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Have FIFA Removed Lengthy Players? Understanding the Shifting Meta in FIFA 23

No, FIFA has not removed Lengthy players from FIFA 23. However, the effectiveness and dominance of the Lengthy AcceleRATE type has undeniably shifted since the game’s initial release. While Lengthy players still exist and retain their core characteristics, a combination of gameplay updates and a discovered dribbling bug significantly altered the meta, leading players to explore and often prefer other AcceleRATE types, particularly Controlled and Explosive. The Lengthy style is no longer the universally dominant strategy it once was. Understanding why requires diving into the AcceleRATE system itself, the updates EA Sports has implemented, and how players have adapted.

The AcceleRATE System in FIFA 23

FIFA 23 introduced the AcceleRATE system on next-gen platforms (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Stadia), classifying players into three distinct running styles:

Controlled: This is the default style, offering a balanced and consistent acceleration throughout the sprint.
Explosive: These players exhibit a rapid burst of speed at the start of a sprint, quickly reaching their top speed but then leveling off.
Lengthy: Taller and stronger players who start slower but build up to a high top speed over longer distances.

Initially, the Lengthy style proved incredibly effective. The ability of these players to cover ground quickly and physically dominate opponents made them highly sought after, particularly in defensive positions and as target forwards.

The Impact of Title Updates and the Dribbling Bug

Several factors contributed to the shift away from the Lengthy meta:

Fixing the Dribbling Bug: A major factor was the correction of a dribbling bug that disproportionately impacted players using the Controlled and Explosive AcceleRATE types. Once fixed, these players became significantly more agile and responsive, making them more effective in tight spaces and dribbling situations.
Balancing Gameplay: Subsequent title updates from EA Sports aimed to balance the gameplay and address perceived imbalances. While no specific “nerf” targeted Lengthy players directly, the adjustments to dribbling, passing, and defending indirectly reduced their overall effectiveness.
Player Adaptation: As players experimented with different strategies and formations, the vulnerabilities of the Lengthy style became more apparent. Their slower initial acceleration could be exploited by faster, more agile attackers, particularly in shorter bursts of speed.

The community at GamesLearningSociety.org has extensively discussed the changes and their implications on gameplay and strategies. This highlights how important collaboration and shared knowledge are in understanding the intricacies of games like FIFA 23.

Lengthy Players Today: Still Viable, But Not Dominant

While the Lengthy meta has subsided, Lengthy players remain a viable option, especially in specific roles and formations. Their strength and ability to cover ground make them valuable in defensive positions, and their high top speed can be an asset in counter-attacking situations. However, teams built entirely around Lengthy players are no longer as effective as they once were.

The modern FIFA 23 meta emphasizes a more balanced approach, incorporating players with different AcceleRATE types to create a diverse and adaptable squad. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each style is key to building a successful team.

FAQs: The Lengthy Debate

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the state of Lengthy players in FIFA 23:

1. Are Lengthy players completely useless now?

No. Lengthy players still have value, particularly in defense and as target forwards. Their strength and ability to cover ground remain assets, but they are no longer the dominant force they once were.

2. Did EA Sports directly nerf Lengthy players?

Not explicitly. EA Sports didn’t release an update that directly reduced the stats of Lengthy players. However, addressing the dribbling bug and gameplay balancing indirectly decreased their effectiveness.

3. What AcceleRATE type is the new meta?

There is no single “meta” AcceleRATE type. The current meta favors a more balanced approach, with Controlled and Explosive players being more prominent due to their agility and responsiveness.

4. Can I still make players Lengthy using Chemistry Styles?

Yes. Chemistry Styles like Architect, Backbone, and Sentinel can increase a player’s Strength stat enough to meet the requirements for the Lengthy AcceleRATE type if they meet the other requirements (Height, Acceleration, Strength minus Agility).

5. What are the requirements for a player to be Lengthy?

To be classified as Lengthy, a player must meet these criteria:

Strength >= 65
Acceleration >= 55
Strength – Agility >= 14
Height >= 174cm (~5’9”)

6. Does AcceleRATE apply to old-gen versions of FIFA 23?

No. The AcceleRATE system and the Lengthy player type are only available on current-gen platforms (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Stadia).

7. Why did Lengthy players become so popular initially?

Their ability to cover large distances quickly and physically dominate opponents made them incredibly effective, especially in defensive roles and as target forwards.

8. How did the dribbling bug affect Lengthy players?

The dribbling bug primarily impacted Controlled and Explosive players, making them less agile and responsive. Fixing the bug restored their effectiveness, indirectly reducing the reliance on Lengthy players.

9. Are tall players always Lengthy?

No. Height is only one of the requirements. Strength, Acceleration, and the difference between Strength and Agility also play a crucial role in determining a player’s AcceleRATE type.

10. Which Chemistry Styles are best for creating Lengthy players?

Architect, Backbone, and Sentinel are good options, as they significantly boost the Strength stat.

11. Can I change a player’s AcceleRATE type permanently?

No. A player’s base AcceleRATE type is determined by their stats. While Chemistry Styles can temporarily change it, it will revert back to the base type when Chemistry Styles are removed or altered.

12. Is it still worth investing in high-rated Lengthy defenders?

Yes, but with caution. High-rated Lengthy defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Ruben Dias remain valuable, but consider pairing them with faster, more agile defenders for a balanced defensive line.

13. How do I identify Lengthy players in the game?

Look for players who meet the criteria mentioned above: high Strength (>= 65), Acceleration (>= 55), a significant difference between Strength and Agility (>= 14), and a height of at least 174cm.

14. Does player weight affect the Lengthy AcceleRATE type?

While weight isn’t a direct requirement, it often correlates with Strength and Height, indirectly influencing a player’s AcceleRATE type.

15. Will the AcceleRATE system change in future FIFA titles?

It is highly likely that EA Sports will continue to refine and evolve the AcceleRATE system in future FIFA titles (now known as EA Sports FC), based on player feedback and gameplay balancing.

Conclusion: A Shifting Landscape

While the Lengthy meta in FIFA 23 has undoubtedly evolved, Lengthy players haven’t been removed entirely. They simply aren’t as universally dominant as they once were. The shift is a result of gameplay updates, the correction of a dribbling bug, and players adapting to new strategies. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each AcceleRATE type is crucial for building a well-rounded and competitive team. The dynamic nature of FIFA’s gameplay ensures that the meta will continue to evolve, and players must adapt to stay ahead of the curve.

Have FIFA removed lengthy players?