation. Begin by focusing on getting the timing roughly right, and gradually refine your precision.
- Consider the Player’s Stats: A player with high Finishing and Shot Power attributes will naturally perform better with Timed Finishing.
- Situational Awareness: Timed Finishing is most effective when you have time and space to set up the shot. Don’t attempt it in crowded areas or under heavy pressure.
- Experiment with Power: Vary the amount of power you apply to your shot based on the distance to the goal and the player’s abilities.
- Patience is Key: Mastering Timed Finishing takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually develop the muscle memory and timing required to consistently score green-timed shots.
Timed Finishing adds an exciting layer of skill and reward to FIFA 23’s gameplay. By understanding the potential issues that can prevent its activation and dedicating time to practice, you can unlock a new level of scoring potential and dominate the virtual pitch. Remember, learning takes time, and the GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for understanding the intricacies of games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Timed Finishing in FIFA 23:
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What exactly is Timed Finishing in FIFA 23?
Timed finishing involves taking a shot and then pressing the shoot button a second time. The key is to time this second button press precisely as your player’s foot rises and strikes the ball. The timing of this button press is critical as it directly affects the power and accuracy of your shot. -
Should I turn on Timed Finishing in FIFA 23?
Yes, absolutely! While it takes practice, mastering Timed Finishing can significantly improve your shot accuracy and power. It adds a skill-based element to shooting, allowing you to score more consistently, especially with finesse shots and long shots. -
How do I perform a green-timed shot in FIFA 23?
You perform a green-timed shot by pressing the shoot button (or assigned button) a second time just as your player’s foot makes contact with the ball. A green indicator above the player confirms perfect timing. -
What do the different colored indicators mean in Timed Finishing?
The indicator above your player will turn a specific color: red for very early, yellow for slightly early, white for late, and green for perfect timing. -
Does player finishing stat affect timed finishing?
Finishing stat directly affects how likely a player is to put the ball where you want it to go, so the higher the stat, the better. -
Is Timed Finishing useful for free kicks and penalties?
Yes! Your free kicks and penalties are much better when you use the Green Timed Finish. The timing is also easier because the ball is at rest and you are not in a dynamic game situation. You can also use the Green Timed Finish on headers after free kicks or corners. -
I’m still struggling to time my shots correctly. Any tips?
Focus on the visual cue of your player’s foot making contact with the ball. Start with simple shots in training to build muscle memory. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different power levels. -
Does Timed Finishing work with all shot types?
Yes, Timed Finishing can be used with all shot types, including regular shots, finesse shots, driven shots, and volleys. -
Is Timed Finishing available in all game modes?
Timed Finishing is available in most offline and online game modes, including Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and Kick-Off. -
Can latency/lag affect Timed Finishing?
Yes, high latency or input lag can significantly impact your ability to time your shots correctly. Try playing with a wired connection and closing unnecessary applications to reduce lag. -
Does Timed Finishing affect headers?
Yes, you can use Timed Finishing with headers, especially from crosses and corners. -
What’s the best way to practice Timed Finishing?
The Skill Games mode in FIFA 23 offers several dedicated shooting drills that are perfect for practicing Timed Finishing. Focus on consistency and repetition. -
Do some players perform Timed Finishing better than others?
Yes, players with higher Finishing, Shot Power, and Composure attributes will generally perform Timed Finishing more effectively. -
What happens if I don’t time the shot correctly?
If you time the shot too early or too late, the accuracy and power of the shot will be reduced. You’ll likely see a red, yellow, or white indicator above your player. -
How was Timed Finishing received when it was first introduced into the FIFA franchise?
One of the most exciting and useful gameplay innovations in FIFA 19 is Timed Finishing, an entirely new mechanic that lets you make any shot world class with just one extra, well-timed button tap. As the name implies, timing is key with this feature, adding a new layer of risk/reward to shooting in FIFA 19.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide helps you understand and troubleshoot any issues you’re having with Timed Finishing in FIFA 23. Remember to practice, experiment, and have fun! And if you’re interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, check out Games Learning Society.