Does Lengthy Only Work on New Gen FIFA 23? A Deep Dive into AcceleRATE
The short answer is a resounding yes. The AcceleRATE system, and therefore the Lengthy player type, was exclusive to the new generation platforms for FIFA 23. This means it was only available on PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Stadia. If you were playing FIFA 23 on PlayStation 4 (PS4) or Xbox One, you did not have access to the AcceleRATE system or the distinct gameplay characteristics of Lengthy, Explosive, or Controlled player types. This difference significantly impacted gameplay and team building strategies depending on which platform you were playing on.
Understanding AcceleRATE and Its Impact
The introduction of AcceleRATE was a significant departure from previous FIFA titles. Instead of all players accelerating in essentially the same way, this new system categorized players into different acceleration archetypes, each with its own unique feel and strategic value.
-
Controlled: The default acceleration type for most players. They accelerate uniformly and predictably.
-
Explosive: These players possess a very high initial acceleration burst over a short distance, making them ideal for quick changes of pace and beating defenders in tight spaces.
-
Lengthy: This is where the magic (and much debate) lay. Lengthy players are slower to accelerate initially, but once they reach top speed, they can maintain it effectively, making them incredibly difficult to catch over longer distances. They are typically taller, stronger players with high strength and acceleration stats.
The Lengthy archetype quickly became meta within the new-gen versions of FIFA 23. Players like Virgil van Dijk and Erling Haaland became highly sought-after due to their ability to dominate defensively and offensively, respectively. The effectiveness of Lengthy players stemmed from their unique ability to outpace defenders and hold off challenges once they gained momentum.
Why New Gen Only? Technical Limitations
The decision to limit AcceleRATE to new-gen platforms was likely due to the increased processing power and memory capacity of these consoles and PCs. The AcceleRATE system demanded more complex calculations to simulate the different acceleration styles, which may have been too taxing for the older generation hardware. The differences between each player would not have been as noticeable on the older gen, so they excluded the feature altogether.
Post-Launch Adjustments and the Shifting Meta
It’s important to note that EA Sports made adjustments to the AcceleRATE system throughout the FIFA 23 lifecycle. Title Updates, particularly Title Update 4, introduced changes that impacted the effectiveness of Lengthy players. While not directly “nerfed,” a fix to a dribbling bug led to Controlled and Explosive players feeling faster and more agile, shifting the meta away from a complete reliance on Lengthy types. This made for a more balanced gameplay experience.
Even with these adjustments, the fundamental differences between the platform versions remained. If you were playing on PS4 or Xbox One, the entire AcceleRATE conversation was irrelevant. You simply didn’t have access to those player types.
The Legacy of AcceleRATE in EA FC 24 and Beyond
While FIFA 23 is now in the rearview mirror, the AcceleRATE system laid the groundwork for similar mechanics in future EA Sports FC titles. The core concept of differentiating player acceleration styles continues to influence gameplay and team-building strategies. Keep an eye on how Games Learning Society explores the continuing evolution of game mechanics and design choices in titles like EA FC 24 and beyond. You can learn more by checking out GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you get Lengthy players on old gen FIFA 23 (PS4/Xbox One)?
No. The AcceleRATE system, including the Lengthy player type, was not available on old-gen versions of FIFA 23. It was exclusive to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Stadia.
2. What are the requirements for a FIFA 23 player to be Lengthy?
A player needed the following stats to qualify as Lengthy: * Strength: 65 or higher * Acceleration: 55 or higher * The Strength score must be at least 14 points higher than the Agility score. * Height must be 174 cm or higher.
3. How do Chemistry Styles affect the Lengthy player type?
Chemistry Styles could be used to boost a player’s Strength stat, potentially transforming a player with a Controlled or Explosive acceleration type into a Lengthy type, provided they met the other criteria.
4. Were Lengthy players always the best in FIFA 23?
No. While Lengthy players were initially considered meta due to their pace and strength, Title Updates adjusted the gameplay, making Controlled and Explosive players more viable and balanced.
5. Did EA ever patch or nerf Lengthy players in FIFA 23?
EA did not directly nerf Lengthy players but did change the effectiveness of dribbling, which made the players with Controlled and Explosive AcceleRATE types more desirable and useful.
6. If I play FIFA 23 on PC, do I have access to Lengthy players?
Yes. The PC version of FIFA 23 was considered new-gen and therefore included the AcceleRATE system and Lengthy player types.
7. What are some examples of popular Lengthy players in FIFA 23?
Some popular Lengthy players included Virgil van Dijk, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.
8. How did Lengthy players perform compared to Explosive players in FIFA 23?
Lengthy players excelled in long-distance runs and holding off defenders, while Explosive players were better suited for quick bursts of speed and agility in tight spaces.
9. Is AcceleRATE still in EA Sports FC 24?
Yes, it is still available in EA Sports FC 24. The system has evolved, and there are now further types.
10. What happened to the AcceleRATE system on FIFA 23 Stadia?
Because Stadia was considered New-Gen, it received the new features, including the AcceleRATE system.
11. What Chemistry Style do I need to make a player Lengthy?
The Architect chemistry style is the most common one that can turn cards into a Lengthy body type by boosting the player’s strength. Backbone and Sentinel Chemistry Styles can also be helpful in this regard.
12. Why did EA only include AcceleRATE on new-gen consoles?
The increased processing power of new-gen consoles allowed for the more complex calculations needed to simulate the different acceleration styles accurately.
13. Are there any workarounds to get Lengthy players on old-gen FIFA 23?
No, there are no workarounds. The AcceleRATE system simply does not exist on the old-gen versions of the game.
14. Did height and weight affect the Lengthy player type in FIFA 23?
Yes, players generally needed to be tall and strong to qualify for the Lengthy type, with height being at least 174 cm and strength at least 65.
15. What’s the best strategy to counter Lengthy players in FIFA 23?
Using agile and quick defenders with high agility and acceleration stats, or using tactical strategies like offside traps, could help counter Lengthy players.