Do Subs Change Chemistry in FIFA? Your Ultimate Guide

In the dynamic world of FIFA, building the perfect team requires a deep understanding of chemistry. But what happens when you bring on a substitute player? Does it disrupt the carefully constructed balance of your squad?

The short answer is yes, but not in the way you might think. Substituted players enter the pitch with zero chemistry. They receive no attribute boosts from the chemistry system, but also don’t suffer from any negative attribute reductions. In essence, they play with their base stats as displayed on their card. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and what it means for your gameplay.

Understanding Chemistry and its Impact

Before we dive into the specifics of substitutes, let’s recap how chemistry works in FIFA (specifically referring to recent versions of the game, such as FIFA 23 and beyond, as systems can evolve year to year). Chemistry is a system designed to reward players for building teams with strong links between players. These links are typically based on factors like:

• Nationality/Region: Players from the same country or region share a chemistry link.
• League: Players from the same league share a chemistry link.
• Club: Players from the same club share a strong chemistry link.

Having these links awards chemistry points, visible in the squad building screen. A higher team chemistry score, built on individual player chemistry, translates to boosted in-game attributes for your starting XI. For example, a player with high chemistry might see improvements to their shooting, passing, or pace.

The Substitute Conundrum: 0 Chemistry Reality

When you bring a substitute into the game, they operate outside of this chemistry system. They essentially have a chemistry score of 0, meaning they don’t benefit from any chemistry bonuses your starting players are receiving. This is a deliberate design choice by the game developers. Imagine if bringing on a substitute changed the chemistry for the entire team, dynamically re-calculating bonuses. It would make the game incredibly complicated.

Importantly, this 0 chemistry doesn’t result in a negative impact to the player’s attributes. In older versions of FIFA, low chemistry could reduce player stats. However, in more recent iterations, players will play with their base stats regardless of chemistry. This change is a significant one and provides a much more predictable gameplay experience.

Strategic Implications: Planning Your Substitutions

Knowing that substitutes have 0 chemistry has significant implications for your team strategy. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose your subs wisely: Don’t waste your substitution slots on players who rely heavily on chemistry boosts to perform well. Instead, focus on players with strong base stats who can make an impact even without chemistry.
• Consider different player types: Use subs to add versatility to your team. If you need more pace, bring on a speedy winger. If you need more defensive steel, bring on a strong CDM.
• Late-game tactics: You can use subs strategically to change your formation or play style in the later stages of the game without worrying about negatively impacting your overall chemistry.
• Fitness: Substitutes are usually brought on to maintain or increase levels of fitness for the team.

FIFA Chemistry and the Games Learning Society

Understanding in-game mechanics like chemistry enhances the overall gaming experience, allowing players to make informed decisions and improve their strategies. The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the intersection of games and learning, highlighting how games can be powerful tools for education and skill development. FIFA’s chemistry system provides a practical example of how strategic thinking and resource management can lead to success, both in the game and in real-world problem-solving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Subs and Chemistry

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between substitutes and chemistry in FIFA:

1. Do subs get full chem?

No, substitutes do not get full chemistry. They come onto the pitch with zero chemistry and no attribute bonuses.

2. Do subbed players get chemistry at all?

Substituted players in FIFA have a chemistry of 0. This means that they do not benefit from chemistry bonuses.

3. Does making subs affect chemistry?

Substitutions themselves do not affect the chemistry of the players who remain on the pitch. Only the substituted player is affected.

4. Do Subs affect chemistry FIFA 20?

In FIFA 20, substitutes received a base Player Chemistry score of 5. This is a different system than modern FIFA versions, which assign them a chemistry score of 0.

5. Does changing formation in game affect chemistry?

Changing formations in-game does not affect the chemistry of your starting XI. Only substitutions impact chemistry.

6. Does chemistry really matter in FIFA 23?

Yes, chemistry matters for your starting XI in FIFA 23. High chemistry provides attribute boosts. However, the introduction of substitutes does not impact this chemistry.

7. Does team chemistry matter in sports?

While FIFA chemistry is a game mechanic, team chemistry in real sports is crucial for success. Positive relationships and understanding roles contribute to better performance.

8. What happens to player stats when they have 0 chem?

In recent FIFA versions, a player with 0 chemistry simply plays with their base stats as displayed on their card. There is no reduction in attributes.

9. How do you increase chemistry in FIFA 22?

In FIFA 22, you could increase chemistry by linking players with the same nationality, league, or club, and using managers with matching nationality. Loyalty bonuses also contributed to chemistry. The specifics may have changed slightly in more recent editions.

10. What is the max chemistry in FIFA 23?

In FIFA 23, each player can have a maximum of 3 chemistry points. The total team chemistry can reach a maximum of 33.

11. What is the minimum chemistry in FIFA 23?

In FIFA 23, the minimum chemistry any player can have (including substitutes) is effectively zero. However, this doesn’t result in negative attribute effects.

12. Do players gain chemistry?

Players gain chemistry based on their position in the starting XI and the links they have with other players.

13. How do you get full Chem in FIFA 23?

Players can earn up to 3 Chemistry Points by having players of the same Nationality/Region, League and Club in your Starting XI. Positional links have been removed.

14. How many subs can you have in FIFA 23?

FIFA 23 allows players to make up to five substitutions per match (except in Online Seasons and Seasons Co-Op matches).

15. Do bench players affect chemistry?

Bench players do not affect the chemistry of your starting XI. They are not factored into the chemistry calculations until they are brought onto the pitch as substitutes.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Substitution

Understanding the dynamics of chemistry and substitutions is crucial for mastering FIFA. While subs enter the game with zero chemistry, this doesn’t automatically translate to a negative impact on your team. By strategically choosing your substitutes and understanding their base stats, you can use them effectively to change the game in your favor. Remember that chemistry remains constant for the starting eleven. The intricacies of FIFA’s gameplay reflect broader strategies applicable to various aspects of life, showing the depth of learning embedded in the game. Whether you’re managing a virtual football team or navigating real-world challenges, strategic thinking is the key to success.