Can You Change Your Position in FIFA 15 Career Mode? A Deep Dive

The short answer regarding position changes in FIFA 15 Career Mode is generally no, you cannot permanently change your player’s primary position. Once you choose a position at the beginning of your player career, you are largely locked into it. There are, however, specific nuances and exceptions to this rule that we’ll explore in depth. While the game aims to provide a degree of realism, it also imposes limitations to maintain game balance and structure. We are going to explore how you can influence positional changes in Career Mode.

Understanding Positional Rigidity in FIFA 15

FIFA 15’s Career Mode emphasizes a more structured approach to player development and team management compared to some later iterations. The core design philosophy is that players have defined roles, and while they can improve within those roles, a complete positional overhaul is generally not possible.

This positional rigidity stems from several design considerations:

• Realism (to a Point): In real-world football, players often specialize in specific positions. While versatility is valued, a center back rarely transitions to a striker overnight. FIFA 15 attempts to simulate this specialization.
• Game Balance: Allowing players to freely switch positions could lead to overpowered squads and exploit the game’s AI. Imagine converting a pacey winger into a central midfielder with exceptional defensive stats.
• Programming Limitations: Altering the core positional attributes and AI behavior of a player likely presents a significant programming challenge.
• Career Mode Structure: The Career Mode progression system is built around developing players within their chosen roles. This ensures a consistent and predictable experience.

Exceptions and Temporary Positional Adjustments

Despite the general rule of positional lock-in, there are scenarios where temporary positional adjustments may occur:

• CDM as Temporary Defender: The article mentions a specific exception: if you are playing as a central defensive midfielder (CDM) and your team is short on defenders, the manager may temporarily play you in a defensive position. This is a temporary measure, often due to injuries or suspensions within the squad. Once the defensive shortage is resolved, you’ll likely revert to your CDM role. This feature is not a guaranteed occurrence, and you may have to trigger it by building your defensive stats in training.
• Managerial Decisions: While you don’t control team selection directly in player career mode, the manager’s AI can sometimes make unconventional decisions based on team needs and player form. This might involve playing players slightly out of position, but it rarely results in a permanent shift. In this scenario, this may not necessarily be you, but your teammates in the game being placed in different positions that are not their usual spots.
• Formation Changes: Even if you remain in your designated position, a change in formation can alter your role within the team. For example, switching from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 can affect the responsibilities of midfielders.

Influencing Your Role Within Your Position

While you might not be able to change your position entirely, you can influence your role within that position through training and performance. For example, as a striker, you can:

• Focus on specific attributes: Train your finishing, shot power, and heading accuracy to become a more lethal goalscorer.
• Improve your passing and vision: Develop your playmaking abilities to become a more complete forward.
• Work on your pace and dribbling: Become a more elusive and dynamic attacker.

By excelling in specific areas, you can shape your player’s style and potentially influence the manager’s tactical decisions.

The Potential Glitch and Player Growth

The provided article also mentions a “Potential Glitch” that supposedly allows players to grow past their potential. While this might be an exploit within the game, it’s crucial to approach it with caution. Glitches can sometimes corrupt save files or introduce unintended consequences. If this glitch exists, it might allow you to grow a CDM’s defensive stats to a point where the manager consistently plays them as a defender, although this would still not be a permanent position change.

Transfer Requests and Potential Role Changes

While a direct position change isn’t possible, requesting a transfer to a new club could indirectly lead to a change in your role. A new manager might have different tactical preferences or a greater need for players with specific skills. However, this still doesn’t guarantee a position change, and it’s more likely you’ll simply be utilized within your existing role in a different team.

FIFA 15 Career Mode FAQs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about FIFA 15 Career Mode, expanding on the information above and covering related aspects:

1. Can I request a position change from my manager in FIFA 15 Career Mode? No, there is no direct option to request a position change from your manager. The game doesn’t include this feature. Your best bet is to influence your role through training and performance.

2. Does player height or weight affect my position in FIFA 15 Career Mode? Player height and weight primarily affect your physical attributes, such as strength and agility. They don’t directly impact your assigned position, but they can influence how effectively you play within that position.

3. How long does a FIFA 15 Career Mode last? FIFA 15 Career Mode on PC lasts for 15 seasons. After that, you’ll receive a retirement message from your last club.

4. At what age do players start declining in FIFA 15 Career Mode? Players typically begin to decline around the age of 30. However, you can mitigate this decline through training and maintaining their fitness.

5. What are the best ways to improve my player’s overall rating in FIFA 15 Career Mode? Complete accomplishments listed in the menu, such as scoring goals, getting assists, and playing a certain number of games. Focus on training sessions to improve specific attributes.

6. Why does the manager sometimes play players out of position in FIFA 15 Career Mode? The manager’s AI can sometimes make questionable decisions based on team needs or perceived player form. This is more common with AI-controlled teammates than with your own player.

7. Can I create my own team in FIFA 15 Career Mode? You cannot create your own team in FIFA 15 on PC. This feature was available on some consoles but not the PC version.

8. How do I start a new career in FIFA 15? From the main menu, navigate to the “Career Mode” tile. Use the right thumbstick (on consoles) or click the arrow in the bottom corner (on PC) to select “New Career”.

9. What is the best team to manage in FIFA 15 Career Mode? Teams like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona offer strong starting squads and financial resources for success. The “best” team depends on your personal preferences and playstyle.

10. Who are some of the best young players to sign in FIFA 15 Career Mode? The article lists Paul Pogba, Youri Tielemans, and Aymeric Laporte as some of the highest-potential young players.

11. How can I maximize player growth in FIFA 15 Career Mode? Focus on consistent training, completing accomplishments, and giving young players regular playing time. Monitor their form and morale to ensure optimal development.

12. Does FIFA 15 Career Mode have scouting? Yes, FIFA 15 Career Mode features a scouting system where you can send scouts to different countries to find promising young players.

13. How do I improve my scouting network in FIFA 15? Improve your scout’s ratings by renewing their contract and negotiating higher wages. Better scouts will find better players.

14. Can I change my player’s kit number in FIFA 15 Career Mode? Yes, you can typically change your player’s kit number from the squad management screen within Career Mode.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming? You can find resources and information about the educational potential of video games at the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games and learning.

Conclusion

While FIFA 15’s Career Mode doesn’t offer a simple mechanism for permanent position changes, understanding the game’s limitations and focusing on player development within your chosen role is vital. By mastering training, setting goals, and understanding the nuances of team management, you can still shape your player’s career and achieve success on the virtual pitch. Remember that sometimes, perceived limitations can encourage players to use creativity in their gameplay.